Editing Assassin's Creed: Shadows

{{DISPLAYTITLE:''{{PAGENAME}}''}}{{Era|Realworld}}{{WP-REAL|Assassin's Creed Shadows}}
{{Pre-release|[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]}}
{{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=14 February 2025
|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 the upcoming fourteenth installment in the [[Assassin's Creed (series)|''Assassin's Creed'' series]], being a part of the ''[[Animus Hub]]'' platform. The game, 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=''{{Wiki|Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg}}''|accessdate= 7 September 2022|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/u3TY8|archivedate=6 September 2022}}</ref> 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>

==Gameplay==
===RPG game mechanics===
According to the series' Vice President Executive Producer [[Marc-Alexis Côté]], ''Assassin's Creed: Shadows'' will return to the newer Action-RPG style games,<ref name="UbiForward"/> preferring to involve the player's choice in its story elements and several of its game mechanics rather than in a linear narrative experience as seen in the previous title, the 2023 game ''[[Assassin's Creed Mirage]]''.

Players will be able to switch at will between ''Shadows''{{'}} two protagonists, similar to what was demonstrated in the 2016 game ''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' with [[Jacob Frye|Jacob]] and [[Evie Frye]]. ''Shadows''{{'}} first protagonist is the [[Japan]]ese ''[[Ninja|shinobi]]'' [[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="Who Are Naoe and Yasuke">{{Youtube|Nszrx939ZVA|Assassin's Creed Shadows: Who Are Naoe and Yasuke?|Ubisoft|Ubisoft}}</ref> Naoe and Yasuke will feature their own unique abilities and will begin the game as enemies and eventually will become allies.<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 Yasuke"/>

Ubisoft revealed in a blog post that romance will be a feature for both protagonists, a feature first introduced in the 2018 game ''[[Assassin's Creed: Odyssey]]'', and will explore their differing personalities and unique interactions with NPCs, which will include a variety of relationships. Yasuke and Naoe will attract and be attracted to different types of people, allowing players to experience diverse romantic relationships which will evolve over the course of the game's seasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamingbible.com/news/assassins-creed-shadows-romance-482460-20240524|title=Assassin's Creed Shadows devs confirm 'multitude' of romance options for Yasuke and Naoe|author=Lipscombe, Dan|work=Gaming Bible|publisher={{Wiki|LADbible Group}}|date=24 May 2024|accessdate=1 June 2024|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20240527042654/https://www.gamingbible.com/news/assassins-creed-shadows-romance-482460-20240524|archivedate=27 May 2024}}</ref>

===Stealth and assassinations===
''Shadows'' introduces significant changes to its stealth mechanics that will help the protagonists to reduce their visibility and noise. For the first time in the franchise, players will be able to hide themselves in the shadows. These dynamic [[hiding spot]]s enable the protagonists to stealthily navigate enemy-guarded areas under the cover of night, advancing their mission undetected.<ref name="ACSH Stealth article">{{Ubisoft|url=en-us/game/assassins-creed/news/1lmnk4XTnnqRh1foViGYPR|text=Assassin's Creed Shadows - Stealth Gameplay Overview|int=|archivedate=20241121171326|archiveurl=|subdomain=|nobackup=}}</ref>

Steps can be heard by enemies, especially when walking on {{Wiki|nightingale floor}}s; to minimize the noise and avoid detection, players can crouch or go prone and perform different moves to approach their targets, like rolling in all directions, crawling under buildings and closed spaces, or submerging in ponds.<ref name="ACSH Stealth article"/>

Players can perform non-lethal knockouts after grabbing an enemy and execute [[assassination]]s whether their characters are standing, crouching, or prone. As Naoe, they can squeeze through tiny wall cracks, hide inside small storage spaces, and perform double-assassinations once the requirements are met. However, to successfully eliminate higher-level enemies, players must ensure their equipment is adequately upgraded. Without the necessary upgrades, enemies can quickly turn the tables by denying the assassination attempt.<ref name="ACSH Stealth article"/>

