Editing Assassin's Creed: Shadows

{{DISPLAYTITLE:''{{PAGENAME}}''}}{{Era|Realworld}}{{WP-REAL|Assassin's Creed Shadows}}
{{Pre-release|[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]}}
{{Spoilerhd|15 February 2025}}
{{Game Infobox
|name=''Assassin's Creed: Shadows''
|image=AC Shadows Cover.png
|Developer=[[Ubisoft|Ubisoft Quebec]]
|Publisher=[[Ubisoft]]
|Engine=[[Anvil (game engine)|Ubisoft Anvil]]
|Composer=
|Released= 15 November 2024
|Genre=Action RPG
|Game modes=
|Platform=*{{Wiki|Microsoft Windows}}
*{{Wiki|PlayStation 5}}
*{{Wiki|Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S}}
*Ubisoft+
*{{Wiki|Amazon Luna}}
*{{Wiki|Apple Silicon}}
|Website=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed/shadows
}}
'''''Assassin's Creed: Shadows'''''<ref>{{Twitter|assassinscreed|status/1790049553745412369|Assassin's Creed|quote=Assassin's Creed Codename Red becomes Assassin's Creed Shadows. Tune-in for the Official Cinematic World Premiere Trailer on May 15, 9 AM PT. #AssassinsCreedShadows [https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1790049526520102912/vid/avc1/320x568/ued8vW4qOA-OEkOW.mp4 pic.twitter.com/xc1Q10N4Vh]|image=File:AC Shadows gets named.png}}</ref> is an upcoming installment in the [[Assassin's Creed (series)|''Assassin's Creed'' series]], being a part of the ''[[Assassin's Creed: Infinity]]'' platform. The game is set in [[Japan]] and will be helmed by [[Ubisoft|Ubisoft Quebec]].<ref name="Bloomberg">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-06/ubisoft-set-to-announce-several-new-assassin-s-creed-games |title= Ubisoft Set to Announce Several New Assassin’s Creed Games |author=Schreier, Jason |date=6 September 2022|publisher=''Bloomberg''|accessdate= 7 September 2022|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/u3TY8|archivedate=6 September 2022}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
''Assassin's Creed: Shadows'' features a dual protagonist system similar to what was demonstrated in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'', with the ability to switch between at will. The first protagonist is the [[Japan]]ese ''[[Ninja|kunoichi]]'' [[Fujibayashi Naoe]], who is set on a path to avenge her father [[Fujibayashi Nagato]]. The second is the [[Africa]]n [[samurai]] [[Yasuke]], who survived an attack on the [[slave ship]] he was on and ended up in [[Oda Nobunaga]]'s service.<ref name="GameRant">{{Cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-red-rumors-leaks-story-characters-gameplay/|title=Every Assassin's Creed Red Rumor and Leak So Far|author=Duckworth, Joshua|publisher=''GameRant''|date=23 November 2023|accessdate=30 January 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123184235/https://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-red-rumors-leaks-story-characters-gameplay/|archivedate=23 November 2023}}</ref><ref name="Who Are Naoe and Yaskue">{{Youtube|Nszrx939ZVA|Assassin's Creed Shadows: Who Are Naoe and Yasuke?|Ubisoft|Ubisoft}}</ref> Naoe and Yasuke begin the game as enemies but will eventually side with each other.<ref name="Trailer Breakdown">{{Youtube|HhMOQowMjM8|Assassin's Creed Shadows Explained - Samurai, Shinobi, and Feudal Japan|Ubisoft|Ubisoft}}</ref><ref name="Who Are Naoe and Yaskue"/>

