Home News When Can You Explore the Open World in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered

When Can You Explore the Open World in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered

Author: Sarah Apr 03,2025

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* transports players into the expansive and beautifully crafted open world of Feudal Japan. However, before you can freely roam this vast landscape, you'll need to navigate through the game's prologue. Here's when you can start exploring the open world in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue? Answered

Ubisoft has a history of introducing players to richly detailed open worlds, but often after a lengthy introduction. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* keeps the wait relatively short. The prologue serves as an introduction to the game’s setting and its dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. It offers an initial glimpse into the lives of the Samurai and Shinobi, as well as the region of Iga, Naoe’s homeland. This opening sequence, filled with both epic set pieces and crucial exposition, is designed to take approximately an hour and a half to complete.

After finishing the “From Spark to Flame” Quest and establishing your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the game world opens up, allowing you to explore more freely.

Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away? Answered

Naoe prepares to observe an area after synchronizing in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, via Ubisoft

Naoe prepares to observe an area after synchronizing in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, via Ubisoft

Once you gain access to the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you'll start in the Izumi Settsu region, one of the nine named areas available at launch. Initially, most of your quests and activities will be centered here, gradually expanding northwards to the Yamashiro province.

While the narrative and specific quests may occasionally anchor Naoe and Yasuke to certain locations, you can venture into other provinces. However, there are key considerations that might deter you from exploring too early. Firstly, the lack of quests and activities in regions that haven't been unlocked in the storyline might make early visits less rewarding. Additionally, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, meaning you'll need to reach a certain level to effectively engage with enemies in different provinces. You can check the recommended levels for each region on the map, where a red diamond with a number indicates you're significantly under-leveled for that area. Attempting to explore these zones prematurely could lead to challenging and potentially frustrating encounters, as some enemies could pose an instant threat.

In summary, while you have the technical ability to travel to higher-level regions early on, it's generally advised to progress through the story and level up accordingly to ensure a more enjoyable gaming experience.