Discover When to Explore Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Open World

Assassin’s Creed Shadows immerses players in a vast open world set in Feudal Japan, but access to this expansive environment isn't immediate. Here’s a detailed guide on when and how you can explore the open world in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

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

Ubisoft has crafted expansive open worlds for years, yet their games often feature lengthy intros before players can dive into the main world. Fortunately, Assassin’s Creed Shadows keeps the wait relatively short.

The game begins with a prologue that sets the scene and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, representing the Samurai and Shinobi respectively. This section also acquaints players with Iga, Naoe’s homeland, and initiates her journey beyond this region. Expect the prologue, filled with cinematic sequences and narrative exposition, to last approximately an hour and a half.

Once you complete the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the open world becomes accessible for exploration.

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

Upon gaining access to the open world, you'll start in the Izumi Settsu region, one of the nine explorable areas available at launch. Initially, your quests and side activities will be centered around Izumi Settsu before expanding to the Yamashiro province.

While the narrative and certain quests may tether Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations, you can venture into other provinces. However, there are key considerations to keep in mind:

• Quests and Activities: Since quests for different regions unlock progressively through the story, early visits to other provinces might not offer much to do.
• Level Requirements: Assassin’s Creed Shadows incorporates RPG elements, meaning you need to reach a certain level to effectively engage in combat in higher-level regions. These level requirements are indicated on the map with a number inside a red diamond, signaling that you're significantly underleveled for that area. Attempting to explore these regions prematurely can lead to challenging encounters, with some enemies capable of defeating you instantly.

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