Explore Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Open World: When?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* invites players into a sprawling open world set in Feudal Japan. However, before you can fully immerse yourself in this vast landscape, you must first 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 creating expansive open worlds, yet often prefaces these with lengthy introductions. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* keeps the wait shorter than some of its predecessors. The game begins with a prologue that sets the scene and introduces the dual protagonists: Yasuke, the Samurai, and Naoe, the Shinobi. This segment not only acquaints players with Iga, Naoe’s homeland, but also sets her on a journey beyond its borders. Expect to spend about an hour and a half navigating through epic set pieces and narrative exposition.

Once you complete the “From Spark to Flame” Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the game world opens up for more free exploration.

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

Upon gaining access to the open world, you'll find yourself in the Izumi Settsu region, one of the nine explorable areas available at launch. Initially, quests and side activities will be centered around Izumi Settsu before gradually extending to the Yamashiro province to the north.

While the narrative and specific quests may tether Naoe and Yasuke to certain locations, you can venture into other provinces. However, two key factors might discourage early exploration. Firstly, the availability of quests and activities in these regions is tied to story progression, meaning you might not find much to do if you venture too soon. Secondly, due to the RPG elements in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, regions have recommended level requirements. These can be identified on the map by a number inside a red diamond, indicating that you are significantly underleveled for that area. Entering such regions prematurely can lead to challenging encounters where even the weakest enemies pose a significant threat.

In summary, while you can technically explore higher-level regions early on, it's advisable to wait until you're adequately leveled to ensure a more enjoyable and less frustrating experience.