===Enemy behavior and archetypes===
Enemies will react to mistakes players might commit as infiltrating heavily guarded areas like castles and fortresses involves navigating different districts as individual sectors, allowing players to recover and re-engage if caught. Nevertheless, once detected, enemies will search the area in pairs and remain more suspicious, making tactics like whistling less effective. This increased suspicion impacts the ability to assassinate from hiding spots. Servants, a new non-lethal enemy archetype, alert guards and raise alarms despite being unable to fight. They have their own patrol routes and appear in orange when using Eagle Vision.<ref name="ACSH Stealth article" />

Samurai present unique challenges, as they have four different "classes"<ref name="ACSH Combat article">{{Ubisoft|url=en-us/game/assassins-creed/news/1zutGco21KjZ5PUe6EYnpf|text=Assassin's Creed Shadows - Combat Gameplay Overview|int=|archivedate=20241211151359|archiveurl=|subdomain=|nobackup=}}</ref> and are more likely to deny assassinations.<ref name="ACSH Stealth article"/> First are the masterless samurai, or ''{{Wiki|rōnin}}'', who are regularly employed by Naoe and Yasuke's enemies. Though they appear disheveled, they will attack on sight if they believe the protagonist's deaths will let them cease their constant roaming the roads in search of contracts to gain a lord's favor.<ref name="ACSH Combat article"/>

Regular samurai can slice bushes when searching, removing hiding options. Samurai are difficult to trick once alerted, being even able to remove hiding spots requiring players to adapt their strategies,<ref name="ACSH Stealth article"/> and can deliver devastating counter-attacks against those caught unprepared.<ref name="ACSH Combat article"/> [[Smoke screen bomb|Smoke bombs]] can be used to disperse samurai for a quick escape. An option in the menu allows for players to instantly kill all enemies once struck.<ref name="ACSH Stealth article"/>

The ''samurai daisho'' are top-tier enemies found only in strongholds like castles. They make use of techniques not seen in other NPC soldiers and the presence of even a single one will present a challenge to players, especially as they often defend areas that contain valuable rewards for the victor. Last are the samurai Guardians, elite troops with ''{{Wiki|men-yoroi}}'' facemasks and white-maned [[helmet]]s who are only called as reinforcements if the castle alarm is raised.<ref name="ACSH Combat article"/>

Other enemy classes will include outlaws, who make up for their poor fighting skills with numbers and unconventional tactics,<ref name="ACSH Combat article"/> and [[Firearm|gun]]-wielding ''{{Wiki|ashigaru}}'',<ref name="Trailer Breakdown"/> conscripted or volunteering foot-soldiers with only basic training who are aggressive towards Naoe and fearful of Yasuke.<ref name="ACSH Combat article"/>

===Open-world exploration===
Although the [[eagle]] companion is absent in this title, its abilities are still present. Naoe and Yasuke both have an ability called "Observe", which allows them to identify targets, tag enemies, and highlight collectables to loot and quest objectives, just like players can do in previous installments with the protagonists' eagle familiar. Additionally, Naoe has exclusive access to the classic Eagle Vision, which she can combine with the Observe ability for enhanced target identification and environmental awareness.<ref name="ACSH Stealth article"/> Creative Director [[Jonathan Dumont]] has compared the size of the map to that of the 2017 game ''[[Assassin's Creed: Origins]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/japan-set-assassins-creed-shadows-is-around-the-same-size-as-assassins-creed-origins|title=Japan-Set Assassin's Creed Shadows Is Around the Same Size as Assassin's Creed Origins|author=Dinsdale, Ryan|publisher=''{{Wiki|IGN}}''|date=15 May 2024|accessdate=18 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516063745/https://www.ign.com/articles/japan-set-assassins-creed-shadows-is-around-the-same-size-as-assassins-creed-origins|archivedate=16 May 2024}}</ref>

The updated and rebranded [[Anvil (game engine)|Ubisoft Anvil]] introduces a dynamic season system where the world transitions through the four seasons, driven by the player's 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 attract enemies or reveal the player's position.<ref name="ACSH Stealth article"/> 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 player movements. Additionally, the game's ecology is detailed, with features like pollen gusts in spring simulating a real ecosystem.<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|publisher=''{{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>

