After spending dozens of hours immersed in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, I can confidently say that Ubisoft has delivered something special. Set in 16th-century Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, Shadows doesn’t just give us a new setting—it redefines how the Assassin’s Creed formula can feel fresh again, without losing sight of what fans love most.
A World That Feels Alive and Lived-In
Right out of the gate, Shadows stuns with its breathtaking visuals. The seasonal changes are more than just eye candy—they influence gameplay, affect visibility, and even alter guard behavior. I found myself slowing down to take in the serene beauty of cherry blossoms drifting through the air, or the raw, moody atmosphere of a thunderstorm rolling across the mountains. The world feels reactive, alive, and handcrafted with care. The ambient wildlife—from cranes fishing in shallow rivers to deer clashing antlers in the forest—adds a sense of quiet realism that’s rare in open-world games.
Exploring castle towns, rice paddies, bamboo forests, and hidden shrines never gets old. There’s a gratifying rhythm to discovery here: nothing is simply handed to you. You earn your map knowledge by investigating, listening, and exploring. This design choice rewards curiosity and gives every landmark a sense of importance.
Two Protagonists, Two Distinct Experiences
What really elevates Shadows is its dual protagonist system. You play as both Naoe, an agile shinobi with ties to the Assassin Brotherhood, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai based on the real African retainer who served Oda Nobunaga. Their perspectives are unique, their stories are personal, and their gameplay styles could not be more different.
Naoe is classic Assassin’s Creed. Fast, silent, and lethal in the shadows. Her stealth mechanics are the sharpest the series has ever seen. You can prone in grass, extinguish torches to deepen darkness, and parkour effortlessly across rooftops with the help of a smooth grappling hook. Missions with her often felt like puzzles—observing patrol routes, distracting enemies, and striking at the perfect moment. It’s a true return to form.
Yasuke, on the other hand, is a force of nature. He brings brute strength and raw power, using heavy armor and weapons to crash through enemy lines. His combat is slower but weightier, with parries and shield breaks that feel incredibly satisfying. At first, I missed the mobility when switching to him, but the way he bulldozes through tense combat scenarios quickly won me over.
The interplay between these characters offers constant variety and even encourages different approaches to missions. You’re not just playing the same story twice—you’re experiencing two complementary arcs that feed into a larger, more textured narrative.
Gameplay: Familiar Foundations, Sharpened Edges
If you’ve played the last few AC games, the bones of Shadows will feel familiar—but this time they’ve been sanded down and rebalanced for clarity. Stealth matters more. Enemies are smarter. Combat is slower and more deliberate. There’s even environmental destruction—Yasuke can literally smash through barriers to surprise or overwhelm enemies. It’s more immersive, and it feels like you have real agency.
Traversal has also received subtle upgrades. Movement animations are cleaner, the parkour feels more fluid, and the game finally nails verticality in level design, giving you reasons to climb, dive, and explore in all directions.
There’s also a scout system that allows you to send allies to gather intel or resources—adding a touch of management without ever feeling like busywork. The open world, while vast, is less cluttered than previous entries. That said, some side missions and world events do start to feel repetitive after a while. Ubisoft’s infamous “map bloat” isn’t entirely gone, but it’s toned down considerably.
Story, Characters & Themes
The story leans heavily on themes of identity, displacement, and loyalty. Naoe’s perspective as a loyal assassin whose clan is crushed by Nobunaga gives her journey emotional weight. Yasuke, an outsider who has earned his place among samurai, is a fascinating lens through which to view the politics and culture of the time. Their intersecting stories don’t just push the plot—they offer two distinct lenses on a world undergoing upheaval.
That said, while their personal arcs are strong, the overarching plot doesn’t quite reach the narrative heights of Assassin’s Creed II or Black Flag. It’s serviceable and often engaging, but it occasionally feels like the story is trying to juggle too many threads at once. Still, Naoe and Yasuke themselves are genuinely likable, and that makes a huge difference.
Technical Performance
On a technical level, Shadows runs great on current-gen hardware. Load times are fast, and the game maintains a stable frame rate even in busy cities or chaotic combat scenes. I did encounter a few bugs—occasional texture pop-ins and some rare NPC pathing oddities—but nothing that broke immersion for long.
