Gamers worldwide eagerly anticipate each new chapter in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. With the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, fans find themselves asking one burning question: How Long Does It Take to Beat Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
As Ubisoft continues evolving the series, game lengths vary dramatically from one installment to another. Some titles require dozens of hours just to complete the main story, while others stretch past the 100-hour mark for full completion. Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises an expansive map, rich storytelling, and plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered. Understanding how much time players might spend exploring this new world helps set expectations for newcomers and franchise veterans alike.
This guide dives deep into the estimated completion times for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, comparing it to past entries, breaking down campaign lengths, side activities, collectibles, and more.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Campaign Length Overview
Ubisoft’s design philosophy typically offers flexibility in how players approach the main storyline. Some prefer rushing through primary missions, while others savor every detail. Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues this tradition, presenting players with the freedom to focus purely on the narrative or get lost in the world’s many distractions.
Early reports suggest the core campaign takes around 35–45 hours to complete. However, that range depends on playstyle. Stealth-focused players might spend longer planning and executing perfect assassinations. Those leaning into direct combat could progress slightly faster through certain encounters.
When compared to earlier titles:
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Assassin’s Creed II clocks in around 20 hours for the main story.
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Assassin’s Creed Odyssey extends to roughly 45–50 hours.
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Assassin’s Creed Valhalla often takes 50–60 hours for core missions alone.
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Assassin’s Creed Mirage remains one of the shorter entries, offering a tight 15–20-hour experience.
Given these numbers, Assassin’s Creed Shadows sits between Odyssey and Valhalla in length. It’s substantial, but not the longest game in the franchise’s history.
How Long to Beat Assassin’s Creed Shadows 100%
Completionists crave the thrill of clearing every mission, discovering every collectible, and earning all achievements. Naturally, they ask, “How long to beat Assassin’s Creed Shadows 100%?”
Based on Ubisoft’s development trends and previews, players aiming for full completion should expect between 80–110 hours. This estimate includes:
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Clearing every main story mission
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Finishing all side quests
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Collecting hidden items scattered across the map
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Synchronizing viewpoints for full map reveals
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Unlocking gear upgrades and hidden narrative content
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Completing any unique challenges tied to in-game events
While this number may feel daunting, Ubisoft designs side content to blend seamlessly into the overall experience. Players rarely feel forced to grind endlessly for progress. Exploration itself serves as its own reward, revealing new lore and environmental storytelling at every turn.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Map Size and Exploration Time
A game’s length often hinges on its world size. Players wondering, “Is AC Shadows as long as Valhalla?” should examine how the map compares to previous installments.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows reportedly boasts a vast open world inspired by feudal Japan. Early insiders hint the map size closely resembles that of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey rather than Valhalla’s sprawling regions. Estimates place the world around 80–90% of Odyssey’s scale, with dense urban hubs and sprawling countryside.
Key differences include:
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Shadows uses verticality extensively, letting players scale towering castles and temple roofs.
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Tight alleyways and interconnected rooftops encourage stealth traversal.
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Hidden shrines and secret passages dot the landscape, rewarding thorough exploration.
Players who rush from point A to B might reduce total time spent. However, anyone drawn into side quests, environmental mysteries, or stunning visuals will find hours vanish effortlessly.
Comparing Assassin’s Creed Shadows to Other Entries
Franchise fans inevitably compare new entries to past favorites. Many wonder, “Which Assassin’s Creed is the longest?” That title still belongs to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla if counting every expansion and endgame activity.
Here’s how several entries stack up for the main story:
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Assassin’s Creed II: 20 hours
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Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood: 18–22 hours
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Assassin’s Creed III: 20–25 hours
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Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag: 25–30 hours
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Assassin’s Creed Origins: 30–40 hours
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Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: 45–50 hours
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Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: 50–60 hours
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Assassin’s Creed Mirage: 15–20 hours
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows: 35–45 hours
In context, Shadows sits comfortably among the more substantial entries, offering significant narrative depth without becoming overwhelmingly long for the main storyline.
