"Assassin's Creed Shadows: 30-40 Hours for Main Campaign, New Game+ Considered"

Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises an immersive journey through feudal Japan, offering players approximately 30–40 hours to complete the main campaign, with New Game+ under consideration for post-launch updates. Dive into the creative vision behind the game and explore the intricacies of the all-new customizable Hideout.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Playthrough Duration Revealed

Main Campaign Duration: 30–40 Hours of Core Story Content

According to Creative Director Johnathan Dumont, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will deliver a robust main campaign lasting between 30 to 40 hours. This estimate was shared during the AC Shadows Showcase Event in Kyoto, where Dumont also highlighted over 80 additional hours of side content for players seeking a deeper experience.

The development team is actively considering the addition of a New Game+ mode in future updates, responding to long-standing community feedback. The absence of such a feature in AC Valhalla was a notable disappointment for many fans, making its potential inclusion in Shadows a welcome possibility.

Beyond gameplay length, Dumont emphasized the game’s dynamic environment—featuring evolving seasons and realistic weather systems—alongside innovative mechanics and an expanded, fully customizable Hideout. The narrative also introduces a new Animus storyline designed to connect future entries in the Assassin’s Creed universe, setting the stage for a broader, interconnected saga.

Crafting a Japanese-Themed Assassin’s Creed Experience

For the development team, creating a game rooted in Japanese culture and history has been a long-held aspiration. Dumont explained that the natural beauty and movement of Japan’s landscapes demanded advanced technology to portray authentically—technology that is now within reach. Combined with a compelling narrative, this vision has come to life in AC Shadows.

The game draws inspiration from classic Japanese cinema, including films like 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and the works of Akira Kurosawa, blending cinematic storytelling with the signature Assassin’s Creed gameplay. While acknowledging the online discourse surrounding the portrayal of Yasuke, the Black samurai, the team remains committed to respectful representation and delivering a high-quality experience for all players—especially fans in Japan.

Dumont reiterated that the team’s focus remains on honoring the culture and history they’re portraying, aiming to showcase the depth of research and dedication invested in the project.

A Deep Dive Into the Hideout

The Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu

On March 5, 2025, the official Assassin’s Creed Shadows website unveiled an in-depth look at the Hideout, located in the secluded valley of Izumi Settsu province. Serving as the player’s central base of operations, this Hideout marks a significant evolution in base-building mechanics within the franchise.

Dany, Systems Associate Director, described the Hideout as “pretty ambitious,” noting that after exploring fortresses, villas, pirate coves, and mobile bases in past titles, the team aimed to take a bold leap forward. “We wanted to give players complete freedom to build their own homebase,” he said.

Players begin with a blank acre of land, which they can fully customize by placing buildings, pavilions, pathways, gardens, and native flora and fauna. As players progress through the game, new customization options unlock, ensuring that the Hideout evolves alongside the player’s journey. “We really want players to make the Hideout their own,” Dany added.

A League of Your Own: Characters and Interactions

The Hideout isn’t just a base—it’s a living, breathing sanctuary for the Brotherhood. It will house a diverse cast of characters, each with unique backstories and personal arcs. Their placement within the Hideout depends on their interests and roles: warriors train in the Dojo, while others unwind with sake in the Zashiki lounge.

These character placements foster organic interactions, allowing players to discover dynamic dialogue and unexpected moments between allies. “Having our allies in one place creates opportunities for real character development,” Dany explained. The writing team—drawn from four global studios—collaborated to craft authentic, engaging interactions, asking questions like, “What happens if these two characters suddenly become roommates?”

The result is a Hideout that feels like the beating heart of the Brotherhood—personal, evolving, and deeply connected to the player’s story.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set for release on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the latest updates and exclusive content, stay tuned to our coverage. [ttpp]