Assassin’s Creed Shadows will have around 30-40 hours of main campaign playthrough, with New Game+ considered for future updates. Read to learn more about the team’s vision for the game and a deep dive into the Hideout.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Playthrough Duration Revealed
Main Campaign Will Be Around 30-40 Hours
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) will have 30-40 hours of main campaign for players to enjoy. During AC Shadows’ Showcase Event in Kyoto, Genki Gamer spoke with AC Shadows' Creative Director Johnathan Dumont about what to expect for the game.
According to Dumont, the game will require players around 30-40 hours to finish the main campaign, as well as 80+ hours worth of side content. Additionally, the team is looking to add a New Game+ mode and other modes based on player feedback. This was something players looked forward to, especially because AC Valhalla never got a New Game+, which disappointed a lot of fans.
Dumont also pointed out AC Shadows’ features, boasting its dynamic world with seasons and weather systems, new gameplay mechanics, a newly expanded customizable hideout, and more. The game will have a new Animus story that ties in future AC games and projects.
Working on a Japanese-themed Assassin’s Creed Game
Dumont revealed that the team behind AC Shadows wanted to create the game centered around Japan, and it was a dream for them to work on it. He explained that the setting of Japan needed movement in the natural world, and now, the technology to feature it is available, along with a compelling story to tell.
The game is inspired by Japanese movies such as 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and Kurosawa films, but the team added their own AC spin on it. Dumont acknowledged that they see the online controversy surrounding the game and try to take on fair criticism. It is well known that AC Shadows has received multiple backlashes regarding Yasuke’s inclusion in the game as a black samurai, as it is a point of contention in Japanese history and culture.
Regardless, Dumont said that the team is focused on delivering an outstanding game and wants to show their Japanese fans the effort they put into it.
Deep Dive Into The Hideout
Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu
On March 5, 2025, AC Shadows posted a deep dive into the Hideout's features and mechanics on their official website. The Hideout is secluded in the secret valley of Izumi Settsu province and will be the players’ base of operations as they build up the Brotherhood in that area.
Dany, AC Shadows’ Systems Associate Director, elaborated, "It's pretty ambitious.," He said, "After fortresses, villas, homesteads, pirate coves, café-theatres, moving trains, ships, settlements, assassin bureaus... We knew that if we wanted to make anything new on that front, we had to take a bold step forward. That meant giving players the option to build their homebase with complete freedom."
Players will be given an acre of land to fully customize, placing buildings, pavilions, pathways, local flora and fauna, and more. Dany noted, "We really want players to make the Hideout their own." He added, "Throughout your adventure, most of the content for customization keeps unlocking as you progress, so your customization options will truly reflect your journey."
A League of Your Own
The Hideout will be able to house various characters that will help the player in their cause, each having their backstories and challenges to overcome. These characters will occupy the Hideout depending on the placements of buildings and areas they are inclined with, such as characters akin to fighting spending their time in the Dojo, or others having a drink of sake in the Zashiki.
This also allows players to discover new dialogue between characters, making the Hideout dynamic and feel like a true home for your allies. Dany emphasized, "Having our allies in one place creates opportunities for character development,". He continued, "We gathered the writers (from 4 different studios all over the world) in a meeting and had them create interactions inspired by questions like, 'What would happen if these two characters suddenly became roommates?' I really love all the cool little moments they came up with. It makes the Hideout feel like the beating heart of the league."
With the features and mechanics the developers have covered so far, Assassin's Creed Shadows looks to be a game that will satisfy players who crave an authentic Japanese experience, Assassin’s Creed-style.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to be released on March 20, 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. To stay up to date with the latest information on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, check out our article below!
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows Creative Director Interview with Genki
Assassin's Creed Shadows - Deep Dive into the Hideout
