"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 immerse yourself in Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows), which promises a main campaign lasting around 30-40 hours. During the AC Shadows Showcase Event in Kyoto, Genki Gamer had an exclusive chat with the game's Creative Director, Johnathan Dumont, who shared insights into what players can expect.

Dumont revealed that completing the main storyline will take players approximately 30-40 hours, with an additional 80+ hours of engaging side content. Excitingly, the development team is considering adding a New Game+ mode and other features based on player feedback. This is a much-anticipated addition, especially since fans were disappointed by the absence of New Game+ in AC Valhalla.

Dumont also highlighted AC Shadows' dynamic features, including a world that evolves with changing seasons and weather, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a highly customizable hideout. The game introduces a new Animus story that will seamlessly connect with future Assassin's Creed titles and projects.

Working on a Japanese-themed Assassin’s Creed Game

Dumont expressed the team's enthusiasm for crafting a game set in Japan, a long-held dream finally brought to life. He noted that the natural movement of Japan's landscapes was crucial to their vision, and with current technology, they could now achieve this alongside a captivating narrative.

The game draws inspiration from iconic Japanese films such as 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and works by Kurosawa, though the team has infused these elements with their unique 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 implications in Japanese culture.

Despite the backlash, Dumont emphasized the team's dedication to delivering a top-quality game and showcasing their respect and effort towards their Japanese audience.

Deep Dive Into The Hideout

Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu

On March 5, 2025, AC Shadows offered a detailed 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 for building the Brotherhood.

Dany, the Systems Associate Director for AC Shadows, described the Hideout as a bold and ambitious feature. "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," he explained.

Players will have an acre of land at their disposal to customize, with the ability to place buildings, pavilions, pathways, and local flora and fauna. Dany emphasized the personalization aspect, stating, "We really want players to make the Hideout their own." He added that as players progress through their adventure, new customization options will unlock, reflecting their journey.

A League of Your Own

The Hideout will not only be a customizable space but also a vibrant community hub, housing various characters that assist the player in their mission. Each character comes with their own backstory and challenges, and their presence in the Hideout depends on the player's choices in building placement.

These characters will interact in unique ways, fostering a dynamic environment where players can discover new dialogues and deepen relationships. Dany highlighted the importance of character development within the Hideout, saying, "Having our allies in one place creates opportunities for character development." He shared how the writing team from four different studios collaborated to create compelling interactions, asking, "What would happen if these two characters suddenly became roommates?" The result is a living, breathing space that feels like the heart of the league.

With its rich features and mechanics, Assassin's Creed Shadows promises to deliver an authentic Japanese experience, wrapped in the beloved Assassin's Creed gameplay style.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on Assassin’s Creed Shadows by checking out our dedicated articles.