Major Update for 'AC: Shadows': Shorter, More Immersive Campaign

Assassin's Creed Valhalla's extensive gameplay drew criticism, prompting Ubisoft to refine the experience for its upcoming installment, Assassin's Creed: Shadows. The developers have addressed player feedback regarding the lengthy main storyline and overwhelming number of optional tasks.

Game director Charles Benoit stated the main campaign will take approximately 50 hours to complete, with full exploration and side quests potentially reaching 100 hours. This contrasts with Valhalla's estimated 60-150 hour completion time. Ubisoft's focus is on a more balanced ratio of narrative and optional content, aiming for a less tedious yet richly detailed experience.

The goal is to cater to both player preferences: those seeking extensive gameplay won't sacrifice quality for a shorter playtime, while those prioritizing the story can complete it without an immense time commitment.

Jonathan Dumont, another game director, highlighted the impact of the team's research trip to Japan. The scale of the castles, mountainous terrain, and dense forests exceeded expectations, influencing a commitment to greater realism and detail.

This commitment manifests in a revised world geography. Travel distances between points of interest are increased, promoting exploration of more nuanced and specific locations. Unlike Odyssey's densely packed points of interest, Shadows features a more expansive, natural world, enriching the overall Japanese atmosphere. The enhanced detail, according to Dumont, allows for a more immersive experience.