Assassin’s Creed: Shadows – one of the most anticipated and talked-about releases of the year is almost here!
Scheduled to launch on March 20, 2025, this title has been long awaited by gamers worldwide — from hardcore fans of the series to lovers of AAA action-adventure games.
Not feeling the global hype around Shadows? Wondering if it’s worth your time and money? Today, we’ll walk you through the key features of Ubisoft’s latest game, along with all the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right pick for you!
What is AC: Shadows About?
Shadows is the fourteenth main installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, developed — as always — by Ubisoft studios. For the first time in the series, players are transported to 16th-century Japan, one of the most fascinating and pivotal historical periods in that region’s history.
As in every Assassin’s Creed title, the story revolves around the eternal conflict between the Assassins and the Templars, mixed with the mystery of uncovering secrets of the past. But Shadows also delves deep into cultural, social, and political themes essential to Feudal Japan.
Players will take on the roles of two protagonists — Naoe, a highly trained shinobi, and Yasuke, a formidable samurai based on the real-life historical figure: a Black warrior who served under Oda Nobunaga.
Why Should You Play Shadows?
There are plenty of reasons to give Shadows a shot!
First off, it’s part of a legendary series that has been holding its own in the gaming world for almost 20 years, delivering hours of immersive gameplay with each new release.
Ubisoft has always strived to introduce fresh mechanics and innovations in every AC title — and Shadows is no different. While the core gameplay might feel familiar to those who played Odyssey or Valhalla, the developers have refined and expanded many systems.
Stealth and parkour mechanics have been significantly improved, allowing players to make better use of the environment and lighting to stay hidden from enemies. At the same time, base-building elements have been further developed, offering more depth and strategic options than in previous installments.
In Shadows we can enjoy a the dual-protagonist system — you can freely switch between two characters with distinct combat styles and abilities.
Another major highlight is — as mentioned earlier — the brand-new setting. For the first time in AC history, we’re exploring the Land of the Rising Sun during one of its most dynamic eras. The developers have made every effort to faithfully recreate Feudal Japan — from world design, NPC appearances, and tools, to weapons, armor, and fighting techniques.
And let’s not forget about the huge, open, and truly “alive” world, non-linear missions that give you the freedom to shape your own story path, and stunning graphics powered by the latest tech — both previews and early gameplay footage look incredibly promising!
Does AC: Shadows Have Any Downsides?
Of course, no game is perfect. One of the biggest downsides? We’ve had to wait way too long for this release. Originally planned for 2024, it was postponed to February 2025, and then pushed again to March.
Shadows has also sparked some controversy. Why? Firstly, much like recent AC titles (Odyssey, Valhalla, Mirage), it moves further away from the classic stealth-action roots of early Assassin’s Creed games, introducing heavier RPG and adventure elements — something not all fans appreciate.
Additionally, there has been debate over the historical accuracy of certain aspects, particularly the portrayal of Yasuke as a main character.
So… is Shadows worth your time?
Well, we’ve laid out a lot of pros (and a few cons). One thing’s for sure — this is a must-play for die-hard AC fans, and an excellent pick for anyone who enjoyed Ghost of Tsushima, Sekiro, or Onimusha, as well as for stealth lovers fond of Thief or Metal Gear Solid.
Is it worth playing? That’s for you to decide — but we’ll definitely be playing it!