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

Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a substantial main campaign estimated at 30-40 hours of gameplay, with the possibility of a New Game+ mode in future updates. Discover more about the game's vision and an in-depth look at its unique Hideout.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Playthrough Duration Revealed

A 30-40 Hour Main Campaign Awaits

Prepare for an immersive journey! Creative Director Jonathan Dumont revealed during the Kyoto Showcase Event that Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) boasts a main campaign clocking in at approximately 30-40 hours. Beyond the main story, players can expect over 80 hours of engaging side content. Furthermore, the team is actively considering a highly requested New Game+ mode, and other potential additions based on player feedback—a feature notably absent in AC Valhalla, much to the disappointment of many fans.

Dumont highlighted key features, including a dynamic world with realistic seasons and weather systems, innovative gameplay mechanics, a vastly expanded and customizable Hideout, and a compelling new Animus story that will intertwine with future Assassin’s Creed games and projects.

A Japanese-Themed Assassin’s Creed Dream Realized

The development team behind AC Shadows harbored a long-held ambition to create a Japan-centric Assassin’s Creed game. Dumont explained that the technological advancements now allow for the realistic depiction of Japan's natural world, coupled with a captivating narrative, making this vision a reality.

Drawing inspiration from classic Japanese films like 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and Kurosawa's works, the team has infused these influences with a distinctly Assassin’s Creed style. Dumont acknowledged the online discourse surrounding the game, particularly concerning the inclusion of Yasuke, and emphasized the team's commitment to addressing fair criticism. Their primary focus remains on delivering a high-quality game that showcases their dedication to Japanese players.

A Deep Dive into the Hideout: Your Customizable Sanctuary

The Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu

On March 5th, 2025, AC Shadows unveiled a detailed look at the Hideout’s features and mechanics. Nestled within the secluded valley of Izumi Settsu province, this serves as the player's base of operations, a central hub for building the Brotherhood.

Systems Associate Director, Dany, described the Hideout as "pretty ambitious." He explained that after creating fortresses, villas, and various other locations in previous titles, the team aimed for a bold step forward, offering players unparalleled freedom to customize their home base.

Players receive an entire acre of land to personalize, placing buildings, pavilions, pathways, and even local flora and fauna. Dany emphasized the team's desire for players to truly "make the Hideout their own," with customization options expanding as the player progresses through the game, reflecting their journey.

A League of Your Own

The Hideout will house various characters, each with their own backstories and challenges. The placement of buildings influences which characters reside there, creating dynamic interactions. For example, combat-focused characters might gravitate towards the Dojo, while others enjoy a drink in the Zashiki.

This design choice fosters unique dialogues between characters, bringing the Hideout to life as a true home for your allies. Dany highlighted the collaborative effort of writers from four different studios, who crafted interactions based on scenarios like, "What would happen if these two characters suddenly became roommates?" This adds depth and personality to the Hideout, solidifying it as the beating heart of your league.

With its immersive features and authentic Japanese setting, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises a captivating experience. The game launches March 20th, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay informed on the latest news by checking our related articles!