According to the series' Vice President Executive Producer [[Marc-Alexis Côté]], ''Shadows'' will take place in feudal Japan and allow players to experience a "very powerful shinobi fantasy".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/assassins-creed-codename-red/assassins-creed-new-game-japan |title=Assassin's Creed new game Codename: Red finally delivers fans' dreams |author=Smith, Ed|publisher=''PCGamesN''|date=10 September 2022 |accessdate=12 September 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912105635/https://www.pcgamesn.com/assassins-creed-codename-red/assassins-creed-new-game-japan|archivedate=12 September 2022}}</ref> It will also return to the newer style Action-RPG style games.<ref name="UbiForward"/> Features reported to be in the game include the ability to extinguish torches for [[hiding spot]]s, the ability to go prone,<ref name="IGN 40 Details">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-40-details-you-need-to-know| title=Assassin’s Creed Shadows: 40 Details You Need To Know| author=Purslow, Matt| work={{Wiki|IGN}}| date=15 May 2024| accessdate=16 May 2024| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515184055/https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-40-details-you-need-to-know| archivedate=15 May 2024}}</ref> and an Enemy Posture Meter akin to that seen in ''{{Wiki|Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice}}'' and other {{Wiki|FromSoftware}} games. The map which is said to be larger than ''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]'' but smaller than ''[[Assassin's Creed: Odyssey]]'' and will encompass most, if not all, of Japan. Similar to Ubisoft's ''[[w:c:james-camerons-avatar:Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora|Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora]]'', players will be given the option to be more immersed with less guidance and map mark reliance.<ref name="GameRant"/>{{Fact|Ubisoft source}}

The new updated and rebranded [[Anvil (game engine)|Ubisoft Anvil]] introduces a dynamic season system where the world transitions through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, driven by your campaign progress for historical accuracy. Each season affects gameplay uniquely: spring and summer feature blooming plants providing hiding spots, which disappear in autumn and winter. Winter also brings frozen water, blocking access to pools and ponds, while icicles can fall and reveal your position. NPC behavior changes with the seasons, with enemies searching bushes in summer and staying near fires in winter, creating new pathways. A dynamic weather system brings climate conditions like fog, wind, and snow, affecting enemy perception and masking your movements. Additionally, the game’s ecology is detailed, with features like pollen gusts in spring simulating a real ecosystem.<ref name="IGN 40 Details"/>

Gadgets and tools set to be present in the game are a grappling hook, ''kunai'', ''[[shuriken]]'', [[Smoke screen bomb|smoke bomb]]s, and bells. Weapons range from ''[[katana]]s'' and ''[[kanabō]]'' war clubs to ''[[spear|yari]]'' and ''[[kusarigama]]''. Some weapons and gadgets are limited to each character, for instance, Yasuke can use [[arquebus]] rifles, while Naoe cannot. Each weapon has its own skill tree, allowing players to enhance their proficiency with specific weapons over time.<ref name="IGN 40 Details"/> Enemy commanders can be defeated, spared, or recruited as spies, similar to ''Odyssey's'' [[Mercenary|mercenaries]] system. [[Firearm|Gun]]-wielding ''ashigaru'' will also be a present enemy archetype.<ref name="Trailer Breakdown"/> According to ''Insider Gaming'' via Ubisoft, the settlement system will be re-implemented, with customizable buildings, dojos, shrines, armory, and more.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamingbible.com/news/assassins-creed-valhalla-the-hidden-codex-april-release-077536-20240315|title=Assassin's Creed Red leaked gameplay footage improves on Valhalla's best feature|author=Harrold, Kate|publisher=Gaming Bible|date=16 March 2024|accessdate=21 March 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321101248/https://www.gamingbible.com/news/assassins-creed-red-footage-improves-valhalla-feature-621008-20240311|archivedate=21 March 2024}}</ref>

==Synopsis==
'''''A new creed rises'''''<br>''Live the intertwined stories of Naoe, an adept shinobi Assassin from Iga Province, and Yasuke, the powerful African samurai of historical legend. Against the backdrop of the turbulent late Sengoku period, this remarkable duo will discover their common destiny as they usher in a new era for Japan.''

'''''Explore feudal Japan'''''<br>''Discover the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and pastoral landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.''