One gripe: nighttime is really dark. In some areas, it’s difficult to see anything without cranking up the brightness, which somewhat undercuts the stealth fantasy unless you’re adjusting settings constantly.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Score Breakdown
| Aspect | Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics/Visuals | 10 | Stunning lighting, rich environments, dynamic weather and wildlife |
| Setting (Feudal Japan) | 10 | A dream setting for fans, executed with depth and cultural respect |
| Stealth Gameplay | 9 | Among the best in the series—creative, immersive, and satisfying |
| Combat Gameplay | 8 | Weighty and visceral with Yasuke, if a bit less flexible |
| Exploration/World Design | 8 | Massive and beautiful, but has some repetitive filler |
| Dual Protagonists | 9 | Strong, distinct characters that elevate the narrative and gameplay |
| Story | 7 | Compelling character arcs, though the overarching plot is uneven |
| Performance | 9 | Well-optimized with only minor bugs or glitches |
| Innovation | 7 | More of an evolution than a revolution, but a smart refinement |
🟢 Overall Score: 9/10
Final Verdict:
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a triumphant entry that blends the best of old-school AC stealth with the lessons Ubisoft has learned from its more recent RPG-heavy titles. It doesn’t reinvent the formula—but it doesn’t have to. The stellar setting, engaging dual protagonists, and refined systems make it the best AC game in years. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a ninja or samurai in one of the most atmospheric time periods gaming has to offer, this is your moment.
Assassin’s Creed Games in Order of Release
Here is a complete list of all mainline Assassin’s Creed games, ordered by release date, including major spin-offs and notable expansions:
| # | Title | Release Date | Platform(s) | Setting / Time Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assassin’s Creed | Nov 13, 2007 | PS3, Xbox 360, PC | 1191 – Third Crusade, Holy Land |
| 2 | Assassin’s Creed II | Nov 17, 2009 | PS3, Xbox 360, PC | 1476–1499 – Renaissance Italy |
| 3 | AC Brotherhood | Nov 16, 2010 | PS3, Xbox 360, PC | 1499–1507 – Rome, Italian Renaissance |
| 4 | AC Revelations | Nov 15, 2011 | PS3, Xbox 360, PC | 1511–1512 – Constantinople |
| 5 | Assassin’s Creed III | Oct 30, 2012 | PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii U | 1754–1783 – American Revolution |
| 6 | AC IV: Black Flag | Oct 29, 2013 | PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One | 1715–1722 – Caribbean, Golden Age of Piracy |
| 7 | AC Rogue | Nov 11, 2014 | PS3, Xbox 360, PC (later PS4/XO) | 1752–1760 – North Atlantic, Colonial US |
| 8 | AC Unity | Nov 11, 2014 | PS4, Xbox One, PC | 1789–1794 – French Revolution |
| 9 | AC Syndicate | Oct 23, 2015 | PS4, Xbox One, PC | 1868 – Victorian London |
| 10 | AC Origins | Oct 27, 2017 | PS4, Xbox One, PC | 49–43 BCE – Ptolemaic Egypt |
| 11 | AC Odyssey | Oct 5, 2018 | PS4, Xbox One, PC | 431–422 BCE – Ancient Greece |
| 12 | AC Valhalla | Nov 10, 2020 | PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, PC | 872–878 CE – Viking Invasion of England |
| 13 | AC Mirage | Oct 5, 2023 | PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, PC | 861 CE – Baghdad, Islamic Golden Age |
| 14 | AC Shadows | Nov 15, 2024 | PS5, Xbox Series X | S, PC |
📝 Notable Spin-Offs & Mobile Titles
- Assassin’s Creed: Liberation (2012) – PS Vita (linked to AC III)
- Assassin’s Creed Chronicles (2015–2016) – 2.5D trilogy (China, India, Russia)
- AC Identity / AC Rebellion – Mobile RPGs
- Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR (2023) – Virtual Reality entry featuring Ezio, Connor, and Kassandra
Assassin’s Creed Series In Chronological Order
Here’s a chronological timeline of the main Assassin’s Creed games based on their historical settings, not release dates:
🏛️ Ancient History
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Set: 431–422 BCE (Peloponnesian War, Ancient Greece) - Assassin’s Creed Origins
Set: 49–43 BCE (Ptolemaic Egypt, Rise of the Roman Empire)
🏰 Classical & Early Medieval
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Set: 861 CE (Baghdad, during the Islamic Golden Age) - Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Set: 872–878 CE (Viking invasion of England) - Assassin’s Creed (Original)
Set: 1191 CE (Third Crusade, Holy Land)
🏯 Feudal & Renaissance Eras
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Set: Late 1500s (Feudal Japan, Sengoku period) - Assassin’s Creed II
Set: 1476–1499 (Renaissance Italy) - Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood
Set: 1499–1507 (Rome, Italian Renaissance) - Assassin’s Creed Revelations
Set: 1511–1512 (Constantinople, Ottoman Empire)
⚓ Age of Discovery & Revolution
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Set: 1715–1722 (Golden Age of Piracy, Caribbean) - Assassin’s Creed Rogue
Set: 1752–1760 (Seven Years’ War, North Atlantic) - Assassin’s Creed III
Set: 1754–1783 (American Revolution) - Assassin’s Creed Unity
Set: 1789–1794 (French Revolution)
⚙️ Industrial & Modern Ages
- Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
Set: 1868 (Victorian London, Industrial Revolution)
⏳ Modern Day Threads
- Nearly all AC games have modern-day storylines running in parallel with their historical settings.
