Assassin's Creed Shadows: Playable Without Prior AC Experience?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is a monumental addition to a franchise with a rich and expansive history. Whether you're stepping into the world of *Assassin’s Creed* for the first time with *Shadows* or returning after a break, here's what you need to know to dive in seamlessly.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Overlap With Other AC Games? Answered

Image via Xbox Wire. The Assassin’s Creed timeline spans continents and centuries, with each game generally offering a standalone experience, especially following Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in 16th-century Japan, a period and location far removed from the settings of previous games like Brotherhood and Revelations, which were set in early 16th-century Italy and Constantinople. As a result, Shadows does not share direct connections with other titles in the series.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Have a Modern-Day Story? Answered

In its early years on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the Assassin’s Creed series included a modern-day narrative that connected the games, with characters like Desmond Miles, voiced by Nolan North, playing a pivotal role. However, as the series progressed, these modern-day stories have faced challenges in maintaining their narrative strength.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a brand-new modern-day storyline, aiming to recapture the interest of fans. You don't need to be familiar with the previous modern-day plots to enjoy Shadows. That said, the modern-day elements in Shadows are sparse and shrouded in mystery, adding an intriguing layer to the experience.

Related: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Trophy List (All 55 Trophies)

Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Connected to the Series and Does it Matter If You’ve Played It Before?

Naoe receives her Hidden Blade in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft. While Shadows isn't a direct sequel to any specific Assassin’s Creed game, Ubisoft pays homage to the series' history with Easter eggs, nods, and iconic imagery that will delight long-time fans without overwhelming newcomers.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows can be enjoyed as a standalone adventure, yet it includes key elements from the broader series such as the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars. These connections unfold gradually, allowing both new and returning players ample time to immerse themselves in the world of Feudal Japan without needing prior knowledge of the series.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.