Assassin's Creed Valhalla's extensive gameplay drew criticism, prompting Ubisoft to refine the experience in its upcoming title. The developers have addressed concerns regarding the length of the main storyline and the sheer volume of optional content.

Game director Charles Benoit stated that completing the main storyline of the new game, tentatively titled Shadows, will take approximately 50 hours. A full completion, including all side quests and exploration, is estimated at 100 hours. This is a significant reduction compared to Valhalla's minimum 60-hour main story and potential 150-hour full completion.

Ubisoft's focus on streamlining optional content aims to provide a more balanced gameplay experience. The goal is to avoid overwhelming players while retaining the richness of the game world and narrative depth. The developers aim to satisfy both players seeking extensive gameplay and those prioritizing a focused narrative experience within a more manageable timeframe.

Director Jonathan Dumont highlighted the impact of the team's research trip to Japan on the game's development. The scale and detail of Japanese castles, mountainous landscapes, and dense forests profoundly influenced their approach, leading to a commitment to greater realism and detail.

One notable change involves world geography. Travel times between points of interest have been increased to emphasize the open world's vastness. However, this increased travel time is offset by a significant increase in the detail and nuance of each location. Unlike Assassin's Creed Odyssey's densely packed points of interest, Shadows features a more naturally spaced environment, prioritizing a richer, more immersive experience. Dumont emphasized the significantly higher level of detail in Shadows, promising a truly authentic Japanese atmosphere.