AC: Shadows Campaign - Intense, Shorter, Packed with Meaningful Locations

Fans of Assassin's Creed Valhalla have voiced concerns about the game's extensive plot and plethora of side quests, prompting Ubisoft to refine their approach in the upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows. The developers have taken these critiques to heart, aiming to create a more streamlined and engaging experience.

Game director Charles Benoit revealed in an interview that the main campaign of Shadows is expected to take around 50 hours to complete. For those eager to delve into every region and tackle all side quests, the total playtime could extend to approximately 100 hours. This is a notable reduction from Valhalla, which required at least 60 hours for the main story and up to 150 hours for full completion.

Ubisoft's focus has shifted towards curating a more balanced mix of narrative and optional content in Shadows. The goal is to prevent player fatigue while preserving the depth and richness of the game's world. This approach aims to cater to both players who enjoy thorough exploration and those who prefer a more direct focus on the storyline, ensuring that neither group feels compelled to invest hundreds of hours to experience the game fully.

Game director Jonathan Dumont shared insights into the development process, highlighting the team's research trip to Japan. This journey profoundly influenced the design of Shadows, with the team being particularly struck by the grandeur of Japanese castles, the layered mountain landscapes, and the dense forests. Dumont noted, "The sheer size of these fortresses makes you say, 'I didn't expect this scale.' We came to the conclusion that much more realism and attention to detail were required."

One of the key changes in Shadows is the more realistic representation of world geography. Players will need to travel longer distances between points of interest to fully appreciate the open landscapes. Unlike Assassin's Creed Odyssey, where points of interest were often closely packed, Shadows will feature a more open and natural world. This design choice will enhance the travel experience, making each location more distinct and detailed.

Dumont emphasized that Shadows will offer a higher level of detail, allowing players to immerse themselves fully in the Japanese atmosphere. This commitment to realism and depth aims to create a more authentic and engaging gaming experience for fans of the Assassin's Creed series.