- The modern narratives typically follow characters like Desmond Miles, Layla Hassan, and others involved in the ongoing conflict between Assassins and Templars.
Diving into the Assassin’s Creed series can be overwhelming for newcomers with its complex timeline spanning thousands of years. While the games were released in a certain order, their historical settings jump around different time periods. The chronological order of the main Assassin’s Creed games begins with Odyssey (set in 431-422 BCE), followed by Origins (49-44 BCE), then Valhalla, before moving to the original Assassin’s Creed and continuing through the series.
Understanding this chronology helps players follow the overarching story that Ubisoft has crafted across multiple civilizations and eras. The series takes us from Ancient Greece through Egypt, Viking Age Norway, the Holy Land during the Crusades, Renaissance Italy, Colonial America, and beyond—all connected through the eternal conflict between Assassins and Templars.
The Assassin’s Creed series spans thousands of years of human history, taking players through various time periods and historical events. Each game follows the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and Templars across different civilizations and eras.
Ancient and Classical Eras
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (431-422 BCE) starts the timeline as the earliest chronological entry. Set in Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War, players control either Alexios or Kassandra, mercenaries who become involved in the early conflict between freedom and order.
The game explores Greek mythology and introduces early forms of the Templar ideology through the Cult of Kosmos. Its DLC “Fate of Atlantis” delves deeper into mythological elements.
Assassin’s Creed Origins (49-44 BCE) follows next, set in Ptolemaic Egypt. This game tells the origin story of the Assassin Brotherhood through Bayek of Siwa and his wife Aya.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Cleopatra’s rise to power and Julius Caesar’s influence in Egypt. Origins introduces the Hidden Ones, the precursor organization to the Assassin Brotherhood, marking the true beginning of the centuries-long conflict with the Order of the Ancients (early Templars).
Middle Ages to Renaissance
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (873 CE) takes place in Dark Ages England during the Viking expansion. Players control Eivor, a Viking raider who becomes entangled in the ancient conflict while establishing a new settlement.
Assassin’s Creed (1191 CE), the first game released in the series, follows Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land. This game established the core mechanics and narrative framework for the franchise.
Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations (1476-1511 CE) form the beloved Ezio trilogy. These games track Ezio Auditore da Firenze’s journey from a young Florentine nobleman to Master Assassin across Renaissance Italy and eventually Constantinople. The trilogy is considered by many fans to be the narrative high point of the series.
Golden Age of Piracy to American Struggle for Independence
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (1715-1722 CE) puts players in control of Edward Kenway, a pirate who stumbles into the Assassin-Templar conflict during the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean. The naval exploration and combat became defining features of future titles.
Assassin’s Creed Rogue (1752-1760 CE) follows Shay Patrick Cormac during The Seven Years’ War. This unique entry allows players to experience the Templar perspective as Shay defects from the Assassins.
Assassin’s Creed III (1754-1783 CE) features Connor Kenway (Ratonhnhaké), Edward’s grandson, during the American Revolution. The game explores the founding of the United States and how both Assassins and Templars influenced this pivotal historical period.
19th Century Historical Conflicts
Assassin’s Creed Unity (1789-1794 CE) is set during the French Revolution. Players control Arno Dorian as he navigates the chaos of revolutionary Paris and witnesses key historical events like the storming of the Bastille.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (1868 CE) features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye in Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution. The game depicts the struggle against Templar control of London’s criminal underworld and industrial exploitation.
The Assassin’s Creed Chronicles trilogy spans multiple settings in this era, including China (1526), India (1841), and Russia (1918), offering side-scrolling adventures with unique artistic styles for each location.
Modern Historical Settings
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2025 release) is set in Feudal Japan, specifically the Edo period. This upcoming title will feature dual protagonists: a shinobi assassin and a samurai.
Most main Assassin’s Creed games also contain present-day storylines that connect the historical narratives. These modern segments follow characters accessing historical memories through the Animus device, continuing the conflict between modern Assassins and Templars (Abstergo Industries).
The series utilizes a science fiction framing device where players experience history through genetic memories stored in DNA, creating a cohesive narrative that spans from ancient times to the present day.
Technical Aspects and Gaming Evolution
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has undergone remarkable technical evolution since its debut, with each entry pushing hardware capabilities and improving gameplay mechanics. These advancements have shaped how players experience the historical worlds across different gaming platforms.
Gameplay and System Requirements
The series has seen significant improvements in combat mechanics, stealth systems, and open-world design. Early titles featured more rigid parkour and combat, while newer games like Odyssey and Valhalla offer fluid movement and RPG-like progression systems.
Modern entries require more powerful hardware to run smoothly. Recent titles support AMD Ryzen processors and Radeon graphics cards with features like Frame Generation and AMD FSR for performance boosts. Games like Valhalla feature Raytraced Global Illumination and HDR support, creating more realistic historical environments.
Most newer titles include Dynamic Resolution Support to balance performance and visual quality. The ESRB ratings consistently mention Blood and Gore and Intense Violence across the series, reflecting the historical conflicts portrayed.
Purchase Options and In-Game Content
Players can choose from various editions when purchasing Assassin’s Creed games. The Standard Edition includes the base game, while Deluxe and Gold editions offer season passes and exclusive content.
The games are available through multiple digital storefronts including Ubisoft Connect, Steam, and Epic Games Store. Physical copies remain available for console players who prefer tangible media.
In-game purchases have become more prevalent in newer titles. Helix Credits serve as the premium currency for cosmetic items and time-savers. Premium Starter Packs offer new players immediate access to powerful gear and resources.
Ubisoft regularly updates the games with free content alongside paid expansions. The most popular items become featured as “Best Sellers” in the in-game store.
Platform and Compatibility
The Assassin’s Creed series maintains wide platform availability. Early titles were limited to Xbox 360 and PS3, but the franchise now spans multiple generations of hardware.
Current titles support PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and cloud gaming services like Amazon Luna. PC versions offer Ultra-Wide Resolution Support and AMD Eyefinity compatibility for multi-monitor setups.
Ubisoft Connect provides cross-save functionality between platforms. This allows players to continue their progress when switching between PC and console versions of the same game.
Older titles have received remasters to ensure compatibility with newer hardware. The Ezio Collection brought the Renaissance trilogy to modern platforms with enhanced visuals and performance improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players often have many questions about the Assassin’s Creed series due to its complex timeline spanning multiple historical periods. The chronological order differs from release order, creating confusion for newcomers to the franchise.
What is the chronological sequence of Assassin’s Creed games?
The chronological sequence of Assassin’s Creed games by historical setting begins with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (431-422 BC), followed by Assassin’s Creed Origins (49-44 BC). The timeline then progresses through the various games in different historical periods.
The modern-day storyline, however, follows the release order of the games. This creates two distinct timelines that players can follow depending on their preferences.
Many fans recommend playing in release order rather than chronological order to better understand the evolving modern-day storyline.
How does the Assassin’s Creed timeline unfold with all related media?
The Assassin’s Creed timeline extends beyond just the games to include books, comics, and movies. These additional media often fill gaps between games or expand on characters’ backstories.
Some novels provide direct tie-ins to specific games, while others explore entirely new historical settings not seen in the games. The movie exists in the same universe but follows different characters.
The extended timeline creates a rich tapestry of Assassin and Templar conflicts throughout human history.
Which Assassin’s Creed game should be played first for historical accuracy?
For strict historical accuracy, players would start with Odyssey (set in Ancient Greece), then move to Origins (Ancient Egypt). However, this approach isn’t recommended for newcomers.
Most series veterans suggest starting with either the original Assassin’s Creed or Assassin’s Creed II. These games establish core concepts and introduce the Animus technology that frames the entire series.
The original games also provide important context for understanding the Assassin-Templar conflict that drives the overall narrative.
Are the Assassin’s Creed Chronicles games included in the main timeline?
The Assassin’s Creed Chronicles games (China, India, and Russia) are considered part of the main timeline but as spin-offs rather than core entries. They feature 2.5D gameplay instead of the open-world design of the main series.
These games explore interesting historical periods like 16th century China, 19th century India, and early 20th century Russia. They connect to the broader narrative while telling more focused stories.
Each Chronicles game features a different protagonist with connections to the Assassin Brotherhood.
What is the order of the Assassin’s Creed games by their historical settings?
The order by historical setting is: Odyssey (Ancient Greece), Origins (Ancient Egypt), Valhalla (Viking Age), Assassin’s Creed (Third Crusade), Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations (Renaissance Italy/Constantinople).
This continues with Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (Golden Age of Piracy), Rogue (Seven Years’ War), Assassin’s Creed III (American Revolution), Unity (French Revolution), and Syndicate (Victorian London).
The Chronicles games fit at various points: China (16th century), India (19th century), and Russia (early 20th century).
How does Assassin’s Creed Rogue fit into the chronological order of the series?
Assassin’s Creed Rogue serves as a bridge between Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed III. Set during the Seven Years’ War (1752-1763), it follows former Assassin Shay Patrick Cormac who defects to the Templars.
The events in Rogue directly connect to Assassin’s Creed III and Unity. The game’s ending ties into the beginning of Unity, showing how the stories interconnect across different historical periods.
Rogue offers a unique perspective by allowing players to experience the conflict from the Templar side, providing deeper insight into the nuanced struggle between the two factions.
