Assassin's Creed Shadows: Overview & Critic Reception
This is a research-based overview compiled from publisher information, official patch notes and published critic reception. It is not a hands-on review and ParryStack assigns no score of its own. How we research and verify · Report an error
Critic reception
Metacritic (critic aggregate): 85 (Xbox Series X) · 81 (PS5) · 80 (Switch 2) · 79 (PC)
Source: Metacritic, checked 12 Oct 2026. These are third-party critic scores, not ParryStack ratings.
Summary
Two playable protagonists with different strengths, a Kansai-region open world with changing seasons, and scout-based target hunting. Critic scores vary by platform: 79 (PC), 81 (PS5), 85 (Xbox Series X/S), 80 (Switch 2) on Metacritic.
Two Protagonists
Naoe and Yasuke play differently. Naoe can go prone and crawl through small openings, hide in shadows, submerge in shallow water, shoot out lit lanterns with shuriken, and use a grappling hook for traversal. Yasuke is the direct-combat character. Both can use Observe to gather information on targets, and you can switch between them during missions.
World and Seasons
The map covers the Kansai region and is comparable in size to Assassin's Creed Origins. The seasons change the environment and have gameplay consequences: in winter, ponds and shallow water where Naoe can hide freeze over. Targets and key NPCs are not shown at the start; you use scouts and clues to narrow them down.
Story and Setting
Naoe seeks revenge for her father's death and the theft of a box; Yasuke serves Oda Nobunaga until his death. They later oppose the Templar Order (led in Japan by Nuno Caro) and the Shinbakufu (led by Ashikaga Yoshiaki). According to Wikipedia, the game states that Yasuke was originally from Mozambique.
Reception and Post-Launch
Metacritic scores differ by platform: 79 on PC, 81 on PS5, 85 on Xbox Series X/S and 80 on Switch 2. The paid expansion Claws of Awaji (Ubisoft Bordeaux) released on 16 September 2025, and free Story Drops continued until June 2026. Ubisoft reported more than 5 million players by July 2025.
Verdict
Assassin's Creed Shadows has a stealth character and a combat character you can switch between, and a scout-driven hunt for targets across a seasonal map. See the game hub and beginner guide.
Pros & Cons
- Two protagonists: Naoe (stealth) and Yasuke (direct combat)
- Seasons that change gameplay as well as visuals
- Scout-based target hunting instead of marked objectives
- Released on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Mac and Switch 2
- Paid expansion Claws of Awaji plus free Story Drops
- Metacritic scores vary by platform: 79 (PC) to 85 (Xbox Series X/S)
- Targets are not marked on the map, so you need scouts and clues to find them
Sources & fact-check
Release facts, mechanics and boss details on this page were checked against these sources on 12 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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