===Gear and combat===
Gadgets and tools set to be present in the game are a [[grappling hook]], ''kunai, [[shuriken]]'', [[Smoke screen bomb|smoke bombs]], and bells.<ref name="IGN 40 Details"/> Weapons range from ''[[katana]], [[kusarigama]]'', and the ''[[tantō]]'' for Naoe, to ''{{Wiki|ōdachi}}, {{Wiki|naginata}}, [[kanabō]]'' war clubs, ''[[yari]]'', and ''{{Wiki|yumi}}'' [[bow]]s for Yasuke.<ref name="ACSH Combat article"/> Some weapons and gadgets are limited to each character, for instance, Yasuke can use ''{{Wiki|Tanegashima (gun)|tanegashima}}<ref name="ACSH Combat article"/> [[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"/><ref name="ACSH Combat article"/> Enemy commanders can be defeated, spared, or recruited as spies, similar to ''Odyssey''{{'}}s [[Mercenary|mercenaries]] system.<ref name="Trailer Breakdown"/> According to ''Insider Gaming'', 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|work=Gaming Bible|publisher={{Wiki|LADbible Group}}|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> Another feature reported to be in the game is the ability to extinguish torches for hiding spots.<ref name="GameRant">{{Cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-stealth-illumination-light-dark-system-explained/|title=Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Stealth System Explained|author=Cotts, Josh|publisher=''GameRant''|date=19 May 2024|accessdate=29 November 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519190105/https://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-stealth-illumination-light-dark-system-explained/|archivedate=19 May 2024}}</ref>

The combat system has been reworked to focus on timing different attack styles against opponents. Both Naoe and Yasuke can employ quick, low-damage light attacks and slower high-damage heavy attacks, or can charge either of them for unique posture attacks. When timed correctly, posture attacks will deliver significantly stronger blows that can break an enemy's block stance and leave them vulnerable. However, enemies will attempt to prevent players from utilizing this with a flurry of counterattacks and can even use it themselves, forcing players to adapt their attack patterns to survive.<ref name="ACSH Combat article"/>

Because medieval Japanese warfare did not rely heavily on [[shield]]s like those seen in ''Origins, Odyssey'', or ''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]'' (2020),<ref name="IGN 40 Details"/> players must defend themselves through positioning or direct weapon blocks. Naoe and Yasuke can dodge, each with their own style: Naoe's lack of plate armor means she can perform directional rolls while Yasuke can sidestep with a cool-down time but still remain ready to fight. If there is insufficient room to dodge, players can try to parry or deflect attacks. Naoe will pivot away from enemies, diverting their lines of attack to expose their flanks, but this constant movement can end with her surrounded if players are not careful.<ref name="ACSH Combat article"/>

In contrast, Yasuke parries in a straight line, slightly knocking back stunned opponents and leaving them open to counterattacks. Unique to Yasuke is the block function, where he can duck behind his equipped weapon to temporarily withstand even ''kunai'' and [[arrow]]s but is still susceptible to enemies' charged "unstoppable" attacks. While both Yasule and Naoe can [[Dual-wielding|dual-wield]], he is the only one who can weapon swap while performing attack combinations, such as drawing his sheathed ''katana'' while using a posture attack with another weapon.<ref name="ACSH Combat article"/>