Mission Count in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Players intrigued by mission variety ask, “How many missions are there in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?” Early leaks suggest Shadows includes:
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12 major narrative arcs forming the primary story
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Approximately 70–90 individual story missions
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Dozens of optional side quests and activities
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Unique faction missions tied to political alliances
Shadows focuses heavily on political intrigue, espionage, and dual-character storytelling, adding replay value as players explore different paths through certain missions.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Time Period and Setting
Assassin’s Creed games thrive on historical immersion. Players want to know, “What year is AC Shadows set in?” The game unfolds during the late Sengoku period in Japan, around the late 1500s.
This era marks a time of significant upheaval, where feudal lords battled for power, secret orders influenced politics from the shadows, and samurai culture shaped daily life. Shadows promises to blend real historical events with fictionalized storytelling, similar to how past entries intertwined real-life figures like Leonardo da Vinci or Cleopatra into the Assassin-Templar conflict.
Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Long or Short?
Determining whether Shadows feels long or short depends on perspective. Compared to concise entries like Mirage, it’s undeniably longer. Yet against Valhalla’s staggering length, Shadows seems moderate.
Players who prioritize just the main campaign might finish in under 40 hours. Those addicted to exploring every shrine, climbing every castle wall, and collecting every hidden trinket could easily see their playtime stretch well past 100 hours.
Thus, Shadows offers flexibility. It feels long enough to satisfy fans craving epic adventures but avoids overwhelming players seeking a more focused experience.
DLC Plans and How They Impact Total Time
Modern Ubisoft titles frequently expand post-launch with new DLC chapters. Fans asking, “Will Assassin’s Creed Shadows have DLC?” should expect several expansions similar to Valhalla’s approach.
Although official announcements remain pending, industry insiders anticipate:
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Story expansions introducing new regions
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Mythological or legendary story arcs rooted in Japanese folklore
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Cosmetic packs and new weapons tied to cultural themes
If Shadows releases DLC comparable to Valhalla, total playtime could grow by another 20–40 hours. Completionists may find themselves investing up to 150 hours over time.
Replayability and Alternative Outcomes
Ubisoft emphasizes player choice. Shadows reportedly features significant branching paths tied to character relationships and political alliances. Those curious about “Is AC Shadows a full game?” should know that Shadows stands as a complete experience on its own but encourages multiple playthroughs for full narrative clarity.
Unique mission outcomes and diverse character arcs mean players might replay key sequences to witness alternate dialogue, cutscenes, and endings. Completionists seeking to uncover every narrative variation could easily push total hours higher.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Dual-Protagonist Gameplay
One standout feature in Shadows lies in its dual-protagonist system. Players control two characters:
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A skilled shinobi specializing in stealth, infiltration, and assassination
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A samurai warrior excelling in direct combat and political negotiations
Switching between characters influences gameplay pace and mission approaches. Some missions become shorter or longer depending on chosen tactics. Stealth runs often take more time due to planning and execution. Direct combat can expedite progress at the cost of increased enemy resistance.
This duality contributes significantly to the question of how long it takes to beat Assassin’s Creed Shadows, as it encourages experimentation and replaying missions from different perspectives.
Map Design and Time Investment
Players ask, “Which AC has the biggest map?” While Valhalla holds the record in sheer landmass, Shadows emphasizes a denser, more detailed world.
Shadows’ map offers numerous interconnected regions:
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Feudal cities with twisting streets perfect for parkour
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Expansive countryside filled with temples, forests, and hidden shrines
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Remote mountain villages accessible only via secret paths or grappling hook climbs
Exploring every corner remains optional but highly rewarding. Secrets tucked into hidden areas grant powerful gear, unique narrative entries, and crafting materials.
Many players may spend additional hours simply soaking in the atmosphere, photographing stunning vistas, and uncovering lore-rich locations.
Internal Link to Other Deep Game Guides
Fans obsessed with maximizing gameplay often explore many titles in depth. Anyone fascinated by hidden systems and collectibles might enjoy this in-depth guide on What Fish Are in the Oasis in Stellar Blade, which showcases how seemingly small systems like fishing become vital parts of large games.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Compared to Shadows-Related Titles
Players searching, “How long is the shadow generations campaign?” or “How long is the game 9 Years of Shadows?” might wonder how Shadows stacks up.
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Shadow Generations Campaign spans roughly 12–15 hours for main missions.
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9 Years of Shadows typically offers 10–12 hours of gameplay for core content.
Compared to these, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a vastly larger experience, firmly in AAA territory with significant investment required for completion.
Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Worth It?
Players contemplating, “Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows worth it?” must consider how much time they’re willing to invest. For fans eager to immerse themselves in feudal Japan, explore political intrigue, and experience dual gameplay mechanics, Shadows likely delivers excellent value.
Those seeking shorter games might feel overwhelmed by the commitment. However, Shadows allows players to focus purely on the main storyline if desired, offering flexibility for all playstyles.
Impact of Map Size on Game Length
Questions about “Assassin’s Creed Shadows map size” remain among the hottest topics. Ubisoft’s designers frequently balance wide-open landscapes with urban density. Shadows reportedly features tighter city designs reminiscent of Mirage, combined with sprawling natural regions similar to Odyssey.
This hybrid approach ensures:
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Less wasted space than Valhalla’s sometimes barren stretches
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Increased verticality offering new traversal options
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Secrets hidden at various elevations, adding exploration depth
Players will likely spend 10–20 extra hours simply discovering hidden shrines and collectibles thanks to intricate level design.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Historical Figures
Ubisoft tradition includes weaving historical figures into its plots. Shadows introduces characters based on real Japanese warlords, political leaders, and legendary warriors. Such figures influence certain missions and alliances, increasing replay value as players experiment with different loyalties.
These narrative layers tie directly into the game’s length. Pursuing every dialogue branch and historical subplot adds several hours to playtime, ensuring Shadows offers both quantity and depth.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Player Choice
One key reason game lengths vary lies in player choice. Shadows builds upon Odyssey and Valhalla’s dialogue systems, letting players shape relationships, alliances, and even mission outcomes.
Multiple endings exist based on political outcomes, chosen alliances, and character relationships. Players dedicated to seeing every possibility might triple their playtime, pushing a 40-hour game closer to 120 hours for true narrative completion.
Depth of Side Activities and Their Impact on Game Length
Ubisoft’s games thrive on side activities. Shadows elevates this tradition, embedding countless distractions into its world. Players seeking to know “Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows long or short?” often find their answer influenced by how deeply they dive into optional content.
Side activities in Shadows include:
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Assassination Contracts: Players receive secret contracts to eliminate targets scattered across various provinces. Each contract offers unique environmental challenges and stealth opportunities, potentially consuming several hours.
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Shrine Exploration: Hidden shrines dot the landscape. Solving intricate environmental puzzles reveals valuable gear and lore entries. Some shrines require specific weather conditions or time-of-day triggers, adding layers of strategy and replay value.
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Collectibles: Shadows introduces new collectible sets tied to Japanese history, such as ancient scrolls, ceremonial masks, and legendary weapons. Each collectible carries narrative weight, encouraging thorough exploration.
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Random Encounters: Players occasionally stumble upon spontaneous events—samurai duels, ambushed villagers, or political conspiracies—leading to unique micro-stories. These brief events subtly lengthen the overall playtime.
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Training Challenges: Shadows includes specialized training missions for refining stealth techniques or testing combat prowess. Mastering these challenges grants cosmetic rewards and minor stat boosts, enticing completionists.
Such activities ensure that while a main story run might hover around 40 hours, those engaging with every side task could easily add another 40–60 hours.
Stealth Versus Combat Playstyles and Their Effect on Game Duration
Shadows’ dual-protagonist approach dramatically influences how long players spend progressing through missions. Stealth-focused runs demand patience, observation, and precise timing. Players who plan meticulous infiltration routes often invest significant time reconnoitering enemy layouts and exploiting environmental advantages.
Conversely, players who embrace direct combat, charging into enemy strongholds with the samurai protagonist, might clear missions faster—yet face tougher resistance and higher risks of dying, possibly offsetting the time savings.
Thus, Shadows offers two contrasting experiences:
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Stealth Path: Longer individual missions, more immersive tension, potential for high completion times.
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Combat Path: Faster mission clears, higher adrenaline, possibly reduced overall playtime.
Players switching styles mid-campaign often discover how drastically Shadows’ pacing shifts depending on chosen tactics.
Role of Environmental Detail in Extending Playtime
Shadows excels in environmental storytelling. Players pausing to examine murals, read shrine inscriptions, or watch street performers often find themselves losing time while absorbing the world’s details.
For example:
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Hidden haiku poems etched into temple beams reveal philosophical insights and hint at secret areas.
