The main campaign of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is expected to take approximately 30-40 hours to complete, and the development team is exploring the possibility of adding a New Game+ mode in future updates. Continue reading for insights into the team’s creative direction and an in-depth look at the game’s Hideout feature.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Game Length Details
Main Storyline Estimated at 30-40 Hours
Players can anticipate spending roughly 30-40 hours completing the central narrative of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. During a showcase event in Kyoto, Genki Gamer interviewed the game’s Creative Director, Johnathan Dumont, to gather details about the upcoming title.
Dumont confirmed that the primary campaign will take most players between 30 and 40 hours to finish, with over 80 additional hours available through side quests and exploration. The development team is also considering the introduction of a New Game+ mode, along with other gameplay enhancements based on community input. This feature has been highly requested by fans, especially since Assassin’s Creed Valhalla did not include a New Game+ option, which left many players disappointed.
Dumont also highlighted several key features of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, including a dynamic environment with seasonal changes and weather systems, innovative gameplay mechanics, an expanded and customizable hideout, and more. The game will introduce a fresh Animus narrative that connects to future Assassin’s Creed titles and related projects.
Bringing an Assassin’s Creed Adventure to Japan
Dumont shared that the development team had long envisioned creating an Assassin’s Creed game set in Japan, describing it as a dream project. He explained that Japan’s rich natural environment demanded a dynamic world, and with current technological advancements, the team could finally bring this vision to life alongside a compelling storyline.
The game draws inspiration from acclaimed Japanese films such as 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and the works of Akira Kurosawa, while incorporating the distinctive Assassin’s Creed style. Dumont acknowledged the online discussions surrounding the game and emphasized the team’s commitment to addressing valid feedback. Assassin’s Creed Shadows has faced some criticism regarding the inclusion of Yasuke, a historical black samurai, which remains a debated topic in Japanese history and culture.
Despite these challenges, Dumont stated that the team remains dedicated to delivering an exceptional gaming experience and hopes to demonstrate their dedication to Japanese fans through their meticulous work.
Exploring the Hideout in Detail
The Hidden Valley of Izumi Settsu
On March 5, 2025, the official Assassin’s Creed Shadows website published an in-depth overview of the Hideout’s functions and mechanics. Located in the secluded valley of Izumi Settsu province, the Hideout will serve as the player’s central base as they work to establish the Brotherhood in the region.
Dany, the Associate Systems Director for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, elaborated, "This is a highly ambitious feature." He explained, "After designing fortresses, villas, homesteads, pirate coves, café-theatres, moving trains, ships, settlements, and assassin bureaus in previous games, we knew that to innovate, we needed to take a significant leap forward. This means giving players the freedom to construct their home base entirely as they see fit."
Players will be granted an acre of land to fully personalize, with the ability to place buildings, pavilions, pathways, local plants and animals, and various other elements. Dany emphasized, "We want players to truly make the Hideout their own." He added, "As you advance through the game, new customization options will gradually become available, ensuring that your Hideout evolves in line with your personal journey."
Building Your Community
The Hideout will host a variety of characters who will aid the player in their mission, each with unique backgrounds and personal challenges to resolve. These characters will inhabit different areas of the Hideout based on their preferences and the buildings you construct—for example, combat-oriented characters may spend time in the Dojo, while others might relax with sake in the Zashiki.
This setup also encourages players to uncover new interactions and conversations between characters, making the Hideout feel vibrant and alive, much like a true home for your allies. Dany highlighted, "Having our allies gathered in one place allows for richer character development." He continued, "We brought together writers from four different studios worldwide and tasked them with creating interactions based on scenarios like, 'What would happen if these two characters suddenly became roommates?' The charming moments they developed truly make the Hideout feel like the vibrant core of your league."
Based on the features and mechanics discussed by the developers, Assassin’s Creed Shadows appears poised to deliver an immersive and authentic Japanese experience, all within the signature framework of the Assassin’s Creed series.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the latest updates and information on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, be sure to read our article below!