==Synopsis==
'''''A new creed rises'''''<br>''Live the intertwined stories of Naoe, an adept shinobi Assassin from [[Iga|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 [[Freerunning|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={{Wiki|LADbible Group}}|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> On 25 September, almost two months before ''Shadows''{{'}} expected debut on 15 November, developers released a statement on the ''Assassin's Creed'' Twitter account announcing that they would be delaying its release until 14 February 2025.<ref name="ReleaseDelayTwitter">{{Twitter|assassinscreed|status/1838971189722562906|Assassin's Creed|quote=Assassin's Creed Shadows will now release February 14, 2025. [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GYVWjOWXUAATFMh.jpg pic.twitter.com/J2ah7kkytW]}}</ref> Although the statement did not elaborate on why the team felt they needed to postpone the game, an official press release for investors cited "the softer than expected launch" of their Swedish studio {{Wiki|Massive Entertainment}}'s project ''[[w:c:starwars:Star Wars Outlaws|Star Wars Outlaws]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/assassins-creed-shadows-delay-release-date-star-wars-1851657285|title=Assassin's Creed Shadows Delayed To February Because Of Disappointing Star Wars Outlaws Sales|author=Gach, Ethan|publisher=''{{Wiki|Kotaku}}''|date=26 September 2024|accessdate=26 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Ubisoft|url=8aefmxkxpxwl/5U6140Jg0IaqobyAIIEawC/af3b587a1c81f379d57bc64eefdd0285/PR_Trading_update_25092024_final.pdf|text=Ubisoft updates its financial targets for FY2024-25|int=|archivedate=20240925160803|archiveurl=|subdomain=staticctf|nobackup=}}</ref> Reportedly, the developers of ''Shadows'' had been pushing for a delay for a few months before Ubisoft's announcement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://insider-gaming.com/exclusive-context-around-the-assassins-creed-shadows-delay/|title=EXCLUSIVE – Context Around the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Delay|author=Henderson, Tom|publisher=''Insider Gaming''|date=30 September 2024|accessdate=2 October 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|publisher=''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> On social media, many criticized Ubisoft for having a Black samurai protagonist, mistaking his title of "retainer" to mean that he was not a proper samurai, while others also levied accusations against the company for seemingly over-correcting for Black representation due to systemic {{Wiki|racism in North America}} having resulted 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|publisher=''{{Wiki|Time (magazine)|Time}}''|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> By late-June, Ubisoft CEO [[Yves Guillemot]] issued a statement condemning the backlash directed at both protagonists, calling it "malicious" and "hateful."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/ubisoft-ceo-comments-assassins-creed-shadows-complaints/|title=Ubisoft CEO Speaks Out Against Assassin's Creed Shadows Complaints|author=Bhatnagar, Viraaj|publisher=''Game Rant''|date=28 June 2024|accessdate=6 July 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628163540/https://gamerant.com/ubisoft-ceo-comments-assassins-creed-shadows-complaints/|archivedate=28 June 2024}}</ref>

==Release==
''Assassin's Creed: Shadows'' will release worldwide on 14 February 2025, on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game was originally supposed to release on 15 November 2024 but is delayed as of 25 September 2024.<ref name="ReleaseDelayTwitter"/>

===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"/> alongside the "Who Are Naoe and Yasuke?" trailer which featured a behind the scenes look at the trailer with commentary and interviews from Game Director Charles Benoit and Associate Narrative Director Brooke Davies.<ref>{{Youtube|Nszrx939ZVA|Assassin's Creed Shadows: Who Are Naoe and Yasuke?|Ubisoft|Ubisoft}}</ref> Following this, Ubisoft posted to the official ''Assassin's Creed'' Twitter a cipher that when solved revealed X and Y axes of an outline of the Kansai region.<ref>{{Twitter|AccessTheAnimus|status/1790467696838013430|Access the Animus|quote=Comparing the shape of the graph to various areas of Japan, it does look that it is representing the Kansai region of Japan, that comprises Kyoto and Osaka! Is this going to be the map of the game? What is your opinion about this? [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNkD7ctX0AAkeH4.jpg pic.twitter.com/gEgMlte4z2]}}</ref> On 3 June, an interactive bot was activated on the official ''Assassin's Creed'' Discord called ''Assassin's Creed Shadows – The First Mission''. A mystery puzzle box was also sent to several notable content creators that, when solved using the Discord bot, revealed concept art and details on the game's map.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2024/06/assassins-creed-fans-may-have-already-solved-shadows-first-big-mystery/|title=Assassin’s Creed Fans May Have Already Solved Shadows’ First Big Mystery|author=Rowe, Willa|work={{Wiki|Kotaku}}|publisher={{Wiki|Gawker Media}}|date=6 June 2024|accessdate=9 June 2024|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20240606031012/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2024/06/assassins-creed-fans-may-have-already-solved-shadows-first-big-mystery/|archivedate=6 June 2024}}</ref> The first gameplay trailer was unveiled at the 2024 Xbox Showcase held on 9 June.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-trailer-debuts-at-xbox-games-showcase/1100-6524076/|title=Assassin's Creed Shadows Trailer Debuts At Xbox Games Showcase|author=Makuch, Eddie; Watts, Steve|work={{Wiki|GameSpot}}|publisher={{Wiki|Fandom (website)|Fandom}}|date=9 June 2024|accessdate=10 June 2024|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20240609224132/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-trailer-debuts-at-xbox-games-showcase/1100-6524076/|archivedate=10 June 2024}}</ref>

