"Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Playable Without Prior AC Games?"

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a monumental addition to the expansive Assassin’s Creed franchise, known for its rich historical settings and intricate narratives. Whether you're diving into the series for the first time with Shadows or returning after a hiatus, here's everything you need to know to get started.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Overlap With Other AC Games? Answered

The Assassin’s Creed series has explored a vast array of historical settings and timelines, with each game typically offering a standalone experience, particularly following Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to 16th-century Japan, a setting distinct from previous entries. The closest in time and setting were Brotherhood and Revelations, which took place in early 16th-century Italy and Constantinople, respectively. Given the significant geographical and temporal distance, Shadows does not directly connect to these or any other Assassin’s Creed games.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Have a Modern-Day Story? Answered

In its early years, the Assassin’s Creed series featured a compelling modern-day storyline that connected the games, with characters like Desmond Miles, voiced by Nolan North, playing a central role. However, as the series evolved, the modern-day narrative struggled to maintain its momentum.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a fresh modern-day storyline, aiming to re-engage fans with a new narrative arc. This means you don't need to be familiar with the previous modern-day stories to enjoy Shadows. The modern-day elements in Shadows are subtle and sparingly used, adding an air of mystery to the overall experience.

Related: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Trophy List (All 55 Trophies)

Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Connected to the Series and Does it Matter If You’ve Played It Before?

While Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn't a direct sequel to any specific game in the series, Ubisoft has woven in elements that pay homage to the franchise's history. Fans will appreciate the Easter eggs, nods, and familiar iconography scattered throughout the game. However, these references are designed to enhance the experience without overwhelming newcomers.

Shadows can be enjoyed as a standalone adventure, yet it includes key elements from the series such as the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars. These connections are introduced gradually, allowing both new and returning players to immerse themselves in the world of Feudal Japan without needing prior knowledge of the series.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.