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Eavesdropping on samurai conversations uncovers side quests or hints about political machinations.
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Urban districts contain micro-narratives visible through daily life—merchants haggling, monks sweeping temple courtyards, villagers practicing martial arts.
Even players who intend to rush through the main story frequently find themselves captivated by the world’s authenticity, adding unexpected hours to their journey.
Impact of Day-Night Cycle on Gameplay Length
Shadows implements a robust day-night cycle influencing gameplay and mission outcomes. Certain targets appear only at night. Shrine entrances might open exclusively during dawn or dusk. Enemy patrol routes shift between day and night, offering new infiltration opportunities—or heightened risks.
Players eager to optimize stealth runs often wait for perfect environmental conditions, inadvertently stretching mission durations. Meanwhile, others push forward regardless of timing, risking more challenging encounters.
Such dynamic mechanics ensure no two players experience identical mission lengths, contributing to Shadows’ variability in playtime estimates.
Cultural Authenticity and Language Options
Ubisoft dedicates significant effort toward cultural authenticity in Shadows. Players can choose between English voice acting and original Japanese dialogue, each adding unique flavor to the experience.
Those opting for Japanese voices with subtitles may find themselves reading extensively, subtly lengthening playtime due to extra focus required during dialogue-heavy scenes. Additionally, cultural nuances hidden in language offer fresh insights for players interested in Japanese history, encouraging repeated listens to dialogue and longer exploration sessions.
Post-Launch Events and Live Service Elements
Recent Ubisoft titles incorporate time-limited events to keep player engagement high. Shadows will likely follow suit. These events can range from seasonal festivals to special contracts tied to Japanese folklore.
Such events typically introduce new side missions, unique gear, and sometimes entirely new mini-story arcs. Players committed to experiencing everything Shadows offers, including future content, might find their total playtime extending well past initial estimates.
Gear Collection and Customization: A Time Sink or Rewarding Journey?
Gear collection in Shadows promises significant depth. Players can acquire weapons and armor reflecting diverse Japanese eras and styles. Customization allows aesthetic and functional upgrades, leading many to spend hours fine-tuning appearances and builds.
Key gear systems include:
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Crafting unique katana with personalized engravings
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Unlocking rare dyes for cloaks and armor
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Gathering materials to enhance stealth performance or combat damage
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Tracking down legendary weapons tied to Japanese folklore
Collectors determined to own every unique piece might double their playtime compared to those content with standard loadouts.
Connections to Franchise Legacy
Longtime fans frequently ponder how Shadows fits into broader Assassin’s Creed history. Historical threads and secret Orders tie directly to earlier games, giving franchise enthusiasts extra incentives to explore every narrative clue.
Dedicated lore hunters might replay missions or scour the world for cryptic references to the First Civilization, Isu artifacts, or lingering mysteries from older entries. Such curiosity can easily inflate playtime, demonstrating how deeply Assassin’s Creed games reward thorough investigation.
Influence of Platform Performance on Game Length
Although not often discussed, hardware performance impacts practical playtime. Faster SSDs on next-gen consoles reduce load screens significantly, streamlining transitions between regions and missions. Players on older hardware might see slightly extended sessions due to longer travel and loading times.
Such differences remain minor in the grand scheme, but dedicated speedrunners and time-conscious players often factor hardware into their personal estimates for finishing Shadows.
Closing Reflections on Time Investment in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Players worldwide now eagerly prepare for the day they can step into feudal Japan’s shadows. Answering the question How Long Does It Take to Beat Assassin’s Creed Shadows reveals far more than simple hour counts. Shadows represents a flexible journey, molded by choices, curiosity, and individual playstyles.
Rushing purely through the main story might take roughly 35–45 hours. Exploring side quests, gathering collectibles, perfecting stealth routes, and enjoying every hidden secret could stretch total playtime well past 100 hours.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows embodies everything fans love about the franchise—beautiful worlds, thrilling assassinations, political intrigue, and secrets waiting beneath the surface. Whether you aim for a focused campaign sprint or a methodical completionist run, Shadows ensures every player finds their own perfect balance between time spent and memories forged.
Closing Reflections on Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Length
Understanding How Long Does It Take to Beat Assassin’s Creed Shadows helps players prepare for their journey. While no single number fits every gamer’s style, Shadows promises a meaty adventure rich with storytelling, exploration, and innovative dual-character gameplay.
