*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* immerses players in a vast open world set in Feudal Japan, yet the freedom to explore this expansive environment isn't granted immediately. Here’s when you can start your journey across the open world in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.
How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue?
Ubisoft has a reputation for creating detailed open worlds, but often with lengthy introductions before players can dive into them. In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the wait isn’t as long as in some previous entries. The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the stage for the narrative and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, representing the Samurai and Shinobi perspectives respectively. This section also introduces Iga, Naoe's homeland, and marks the beginning of her journey beyond this region. Expect the prologue to take around an hour and a half, filled with epic scenes and essential exposition.
Once you complete the “From Spark to Flame” Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the world opens up for exploration.
Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away?
Upon gaining access to the open world, you'll find yourself in the Izumi Settsu region, one of the nine regions available at launch. Initially, quests and activities will be focused here before expanding to the Yamashiro province to the north.
While the story and certain quests may temporarily restrict Naoe and Yasuke to specific areas, you can generally venture into other provinces. However, two main factors may discourage early exploration:
- Lack of Quests and Activities: Since quests for different regions unlock as you progress through the story, venturing out prematurely might not offer much to do.
- Level Requirements: *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, requiring players to reach certain levels to effectively combat enemies in different regions. The map displays level requirements with a red diamond icon, indicating areas where you're under-leveled. Venturing into these zones too early can result in challenging encounters, with some enemies capable of instant kills.
In summary, while you can technically explore regions meant for higher levels prematurely, it's advisable to wait until you're adequately prepared to ensure a more enjoyable gaming experience.
