Explore Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Open World: When?

Dive into the expansive open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, set in the captivating era of Feudal Japan. But hold your horses—before you can roam freely, you'll need to navigate through the game's prologue. Here's when you can start exploring the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue? Answered

Ubisoft has crafted immersive open worlds for over a decade and a half, yet their games often feature lengthy introductions before unleashing players into these worlds. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* cuts down the wait time compared to its predecessors.

The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the scene and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, representing the Samurai and Shinobi, respectively. You'll get acquainted with Iga, Naoe's homeland, and witness her departure towards new adventures across Japan. Expect a mix of epic moments and informative dialogues, lasting roughly an hour and a half.

Once you've completed the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and established your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the vast open world awaits your exploration.

Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away? Answered

After the prologue, you'll find yourself in Izumi Settsu, one of the nine regions available at launch. Initially, your quests and side activities will be centered around this area before expanding north to the Yamashiro province.

While the narrative might tether Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations at times, you can venture into other provinces. However, there are two key considerations that might hold you back.

Firstly, the availability of quests and activities in other regions is tied to the story's progression. Heading to these areas prematurely might not yield much benefit. Secondly, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, meaning you'll need to reach a certain level to effectively combat enemies in different provinces. You can check these level requirements on the map; regions marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that you're significantly underleveled, suggesting a challenging, if not impossible, experience if you venture there too soon.

In summary, while you can technically rush to higher-level regions, it's advisable to wait until you're adequately prepared to ensure a more enjoyable and manageable gameplay experience.