*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* transports players to an expansive open world set in Feudal Japan, but you won't have immediate access to explore this vast landscape. Here’s when you can start roaming freely in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.
How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue? Answered
Ubisoft has a reputation for creating rich, detailed open worlds, but their games often come with lengthy introductions before the world opens up. In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, however, you won't have to wait as long as in previous titles to dive into the action.
The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the scene and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. This opening segment showcases the Samurai and Shinobi perspectives, respectively, and introduces you to Iga, Naoe's homeland. As Naoe embarks on her journey beyond Iga, the prologue is packed with cinematic set pieces and narrative exposition. You can expect this section to take about an hour and a half to complete.
Once you finish the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, you'll be free to explore the open world.
Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away? Answered
After completing the prologue, you'll find yourself in Izumi Settsu, one of the nine regions available for exploration at the game's launch. Initially, your quests and side activities will be centered around Izumi Settsu, gradually expanding to the north into the Yamashiro province.
While the main storyline might lock Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations at times, you have the freedom to travel to other provinces. However, there are two key factors to consider before venturing out:
Firstly, the availability of quests and activities in these regions is tied to the progression of the story. Heading to regions too early might not offer much to do. Secondly, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, meaning you'll need to reach a certain level to be effective in combat in different areas. You can check the recommended levels for each region on the map; areas marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that you're significantly under-leveled, suggesting that exploring these regions prematurely could result in a challenging, if not impossible, experience due to high-level enemies capable of insta-killing your character.
In summary, while you can technically visit higher-level regions early on, it's advisable to wait until you're adequately prepared to ensure a more enjoyable gaming experience.