Players focusing strictly on the main story might complete Shadows in around 35–45 hours. Completionists determined to explore every temple, collect every piece of gear, and uncover every secret could spend 100–110 hours—or even more.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands poised as a significant chapter in the franchise. Its length offers substantial content for fans seeking depth without the potential fatigue of Valhalla’s colossal sprawl. As release nears, players prepare for another unforgettable journey through history, stealth, and political intrigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Did Assassin’s Creed Shadows flop?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has not been released at the time of writing, so there’s no official sales data or reception to determine if it flopped or succeeded. Early previews and community interest suggest high anticipation.
Q: Is AC Shadows LGBTQ?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows reportedly features diverse character relationships, including potential LGBTQ themes, continuing Ubisoft’s trend of offering players inclusive storytelling options.
Q: Which Assassin’s Creed is the best?
Fans often debate the best Assassin’s Creed game. Many praise Assassin’s Creed II for its storytelling and Ezio’s character, while others favor Odyssey or Black Flag for expansive gameplay and freedom.
Q: What is the shortest Assassin’s Creed game?
Assassin’s Creed Mirage stands as one of the shortest main entries, averaging about 15–20 hours for its main story, offering a tighter and more focused experience.
Q: How long is Elden Ring?
Elden Ring’s main story often takes 50–70 hours, while full exploration and side content can easily exceed 100 hours, depending on playstyle and thoroughness.
Q: Can you skip AC Shadows credits?
Ubisoft games typically allow players to skip credits after a brief period, though some segments might remain unskippable due to contractual acknowledgments or post-credit scenes.
Q: Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows a girl?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows features both male and female protagonists. Players control a shinobi named Naoe and a samurai named Yasuke, experiencing different perspectives throughout the story.
Q: Is Valhalla before Altair?
Chronologically, Valhalla’s events occur before Altair’s story. Valhalla takes place in the 9th century, while Altair’s adventures unfold during the 12th century.
Q: How long is AC Mirage?
Assassin’s Creed Mirage’s main story lasts approximately 15–20 hours. Completionists aiming for full exploration and collectibles might spend around 30 hours.
Q: When was Ezio died?
Ezio Auditore died in 1524 while living in Florence, Italy. His death appears in the short film Assassin’s Creed Embers, depicting him as an older man peacefully passing away.
Q: How old was Connor Kenway when he died?
Connor Kenway’s exact age at death isn’t firmly established in official lore. However, based on timeline estimates, he likely passed away in his 60s or 70s after the American Revolution.
Q: Who is the strongest Assassin in Assassin’s Creed?
Many fans consider Ezio Auditore among the strongest due to his extensive skills and narrative impact. However, figures like Bayek, Altair, and Kassandra also rank highly for their combat prowess and historical influence.
Q: How many missions are there in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Early reports suggest Assassin’s Creed Shadows contains about 70–90 story missions, alongside numerous side quests and unique activities scattered across the game world.
Q: How long will the story be in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Estimates place Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ main story at roughly 35–45 hours, depending on chosen playstyle, stealth versus combat approaches, and time spent exploring.
Q: How long is the shadow generations campaign?
Shadow Generations’ campaign generally lasts around 12–15 hours, offering a concise narrative experience compared to larger open-world titles.
Q: How long is the game 9 Years of Shadows?
9 Years of Shadows typically takes around 10–12 hours to complete its core story, with additional time required for side content and collectibles.
Q: Should I play as Yasuke or Naoe?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows allows players to switch between Yasuke and Naoe. Yasuke offers powerful combat skills, while Naoe focuses on stealth. Choosing depends on preferred playstyle, as both contribute unique perspectives to the story.
Q: What is the highest level in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Specific details about Shadows’ level cap remain under wraps. However, recent entries like Valhalla featured caps ranging from level 300 to 500 with expansions, suggesting Shadows might follow a similar structure.
Q: What is the hardest mission in Assassin’s Creed?
Fans frequently cite missions like “The Last Rites” in Valhalla or certain Legendary Creature fights in Odyssey as among the hardest. Assassin’s Creed Shadows will likely feature challenging boss battles or stealth missions that test even experienced players.
