Assassin's Creed Shadows: 30-40 Hour Campaign, NG+ Possible

Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a substantial main campaign, estimated at 30-40 hours of gameplay, with the possibility of a New Game+ mode in future updates. Dive deeper into the game's vision and explore the richly detailed Hideout.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Playthrough Duration Revealed

A 30-40 Hour Main Campaign Awaits

Prepare for an immersive journey! Creative Director Jonathan Dumont confirmed that Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) boasts a 30-40 hour main campaign, complemented by over 80 hours of additional side content. The team is actively exploring the addition of a New Game+ mode, a highly requested feature absent in AC Valhalla, and other potential game modes based on player feedback.

Dumont highlighted key features, including a dynamic world with realistic seasonal changes and weather systems, innovative gameplay mechanics, a vastly expanded and customizable Hideout, and a new Animus storyline that will intertwine with future Assassin’s Creed titles.

Crafting a Japanese-Themed Assassin’s Creed Experience

The development team’s passion for creating a Japan-centric Assassin’s Creed game is evident. Dumont explained that the game's vision required the technological capability to accurately represent Japan's natural world, coupled with a compelling narrative. Inspiration was drawn from classic Japanese films like 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and Kurosawa’s works, while maintaining the distinctive Assassin’s Creed identity. The team acknowledges the online discussions surrounding the game and strives to address constructive criticism.

The focus remains on delivering an exceptional gaming experience, and the team is committed to showcasing their dedication to Japanese players.

An In-Depth Look at the Hideout

The Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu

A March 5, 2025, website update provided a detailed look into the Hideout's features. Nestled within the secluded valley of Izumi Settsu province, it serves as the player's central base of operations for building their Brotherhood.

Systems Associate Director, Dany, described the Hideout as ambitious, 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 entire acre to personalize, placing structures, pathways, and even local flora and fauna. Dany emphasized the desire for players to create a truly unique Hideout, with customization options unlocking progressively throughout the game, reflecting the player's journey.

Forge Your Own League

The Hideout will house various characters, each with their own stories and challenges. Character placement within the Hideout influences their interactions, with fighters congregating in the Dojo and others enjoying sake in the Zashiki. This dynamic arrangement creates opportunities for unique conversations and character development, making the Hideout feel like a living, breathing hub for your allies. Dany highlighted the collaborative effort of writers from four studios across the globe, emphasizing the organic and engaging interactions they created.

With its immersive features and authentic Japanese setting, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises a compelling Assassin’s Creed experience.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates!