Ubisoft has revealed new details about Assassin's Creed Shadows, including its size and several key gameplay mechanics. While not the largest game in the series, it promises significant improvements.
Map Size and World Design
During a Reddit AMA, developers compared the game's explorable landmass to that of Assassin's Creed Origins. While this might seem like a smaller scale compared to recent entries, the developers emphasized a focus on creating a densely packed and engaging world.
New Gameplay Mechanics
Wanted System
A Wanted system will dynamically increase the difficulty and tension based on player actions. Being discovered in Castles will trigger a province-wide alert, introducing challenging Guardian enemies throughout the game world. This high-alert state persists for an entire season, forcing players to adapt their playstyle or wait for the season to change.
Procedural Factions
A procedural faction system will impact each province. The balance of power between factions changes dynamically, affecting available quests and rewards. Factions will also fight independently of the player, adding to the world's dynamism.
Canon Mode
Recognizing divided fan opinion on branching narratives, the developers have implemented a Canon Mode. This option allows players to experience the story with predetermined choices, catering to players who prefer a more linear storyline and echoing the style of earlier Assassin's Creed games.
The developers also discussed other features, including non-linear targets, the in-game database, traversal challenges, and combat enhancements. The full AMA can be found online (insert link if available).
Release Date
Assassin's Creed Shadows launches on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S on February 14th, 2025.
