"Assassin's Creed Shadows: 30-40 Hours for Main Campaign, New Game+ Considered"

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Playthrough Duration Revealed

Main Campaign Will Be Around 30-40 Hours

Get ready to dive into the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows), where the main campaign promises an engaging journey lasting around 30-40 hours. During the AC Shadows’ Showcase Event in Kyoto, Genki Gamer sat down with Creative Director Johnathan Dumont to discuss what players can expect from this highly anticipated title.

Dumont shared that the main campaign will take players approximately 30-40 hours to complete, with an additional 80+ hours of side content to explore. The development team is also considering adding a New Game+ mode along with other potential features, responding to player feedback. This is particularly exciting news, as many fans were disappointed when AC Valhalla did not include a New Game+ mode.

Dumont also highlighted some of AC Shadows' standout features, including a dynamic world with changing seasons and weather systems, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a highly customizable hideout. Additionally, the game will introduce a new Animus story that will connect with future Assassin’s Creed titles and projects.

Working on a Japanese-themed Assassin’s Creed Game

The team at AC Shadows was driven by a passion to craft a game set in Japan, fulfilling a long-held dream. Dumont explained that the natural world's movement in Japan required advanced technology, which they now have at their disposal, along with a compelling narrative to tell.

Drawing inspiration from iconic Japanese films like 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and classics by Kurosawa, the team infused these elements with the distinctive Assassin’s Creed flair. Dumont acknowledged the online controversy surrounding the game, particularly the inclusion of Yasuke, a black samurai, which has sparked debate due to its historical and cultural implications. Despite this, the team remains committed to delivering an exceptional gaming experience, especially for their Japanese audience.

Deep Dive Into The Hideout

Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu

On March 5, 2025, AC Shadows provided an in-depth look into the Hideout's features and mechanics on their official website. Nestled in the secluded valley of Izumi Settsu province, the Hideout serves as the players' base of operations as they work to build the Brotherhood in this region.

Dany, the Systems Associate Director for AC Shadows, expressed the team's ambition, stating, "It's pretty ambitious." He continued, "After fortresses, villas, homesteads, pirate coves, café-theatres, moving trains, ships, settlements, assassin bureaus... We knew that if we wanted to make anything new on that front, we had to take a bold step forward. That meant giving players the option to build their homebase with complete freedom."

Players will have an entire acre of land to customize, allowing them to place buildings, pavilions, pathways, and even local flora and fauna. Dany emphasized the personal touch, saying, "We really want players to make the Hideout their own." He added, "Throughout your adventure, most of the content for customization keeps unlocking as you progress, so your customization options will truly reflect your journey."

A League of Your Own

The Hideout will also serve as a home for various characters who aid the player, each with their own backstories and challenges. These characters will interact with the Hideout's layout, with fighters spending time in the Dojo and others enjoying sake in the Zashiki.

This setup fosters new dialogues and interactions between characters, making the Hideout a vibrant and dynamic place. Dany noted, "Having our allies in one place creates opportunities for character development." He elaborated, "We gathered the writers (from 4 different studios all over the world) in a meeting and had them create interactions inspired by questions like, 'What would happen if these two characters suddenly became roommates?' I really love all the cool little moments they came up with. It makes the Hideout feel like the beating heart of the league."

With these features and mechanics, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to deliver an authentic Japanese experience with the signature Assassin’s Creed touch.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for the latest updates and more information on Assassin’s Creed Shadows by checking out our article below!