Assassin's Creed Shadows: Beginner's Guide

Getting Started

You have two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, and you can switch between them, including during missions. Each has their own weapons and skill trees, so decide early which one you want to invest in first, but expect to use both.

Naoe vs. Yasuke

Naoe is the stealth character: she can go prone and crawl through small openings, hide in shadows, breathe through a bamboo stick in shallow water, shoot out lit lanterns with shuriken, and use a grappling hook for traversal. Yasuke is the direct combat character. Weapons across the game include the katana, kanabo, naginata, kusarigama, yumi bow, teppo matchlock rifle, shuriken and kunai, and each weapon has its own skill tree.

Finding Targets

The exact locations of targets and key NPCs are hidden by default. Vantage points reveal points of interest instead of marking objectives, and you recruit and deploy scouts who narrow locations down from clues. Both characters can use Observe to gather information on targets. Missions are non-linear, so you choose the order.

Seasons

Seasons change the world and some mechanics. For example, ponds and shallow water where Naoe can submerge and hide freeze over in winter, so plan alternative hiding spots in that season.

The Antagonists: Shinbakufu and Templars

The main opposition consists of the Templar Order, led in Japan by Nuno Caro, and the Shinbakufu, a group led by the former shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki. Both are involved in the search for the Imperial Regalia. The expansion Claws of Awaji adds the Sanzoku Ippa outlaws on Awaji Island, who are affiliated with the Templars, and the Black Cross inquisitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which platforms is it on?
A: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and macOS (20 March 2025), and Nintendo Switch 2 (2 December 2025). An iPad version has been announced as to be confirmed.

Q: Is there DLC?
A: Yes. The paid expansion Claws of Awaji (Ubisoft Bordeaux, set on Awaji Island, about a 10-hour story) released on 16 September 2025. Free Story Drops added quests, crossovers and a Nightmare difficulty, with the final major update in June 2026.

Q: Is Yasuke a real historical figure?
A: Yes. Yasuke was an African man who entered Oda Nobunaga's service in 1581 and served until Nobunaga's death in 1582; the game portrays his role in a fictionalised story.

Q: Do I need to play earlier Assassin's Creed games?
A: No. The story takes place in a new setting with new main characters.