The main campaign of Assassin's Creed Shadows is expected to take approximately 30 to 40 hours to complete, with a New Game+ mode currently being evaluated for future updates. Continue reading to explore the development team's vision for the game and an in-depth look at the Hideout feature.

Game Length for Assassin's Creed Shadows Confirmed

Main Story Estimated at 30-40 Hours

Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) will offer players a main campaign lasting between 30 and 40 hours. During the AC Shadows Showcase Event held in Kyoto, Genki Gamer interviewed the game's Creative Director, Johnathan Dumont, to gain insights into what players can anticipate.

Dumont indicated that completing the primary storyline will take most players around 30 to 40 hours, with over 80 hours of additional side content available. The development team is also considering introducing a New Game+ mode, along with other features, in response to community feedback. This addition is highly anticipated by fans, especially since Assassin's Creed Valhalla did not include a New Game+ option, which left many players wanting more.

Dumont also highlighted several key features of AC Shadows, including a dynamic open world with evolving seasons and weather patterns, innovative gameplay mechanics, an extensively customizable Hideout, and more. The game will also introduce a new Animus narrative that connects to future Assassin's Creed titles and related projects.

Developing a Japanese-Themed Assassin's Creed Title

Dumont shared that the AC Shadows development team had long aspired to create a game set in Japan, and bringing this project to life was a dream come true for them. He explained that capturing the essence of Japan's natural environment required a dynamic world, and advances in technology now make this possible, paired with a captivating storyline.

The game draws inspiration from renowned Japanese films such as 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and works by Akira Kurosawa, while incorporating the distinctive Assassin's Creed perspective. Dumont acknowledged the online debates surrounding the game and stated that the team is open to constructive feedback. AC Shadows has faced criticism concerning the inclusion of Yasuke, a historical Black samurai, a topic that continues to be discussed within the context of Japanese history and culture.

Despite this, Dumont affirmed that the team remains dedicated to delivering an exceptional gaming experience and hopes to demonstrate their commitment to their Japanese fanbase through their hard work and attention to detail.

Exploring the Hideout in Detail

The Hidden Valley of Izumi Settsu

On March 5, 2025, the official AC Shadows website published an extensive overview of the Hideout's functions and mechanics. Nestled within the secluded valley of Izumi Settsu province, the Hideout serves as the player's central hub as they work to establish the Brotherhood's presence in the region.

Dany, the Systems Associate Director for AC Shadows, explained, "This is a highly ambitious feature." He continued, "Following fortresses, villas, homesteads, pirate coves, café-theatres, moving trains, ships, settlements, and assassin bureaus… we knew that to innovate in this area, we needed to take a significant leap forward. This means giving players the ability to construct their headquarters with virtually unlimited creative freedom."

Players will be granted an acre of land to fully personalize, placing structures, pavilions, pathways, native plants and animals, and more. Dany emphasized, "We genuinely want players to make the Hideout their own." He added, "As you advance through your adventure, most customization options gradually become available, ensuring that your choices directly reflect your personal journey."

A League of Your Own

The Hideout will host a variety of characters who will support the player's mission, each with unique backgrounds and personal challenges to resolve. These characters will inhabit different areas of the Hideout based on the buildings and zones they are associated with; for example, combat-oriented characters may spend their time in the Dojo, while others might relax with sake in the Zashiki.

This setup also enables players to uncover new interactions and conversations between characters, making the Hideout feel alive and like a genuine home for your allies. Dany stressed, "Having our allies gathered in one location fosters deeper character development." He went on, "We brought writers from four different international studios together and tasked them with crafting interactions based on prompts like, 'What would happen if these two characters suddenly became roommates?' I truly appreciate the unique, subtle moments they created. It makes the Hideout feel like the vibrant core of your league."

Based on the features and mechanics the developers have unveiled, Assassin's Creed Shadows appears poised to deliver an engaging and authentic Japanese experience, reimagined through the lens of the Assassin's Creed franchise.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the most current news and updates on Assassin's Creed Shadows, be sure to read our detailed article below!