===Editions===
Ubisoft announced several alternate editions to the standard retail version. However, because of the game's release being delayed from the intended November 2024 until February 2025, the development team decided to cancel the Season Pass.
<tabber>
|-|Limited Edition=
[[File:ACShadows Special Edition JB Hi-Fi.jpg|thumb|250px]]
;JB Hi-Fi exclusive
*Base game
*Naooe [[Sekiryu Character Pack]]
*''Thrown to the Dogs'' (Pre-Order Bonus)
|-|Special Edition=
[[File:ACShadows Special Edition EB Games.jpg|thumb|250px]]
;EB Games exclusive
*Base game
*Yasuke Sekiryu Character Pack
*''Thrown to the Dogs'' (Pre-Order Bonus)
|-|Gold Edition=
[[File:ACShadows Gold Edition cover.jpg|thumb]]
*Base game
*Season pass
*3 days early access
*''Thrown to the Dogs'' (Pre-Order Bonus)
{{-}}
[[File:ACShadows Gold Edition JB Hi-Fi.jpg|thumb|250px]]
;JB Hi-Fi exclusive
*Base game
*Season pass
*3 days early access
*''Thrown to the Dogs'' (Pre-Order Bonus)
*JB Hi-Fi exclusive SteelBook case
*Two sumi-e lithographs (13.5x19 cm / 5.3x7.5 in.)
|-|Ultimate Edition=
[[File:ACShadows Ultimate Edition cover.jpg|thumb]]
*Base game
*Season pass
*3 days early access
*[[Ultimate Pack (Shadows)|Ultimate Pack]]
**Sekiryu Character Pack
**Sekiryu Hideout Pack
*''Thrown to the Dogs'' (Pre-Order Bonus)
**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
*3 days early access
*Ultimate Pack
**Sekiryu Character Pack
**Hideout Pack
**5 Skill points
*Red Dragon Photo Mode filter.
*Naoe and Yasuke dual character statue (about 40 cm / 15.7 in.)
*Unique SteelBook case.
*Collector's art book (84 pages).
*Naoe's katana tsuba (life-sized).
*World map.
*Creed wall scroll (70x30 cm / 27.6x11.8 in.)
*Two sumi-e lithographs (13.5x19 cm / 5.3x7.5 in.)
</tabber>

