Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers an expansive open world set in Feudal Japan, but players must first navigate through the game's prologue before they can freely explore this vast environment. Here’s a detailed look at when and how you can dive into the open world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue? Answered
Ubisoft has a history of crafting immersive open worlds, yet their games often feature extended introductory sequences before players can fully engage with these expansive settings. Assassin’s Creed Shadows follows this tradition but with a shorter wait time compared to previous titles.
The game begins with a prologue that sets the stage for the narrative and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. This section not only delves into the lives of a Samurai and a Shinobi but also acquaints players with Iga, Naoe’s homeland, and sets her on a journey beyond its borders. Expect this prologue to take around an hour and a half to complete, filled with cinematic sequences and crucial dialogue.
Once you complete the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the open world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows becomes accessible for exploration.
Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away? Answered
Upon gaining access to the open world, players find themselves in the Izumi Settsu region, one of the nine areas available at the game's launch. Initially, quests and side activities will be centered around Izumi Settsu, gradually expanding northwards to the Yamashiro province as the story progresses.
While the narrative often requires Naoe and Yasuke to remain in specific locations for certain story beats and quests, players can venture into other provinces. However, two primary factors may deter early exploration:
Lack of Quests and Activities: Since quests for different regions unlock as you progress through the story, venturing into new areas prematurely might not yield much benefit.
Level Requirements: Assassin’s Creed Shadows incorporates RPG elements, meaning players must reach a certain level to effectively combat enemies in higher-level regions. The map displays regions with a number in a red diamond, indicating that players are significantly under-leveled for that area. Attempting to explore these regions too early can result in challenging encounters, with some enemies capable of instant kills.
In summary, while it is technically possible to rush to higher-level regions, it is generally advised against, as it may lead to a frustrating experience.
