Assassin's Creed Shadows Takes 30-40 Hours to Beat the Main Campaign, with New Game+ Under Consideration

Get ready for an immersive adventure with *Assassin's Creed Shadows*, which promises a main campaign playthrough of around 30-40 hours. As we delve into the details shared at the AC Shadows' Showcase Event in Kyoto, it's clear the team is passionate about delivering a comprehensive gaming experience.

Main Campaign Will Be Around 30-40 Hours

During the showcase, AC Shadows' Creative Director, Johnathan Dumont, revealed that players can expect to spend 30-40 hours completing the main campaign. For those eager to explore further, over 80 hours of side content awaits. Dumont also mentioned the team's consideration of a New Game+ mode and other exciting additions, responding to player feedback and addressing the absence of New Game+ in AC Valhalla.

Dumont highlighted the game's dynamic world, featuring seasons and weather systems, along with new gameplay mechanics and an expansive, customizable hideout. *Assassin's Creed Shadows* will also introduce a new Animus story that connects to future AC games and projects, adding depth to the series' narrative.

Working on a Japanese-themed Assassin’s Creed Game

The dream of crafting a game set in Japan has been a long-held ambition for the AC Shadows team. Dumont shared that the setting required a natural movement in the game world, a vision now possible with current technology. The game draws inspiration from iconic Japanese films like *13 Assassins*, *Sekigahara*, *Zatoichi*, and Kurosawa's masterpieces, while adding a unique *Assassin's Creed* twist.

Acknowledging the online controversies, particularly around the inclusion of Yasuke, the black samurai, Dumont emphasized the team's commitment to delivering a top-notch game and showcasing their dedication to Japanese fans.

Deep Dive Into The Hideout

Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu

On March 5, 2025, *Assassin's Creed Shadows* offered a detailed look at the Hideout, nestled in the secluded valley of Izumi Settsu province. This will serve as the player's base of operations, where they can nurture the Brotherhood. Systems Associate Director Dany described the Hideout as an ambitious project, saying, "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."

Players will have the freedom to customize an entire acre of land, from buildings to pathways, and even local flora and fauna. As players progress, new customization options unlock, allowing the Hideout to evolve with their journey.

A League of Your Own

The Hideout will not only be a customizable space but also a home for various characters, each with their own stories and challenges. These characters will interact with the environment based on the player's design choices, such as warriors spending time in the Dojo or others enjoying sake in the Zashiki.

This dynamic environment fosters new dialogue and character development, making the Hideout feel alive and central to the game's narrative. Dany explained, "Having our allies in one place creates opportunities for character development... 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 these features and mechanics, *Assassin's Creed Shadows* promises to deliver an authentic Japanese experience within the *Assassin's Creed* universe.

*Assassin's Creed Shadows* is set to launch on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on this highly anticipated game.