==Gallery==
<tabber>
|-|Promotional media=
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180">
AC Shadows wallpaper.jpg|Wallpaper
AC Shadows Crest.png|Crest
AC Shadows Crest w Color.png|Crest
AC Shadows Black Crest.png|Crest
ACShadows Official Logo.png|Logo
AC Shadows Logo.png|Logo
AC Shadows Logo v2.png|Logo
AC Shadows Logo v3.png|Logo
ACRed banner.jpg|''Codename Red'' banner art
AC Red.png|''Codename Red'' logo
AC Shadows Cover.png|Main game cover
ACShadows Gold Edition Cover.jpeg|Gold Edition cover
ACShadows Ubisoft France Collaboration Poster.jpg|Assassin's Creed France collaboration poster
ACShadows Fujibayashi Naoe Keyart.png|Naoe Keyart
ACShadows Fujibayashi Naoe Keyart 2.jpg|Naoe Keyart
ACShadows Yasuke Keyart.png|Yasuke Keyart
ACShadows Yasuke Keyart 2.jpg|Yasuke Keyart
ACShadows Naoe Yasuke Key Art.jpg|Keyart
ACShadows Standard Edition Key Art.jpg|Standard Edition Key Art
ACShadows Standard Edition Key Art Textless.jpg|Standard Edition Key Art
ACShadows Gold Edition Key Art.jpg|Gold Edition Key Art
ACShadows Gold Edition Key Art Textless.jpg|Gold Edition Key Art
ACShadows Ultimate Edition Key Art.jpg|Ultimate Edition Key Art
ACShadows Ultimate Edition Key Art Textless.jpg|Ultimate Edition Key Art
</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
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 8.jpg|Naoe overlooking Seiganto-ji at Nachi Falls
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 9.jpg|Yasuke training near a pond
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 10.jpg|Naoe freerunning on a roof at night
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 11.jpg|Naoe freerunning on a roof at dawn
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 12.jpg|Yasuke killing a soldier in winter
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 13.jpg|Yasuke executing a soldier
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 14.jpg|Nanoe preparing to assassinate a servant
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 15.jpg|Yasuke preparing to fight two people in a forest
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 16.jpg|Naoe and her ''shinobi'' allies attacking a target
ACShadows Promotional Screenshot 17.jpg|Promotional image showcasing the seasons system
</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|Naoe 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 Environment Concept 8.jpg|Samurai leaving a city in winter
ACShadows Environment Concept 9.jpg|Naoe visiting a ruined forest shrine
ACShadows Environment Concept 10.jpg|A man fording a stream in fall
ACShadows Environment Concept 11.jpg|A duel at a forest shrine
ACShadows Architecture Concept 1.jpg|A shrine 
ACShadows Architecture Concept 2.jpg|A house
ACShadows Architecture Concept 3.jpg|Sensō-ji
ACShadows Kyoto Winter Concept.jpg|[[Kyoto]] in winter
ACShadows Iga Forest Concept.jpg|Naoe freerunning in a forest in Iga
ACShadows Iga Night Concept.jpg|Iga at night
ACShadows Naoe Outside Takeda Castle Concept.jpg|Naoe outside Takeda Castle in Tanba
ACShadows House Low End Concept.jpg|A simple house interior
ACShadows Daimyo Mansion Concept.jpg|A ''[[daimyō]]''{{'}}s mansion interior
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
Assassin's Creed Shadows Yasuke Naoe Town Overlook - Concept Art.jpg|Yasuke and Naoe overlooking a town and castle
</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
Assassin's Creed Shadows- First Look Gameplay Trailer
-ESRB- Assassin's Creed Shadows Official Gameplay - Combat and Stealth Evolved - Ubisoft Forward
Assassin's Creed Shadows- One Duo - Two Playstyles
Assassin's Creed Shadows- World Trailer
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Stealth Deep Dive- Observe
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Stealth Deep Dive- Eagle Vision
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Stealth Deep Dive- Nightingale Floors 
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Stealth Deep Dive- Prone Assassination
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Stealth Deep Dive- Smoke Bomb
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Stealth Deep Dive- Denied Assassinations
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Stealth Deep Dive- Yasuke Bow
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Combat Deep Dive- Chaining Posture Attacks
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Combat Deep Dive- Block vs. Deflecting
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Combat Deep Dive- Naginata Crescent Strike
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Combat Deep Dive- Sheathed Posture Attack
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Combat Deep Dive- Katana Combat
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Combat Deep Dive- Kusarigama Combat
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Combat Deep Dive- Tanto and Hidden Blade
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Combat Deep Dive- Katana Duel
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Combat Deep Dive- Enemy Flurry and Unstoppable Attacks
</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 Yasuke"/>
*[[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>
*[[Ryan Galletta]] – Narrative Director
*[[Brooke Davies]] – Associate Narrative Director<ref name="Who Are Naoe and Yasuke"/>
*[[Akim Milne]] – Assistant Director of Cinematic Design<ref name="Trailer Breakdown"/>
*[[Thierry Dansereau]] – Art Director
*[[Stéphanie-Anne Ruatta]] – World Director, Historian<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-inside-ubisofts-ambitious-open-world-japan|title=Assassin's Creed Shadows: Inside Ubisoft's Ambitious Open World Japan|author=Purslow, Matt|publisher={{Wiki|IGN}}|date=16 May 2024|accessdate=8 June 2024|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20240517022129/https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-inside-ubisofts-ambitious-open-world-japan|archivedate=17 May 2024}}</ref>
*[[Karl Onnée]] – Lead Producer
*[[Giles Armstrong]] – Senior Writer<ref name="Armstrong">{{Cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gilesarmstrong_now-that-ubisoft-sofia-has-been-confirmed-activity-7196580208504623104-BZVI|title=Publication by Giles Armstrong|author=Armstrong, Giles|publisher=LinkedIn|date=16 May 2024|accessdate=19 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519143517/https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gilesarmstrong_now-that-ubisoft-sofia-has-been-confirmed-activity-7196580208504623104-BZVI|archivedate=19 May 2024}}</ref>
*[[Alissa Ralph]] – Lead Writer<ref name="Armstrong"/>
}}

==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]]