Assassin's Creed Shadows: 30-40 Hours for Main Campaign, New Game+ Considered

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Playthrough Duration Revealed

Main Campaign Will Be Around 30-40 Hours

Get ready for an immersive journey with Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows), as the main campaign is set to offer around 30-40 hours of gameplay. During the AC Shadows’ Showcase Event in Kyoto, Genki Gamer had the chance to sit down with Creative Director Johnathan Dumont to discuss the game's expansive world.

Dumont revealed that players can expect to spend approximately 30-40 hours completing the main campaign, with over 80 hours of additional side content to explore. In response to fan feedback, the development team is considering the addition of a New Game+ mode and other exciting features. This is great news, especially since fans were disappointed by the absence of New Game+ in AC Valhalla.

Dumont also highlighted AC Shadows' dynamic features, including a world that evolves with seasons and weather systems, innovative gameplay mechanics, a highly customizable hideout, and a new Animus story that will connect to future Assassin’s Creed projects.

Working on a Japanese-themed Assassin’s Creed Game

The vision behind AC Shadows was to bring the rich culture and history of Japan to life, a dream project for the team. Dumont shared that the natural beauty and movement of Japan were crucial to the game's setting, and now, with advanced technology, they can fully realize this vision alongside a compelling narrative.

The game draws inspiration from iconic Japanese films such as 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and works by Kurosawa, but with a unique Assassin’s Creed twist. Dumont acknowledged the ongoing online discussions and controversies, particularly regarding the inclusion of Yasuke, the black samurai, which has sparked debates due to its historical and cultural implications.

Despite these discussions, the team remains dedicated to delivering an exceptional gaming experience and showcasing their commitment to the Japanese audience.

Deep Dive Into The Hideout

Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu

On March 5, 2025, AC Shadows offered a detailed look into the Hideout's features and mechanics on their official website. Nestled in the secret valley of Izumi Settsu province, the Hideout will serve as the players' base of operations as they expand the Brotherhood.

Systems Associate Director Dany described the Hideout as an ambitious project, stating, "After fortresses, villas, homesteads, pirate coves, café-theatres, moving trains, ships, settlements, assassin bureaus... We knew that if we wanted to make anything new on that front, we had to take a bold step forward. That meant giving players the option to build their homebase with complete freedom."

Players will have an acre of land to customize, allowing them to place buildings, pavilions, pathways, and local flora and fauna as they see fit. Dany emphasized, "We really want players to make the Hideout their own." He added that as players progress through the game, they'll unlock more customization options, ensuring that the Hideout evolves with their journey.

A League of Your Own

The Hideout will also be home to various characters who aid the player, each with unique backstories and challenges. These characters will interact with different areas of the Hideout, such as fighters spending time in the Dojo or others enjoying sake in the Zashiki.

This setup allows for rich character interactions and dialogue, making the Hideout a dynamic and living space. Dany noted, "Having our allies in one place creates opportunities for character development." He explained how writers from four different studios collaborated to craft these interactions, asking questions like, "What would happen if these two characters suddenly became roommates?" These creative meetings have resulted in many engaging moments, turning the Hideout into the heart of the league.

With its extensive features and mechanics, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to deliver an authentic Japanese experience wrapped in the beloved Assassin’s Creed style.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into this exciting new addition to the Assassin’s Creed franchise!