'''''Become a shinobi assassin'''''<br>''As the quick-witted and agile Naoe, use noise, light, and shadows to evade detection as enemies respond to their changing surroundings. Distract guards using kunai, shuriken, and smoke bombs, infiltrate enemy bases with your grappling hook and parkour skills, and assassinate your targets with the hidden blade.''

'''''Become a legendary samurai'''''<br>''As the charismatic samurai Yasuke, strike your foes with brutal precision and power. Use his combat-oriented skills to attack, block, parry, and defeat your enemies. Master the vast arsenal of weapons at your disposal – featuring katana, kanabo, bows, naginata, and more – to free Japan from its oppressors.''

'''''Information is your weapon'''''<br>''Travel the world, explore, and scout your surroundings to gather vital intel. Build your network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to unveil new areas and hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit several allies with highly specialized skills and abilities to help accomplish your missions.''<ref>{{Ubisoft|url=en-us/game/assassins-creed/shadows|text=Assassin's Creed Shadows for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S & More!|archivedate=20240515173112}}</ref>

==Development==
The game's conceptual title, known as ''Assassin's Creed: Codename Red'' during development, was first leaked on 6 September 2022 and reported by ''{{Wiki|Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg}}'', who also noted that this game, as well as ''[[Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe]]'', would likely not release until 2024 at the earliest.<ref name="Bloomberg"/> It was later confirmed at the Ubisoft Forward livestream during its ''Assassin's Creed'' showcase, alongside a short teaser.<ref name="UbiForward">{{Youtube|SS_khJE0mbQ|Assassin’s Creed: 2022 Showcase <nowiki>|</nowiki> #UbiForward|Ubisoft|Ubisoft}}</ref> On 21 October 2023, a little over a year after the working title leaked, script writer Pierre Boudreau changed his LinkedIn profile's banner image to a picture of a hooded woman on a red background with [[Animus]] coding on the edges and a white [[Assassin insignia]] stylized as if it were painted by inkbrush.<ref>{{Twitter|AccessTheAnimus|status/1715878544570523848|Access The Animus|quote=Writer Pierre Boudreau has updated his LinkedIn page with this new banner that seems focused on 🔴 #AssassinsCreed Codename Red 🔴 and features a potential female protagonist and the logo of the game Link / Source 👇 [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F9AFYceXYAAi-yx.jpg pic.twitter.com/A9ndw7nUFX]|image=File:ACRed Pierre Boudreau LinkedIn banner.png}}<br>{{Twitter|AccessTheAnimus|status/1715878546558620073|Access The Animus|quote=Source: [http://linkedin.com/in/pierreboudreau linkedin.com/in/pierreboudr...] We thank our fan @chinchirroz on our Discord Server for the heads-up! Join us: discord.gg/n69eA7GQgX [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F9AF1XmXsAAUguW.jpg pic.twitter.com/Ssj11j6oZW]|image=File:ACRed Pierre Boudreau LinkedIn banner.png}}</ref>

On 13 May 2024, Ubisoft officially revealed the entry's title as ''Assassin's Creed: Shadows'',<ref name="IGN Shadows">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-codename-red-gets-official-name-ahead-of-wednesday-trailer-drop|title=Assassin's Creed Red Title Confirmed to be Assassin's Creed Shadows Ahead of Wednesday Trailer Release|author=Lyles, Taylor|work={{Wiki|IGN}}|date=13 May 2024|accessdate=14 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513172743/https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-codename-red-gets-official-name-ahead-of-wednesday-trailer-drop|archivedate=13 May 2024}}</ref> after a leak revealed it three weeks prior.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamingbible.com/news/assassins-creed-red-full-title-surfaces-online-677442-20240422|title=Assassin's Creed Codename Red full title reportedly surfaces online|author=Flint, Emma|work=Gaming Bible|publisher=LADbible|date=22 April 2024|accessdate=14 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426015626/https://www.gamingbible.com/news/assassins-creed-red-full-title-surfaces-online-677442-20240422|archivedate=26 April 2024}}</ref>

