Ubisoft has officially revealed Assassin's Creed Shadows, which was previously known as Codename Red. Set in Japan, one of the most fan-requested settings for the series, the Assassin's Creed Shadows release date is definitely one to look out for.
Finally bringing the iconic series to Japan, AC Shadows has a lot riding on it - not just because it's now late to the party thanks to Ghost of Tsushima. Nevertheless, if you want to learn all about AC Shadows, from its release date to its platforms and story, then you're in the right place. Check out our Assassin's Creed Mirage review to see what we thought of the last big entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed Shadows Release Date
The Assassin's Creed Shadows is available on Friday, November 15, 2024, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Ubisoft mistakenly revealed this early in the video description of the world premiere trailer, which went live on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 9 AM PT/ 5 PM BST.
The series historically launches in October or November, so this release date isn't all that unexpected. Ubisoft's target for AC Shadows, then known as Codename Red, was between April 2024 and March 2025, so it's good to know the game is on track.
Assassin's Creed Shadows Trailer
The first cinematic Assassin's Creed Shadows trailer gave us a glimpse of what to expect from the game's story and setting. Most importantly, we see AC Shadow's twin protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. While initially at odds after Yasuke, under the orders of Oba Nobunaga, destroys Naoe's province, it's clear these two characters will team up to fight for the Assassins and save Japan during its time of turmoil.
Assassin's Creed Shadows Gameplay Trailer
On June 9, 2024, Ubisoft shared a new gameplay trailer for Assassin's Creed Shadows, which highlights the game's combat and the beautiful setting of feudal Japan.
In it, we watch as Yasuke smashes through walls with the power of a battering ram, using his armor to brutalize his enemies and his katana to cut foes down, piece by piece.
In comparison to Yasuke's overwhelming strength, Naoe's gameplay segment boasts precision and stealth, with the assassin jumping from rooftop to rooftop and sporting that ever-prominent assassin's blade.
Assassin's Creed Shadows Collector's Edition
The Assassin's Creed Shadows Collectors Edition includes:
- Ultimate Edition of the game, including the Season Pass, bonus content, and three-day early access
- Naoe and Yasuke dual character statue
- Unique Steelbook case
- Collector’s art book (84 pages)
- Life-sized Naoe’s katana tsuba
- World map
- Creed wall scroll
- 2 sumi-e lithographs
Assassin's Creed Shadows Platforms
Ubisoft has yet to reveal the platforms that Assassin's Creed Shadows will be available on, however, it is reportedly exclusive to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, making the series finally become current-gen exclusive.
While the recent Assassin's Creed Mirage was still available on PS4 and Xbox One, Shadows is set to be a much more ambitious title - and will take full advantage of the powerful PS5 and Xbox Series consoles.
Assassin's Creed Shadows Setting
Assassin's Creed Shadows is set in 16th-century Feudal Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama era, which ranged from 1568 to 1600. Most importantly, this was the final phase of the Sengoku period, also known as the Warring States. This explains why, during the cinematic trailer, we see Yasuke's assault on Iga under Oda Nobunaga.
This period is colored by civil wars and great social change. In other words, it's the perfect setting for an Assassin's Creed game.
Assassin's Creed Shadows Yasuke
Yasuke is one of the two main characters in Assassin's Creed Shadows and is based on the real-life Yasuke, an African samurai who served the daimyo Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period. Importantly, Yasuke will be the first real-life historical figure to feature as a main character in the Assassin's Creed series.
Contrasted with Naoe, Yasuke will offer more aggressive, head-on combat. After all, Yasuke is a samurai while Naoe is a shinobi. We'll get to learn more about the life of not just the samurai class, but an African samurai. He's an incredibly interesting figure during the Warring States period, now tied into Assassin's Creed Shadows' main narrative.
Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe
Naoe is the second playable character in Assassin's Creed Shadows and represents the shinobi. Naoe comes from the province of Iga, a remote and mountainous region.
Interestingly, Naoe's father is Fujibayashi Nagato, the real legendary Igan Shinobi. This explains Naoe's skills and values, and it wouldn't be too surprising for her father to be killed during Yasuke's raid on Iga.
As a shinobi, Noae's gameplay will be much more focused on stealth, rather than all-out attack like Yasuke. This is exemplified most clearly by her lightweight, stealthy outfit and the iconic hidden blade.
So, that's all there is to know about Assassin's Creed Shadows right now, from its release date all the way to the setting and story that you'll be able to sink your teeth into.