Discover the Open World Timing in Assassin’s Creed Shadows %v

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* transports players to the enchanting world of Feudal Japan, offering a vast open world ripe for exploration. However, before you can roam freely, you'll need to navigate through the game's prologue. Let’s delve into when you can truly start exploring the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue?

Ubisoft has a history of crafting expansive open worlds, yet their games often start with lengthy introductions. In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the wait isn’t as prolonged as in some past entries. The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the stage for the immersive world and introduces its dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. This section acquaints players with the Samurai and Shinobi dynamics, as well as Naoe's homeland, Iga. It also sets Naoe on a journey out of Iga to explore other parts of Japan. Expect this prologue, filled with epic set pieces and narrative exposition, to last about an hour and a half.

Once you complete the "From Spark to Flame" quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* opens up for you to explore freely.

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

Naoe prepares to observe an area after synchronizing in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, via Ubisoft

Upon gaining access to the open world, you'll find yourself in Izumi Settsu, one of the nine named regions available at launch. Initially, your quests and side activities will focus on this region before expanding north to the Yamashiro province.

While the narrative may occasionally tether Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations, you can generally venture into other provinces. However, there are two primary considerations that might deter you from doing so right away. First, the lack of quests and activities in these regions until later in the story might make early visits less rewarding. Second, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, requiring you to reach certain levels to effectively engage in combat in different regions. You can identify these level requirements on the map, where a red diamond with a number indicates that you're significantly underleveled for that area. Attempting to explore these regions prematurely could lead to frustrating encounters with enemies capable of quickly defeating you.

In summary, although you can technically rush to higher-level regions early on, it's not advisable and might result in a challenging and potentially unsatisfying experience.