==Controversies==
===Sexual misconduct allegations===
When [[Jonathan Dumont]] was announced to be working on the game in September 2022, many Ubisoft employees refused to work with him and quit due to past allegations regarding abuse and sexual misconduct. Ubisoft responded by stating that it takes allegations seriously and that Dumont has been disciplined and cleared to continue working.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/report-assassins-creed-red-abuse-allegations-jonathan-dumont/|title=Report: Devs Don’t Want To Work On Assassin’s Creed Red Because Of Project Lead’s Abuse Allegations|author=Bevan, Rhiannon|publisher=The Gamer|date=12 September 2022|accessdate=9 February 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024180110mp_/https://www.thegamer.com/report-assassins-creed-red-abuse-allegations-jonathan-dumont/|archivedate=24 October 2022}}</ref>

===Yasuke===
After ''Shadows'' was officially revealed in mid-May 2024, disgruntled fans took to Yasuke's Wikipedia page and vandalized it several times, angry over Ubisoft's perceived disregard for Asian representation in a Japanese setting.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-yasuke-people-vandalizing-wikipedia-page/|title=People Are Vandalizing the Wikipedia Page for Assassin's Creed Shadows Protagonist Yasuke|author=Moore, Alexander|work=Game Rant|date=16 May 2024|accessdate=18 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517083023/https://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-yasuke-people-vandalizing-wikipedia-page/|archivedate=17 May 2024}}</ref> Some criticized Ubisoft for having a Black samurai protagonist, mistaking his title of "retainer" to mean that he was not a proper samurai, while others still levied accusations against the company for seemingly over-correcting for Black representation due to systemic {{Wiki|racism in North America}} resulting in anti-Black {{Wiki|media bias}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://time.com/6978997/assassins-creed-shadow-yasuke-controversy/|title=Assassin’s Creed Fans Slam Decision to Include Black Samurai in Feudal Japan Story|author=Lee, Chantelle|work={{Wiki|Time (magazine)|Time}}|publisher=Time USA, LLC|date=16 May 2024|accessdate=18 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517052844/https://time.com/6978997/assassins-creed-shadow-yasuke-controversy/|archivedate=17 May 2024}}</ref>

==Release==
''Assassin's Creed: Shadows'' will release worldwide on 15 November 2024, on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

===Marketing===
At the Ubisoft Forward event held on 11 September 2022, a reveal trailer was shown.<ref name="UbiForward"/> The official world premiere trailer was released on 15 May 2024.<ref name="IGN Shadows"/>

===Editions===
Ubisoft announced several alternate editions to the standard retail version.
<tabber>
|-|Special Edition=
[[File:ACShadows_Special_Edition_cover.jpg|thumb]]
*Base game
*[[Sekiryu Character Pack]]
*''[[Thrown to the Dogs]]'' (Pre-Order Bonus)
|-|Gold Edition=
[[File:ACShadows_Gold_Edition_cover.jpg|thumb]]
*Base game
*Season pass
|-|Ultimate Edition=
[[File:ACShadows_Ultimate_Edition_cover.jpg|thumb]]
*Base game
*Season pass
*[[Ultimate Pack (Shadows)|Ultimate Pack]]
**Sekiryu Character Pack
**Sekiryu Hideout Pack
**5 Skill points
*Red Dragon Photo Mode filter.
|-|Collector's Edition=
[[File:AC_Shadows_Collectors_Edition.jpeg|thumb|250px|Collector's Edition contents]]
Base game.
*Season pass
*Ultimate Pack
**Sekiryu Character Pack
**Hideout Pack
**5 Skill points
*Red Dragon Photo Mode filter.
*Naoe and Yasuke dual character statue (about 40 centimeters / 15.7 inches).
*Unique SteelBook case.
*Collector's art book (84 pages).
*Naoe's katana tsuba (life-sized).
*World map.
*Creed wall scroll (70x30 centimeters / 27.6x11.8 inches).
*Two sumi-e lithographs (13.5x19 centimeters / 5.3x7.5 inches).
</tabber>

