Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Playable Without Prior AC Experience

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a monumental entry in one of gaming’s most expansive and historically rich franchises. Whether you're stepping into the series for the first time or returning after a hiatus, Shadows offers a fresh yet familiar experience rooted in the core identity of Assassin’s Creed.

Image via Xbox Wire

The Assassin’s Creed universe spans continents and centuries, with each title typically set in a unique historical period. Since Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, many entries have stood on their own in terms of narrative and setting.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to 16th-century Japan, during the Sengoku period—a time of civil war and political upheaval. This places it far removed from previous titles like Brotherhood and Revelations, which were set in early 16th-century Italy and Constantinople. Given this significant temporal and geographic distance, Shadows does not share direct narrative overlap with other games in the series.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Feature a Modern-Day Storyline?

In earlier generations of the franchise—particularly during the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era—the modern-day storyline was a consistent thread linking the games. Fans will recall the iconic portrayal of Desmond Miles by Nolan North, whose journey was central to the overarching lore.

However, in more recent years, the modern-day narrative has taken a backseat or struggled to maintain relevance. With Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft introduces a brand-new modern-day storyline designed to re-engage players. As such, prior knowledge of older modern-era plots is not required to enjoy Shadows. That said, these new story elements are sparse and shrouded in mystery, appearing only occasionally throughout the game.

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 Previous Games?

Naoe receives her Hidden Blade in Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Image via Ubisoft

While Shadows is not a direct sequel or continuation of any specific Assassin’s Creed title, it still maintains thematic ties to the broader series. Ubisoft has included subtle Easter eggs, visual nods, and recurring symbols that long-time fans will appreciate. These references are carefully woven into the experience without overwhelming newcomers.

Familiar factions such as the Brotherhood, Templars, and the Animus play roles within Shadows, though their presence unfolds gradually over the course of the game. Players—both veteran and new—are given ample opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Feudal Japan without needing to understand every prior entry in the franchise.

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