Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Playable Without Prior AC Experience

*Assassin's Creed Shadows* is a monumental addition to an expansive franchise with a rich history. Whether you're stepping into the world of *Assassin's Creed* 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* timeline is a vast journey through different continents and epochs, with each title typically standing alone in its narrative and setting, particularly following *Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag*. *Assassin's Creed Shadows* takes you to 16th-century Japan, a setting far removed in both time and place from the closest related games, *Brotherhood* and *Revelations*, which were set in the early 1500s in Italy and Constantinople. Consequently, *Shadows* does not intersect with these or any other games in the series.

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

In the early days of the *Assassin's Creed* series, which began on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, there was a continuous modern-day storyline, famously featuring Nolan North's character, Desmond Miles. Over time, the modern-day narratives in subsequent *Assassin's Creed* games have faced challenges in maintaining their appeal.

*Assassin's Creed Shadows* introduces a brand-new modern-day storyline aimed at re-engaging fans. This means you don't need to be familiar with previous modern-day plots to enjoy *Shadows*. However, the modern-day elements in *Shadows* are subtle and sparingly used, adding an air of mystery to the game.

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 nods to the franchise's history. You'll find Easter eggs, familiar imagery, and iconic elements that will thrill long-time fans without overwhelming newcomers.

*Shadows* can be enjoyed as a standalone adventure, yet it includes key elements like the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templar Order. These connections are introduced gradually, allowing both new and returning players ample time to immerse themselves in the world of Feudal Japan without needing to know the broader *Assassin's Creed* universe beforehand.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is now available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, inviting players into a new chapter of this storied franchise.