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

Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks another thrilling chapter in the expansive Assassin’s Creed franchise, captivating both newcomers and seasoned fans alike. If you're diving into Shadows as your first Assassin’s Creed experience or revisiting the series after a hiatus, here's everything you need to know to enhance your journey through this epic game.

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

The Assassin’s Creed series spans continents and centuries, offering a rich tapestry of narratives and settings. Since Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, most entries have operated as standalone stories, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues this tradition. Set in 16th-century Japan, Shadows diverges significantly in both time and location from earlier games such as Brotherhood and Revelations, which were set in early 16th-century Italy and Constantinople. Thus, there is no direct overlap with other titles in the series.

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

In its early years on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the Assassin’s Creed franchise intertwined a compelling modern-day storyline, prominently featuring Desmond Miles, voiced by Nolan North. However, as the series evolved, the modern-day narrative struggled to maintain its momentum.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a fresh modern-day storyline aimed at re-engaging fans. This new narrative is sparse and shrouded in mystery, ensuring that you don’t need prior knowledge of the modern-day stories from previous games to fully enjoy Shadows.

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 is not a direct sequel to any specific game, it doesn’t ignore the franchise’s rich history. Ubisoft includes Easter eggs, nods, and iconic imagery that will thrill longtime fans without overwhelming new players. Key elements like the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars are woven into the fabric of Shadows, though these connections unfold gradually, allowing ample time for both new and returning players to immerse themselves in the world of Feudal Japan.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is designed to stand on its own, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience whether you’re a veteran of the series or a fresh recruit to the Brotherhood.

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