==Gallery==
<tabber>
|-|Promotional media=
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180">
AC Shadows wallpaper.jpg|Wallpaper
AC Shadows.jpg|Logo
AC Shadows Logo.png|Logo
ACRed banner.jpg|Banner art for Codename Red
AC Red.png|Logo for Codename Red
AC Shadows Cover.png
ACShadows Gold Edition Cover.jpeg
</gallery>
|-|Screenshots=
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180">
ACRed Promo Assassin.jpg|Naoe on a rooftop
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 1.jpeg|Yasuke and Naoe
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 2.jpeg|Yasuke killing a soldier
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 3.jpeg|Close-up of Yasuke
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 4.jpeg|Naoe scouting a fort in summer
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 5.jpeg|Naoe scouting a fort in winter
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 6.jpeg|Naoe preparing to assassinate a target
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 7.jpg|Naoe hiding from and watching a guard patrol
</gallery>
|-|Concept art=
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180">
ACShadows Environment Concept 1.jpg|Naoe visiting temple ruins
ACShadows Environment Concept 2.jpg|A busy port
ACShadows Environment Concept 3.jpg|The Japanese Assassins
ACShadows Environment Concept 4.jpg|An Assassin at a gateway
ACShadows Environment Concept 5.jpg|Oda Nobunaga overlooking the countryside
ACShadows Environment Concept 6.jpg|A samurai riding past executed civilians
ACShadows Environment Concept 7.jpg|Mountains with cherry blossom trees
ACShadows Architecture Concept 1.jpg|A shrine 
ACShadows Architecture Concept 2.jpg|A house
ACShadows Architecture Concept 3.jpg|[[Sensō-ji]]

ACShadows Trailer Concept 1.jpg|Trailer concept
ACShadows Trailer Concept 2.jpg|Trailer concept
ACShadows Trailer Concept 3.jpg|Trailer concept
ACShadows Trailer Concept 4.jpg|Trailer concept
ACShadows Trailer Concept 5.jpg|Trailer concept
ACShadows Trailer Concept 6.jpg|Trailer concept
</gallery>
|-|Videos=
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180">
Assassin's Creed Codename Red - Reveal Trailer - Ubisoft Forward 2022
Assassin's Creed Shadows- Official World Premiere Trailer
Assassin's Creed Shadows- Who Are Naoe and Yasuke?
Assassin's Creed Shadows Explained - Samurai, Shinobi, and Feudal Japan
</gallery>
</tabber>

==Credits==
{{Credits
|cast=
*[[Masumi Tsunoda]] as [[Fujibayashi Naoe]]
*[[Tongayi Chirisa]] as [[Yasuke]]
|crew=
*[[Charles Benoit]] – Game Director<ref name="Who Are Naoe and Yaskue"/>
*[[Jonathan Dumont]] – Creative Director<ref>{{Ubisoft|url=en-us/article/BvgGGDYNnLdApaOgCg5Yz/assassins-creed-mirage-takes-players-to-ninth-century-baghdad|text=Assassin’s Creed Mirage Takes Players to Ninth Century Baghdad|subdomain=news|archivedate=20220911035849}}</ref>
*[[Brooke Davies]] – Associate Narrative Director<ref name="Who Are Naoe and Yaskue"/>
*[[Akim Milne]] – Assistant Director of Cinematic Design<ref name="Trailer Breakdown"/>
}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{ACSeries}}
{{ACShadows}}
[[Category:Real world video games]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed series]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]
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[[fr:Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]
[[pl:Assassin's Creed: Codename Red]]
[[zh:刺客信条：影]]