"Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Playable Without Prior AC Games?"

*Assassin's Creed Shadows* is a monumental addition to the expansive *Assassin's Creed* franchise, rich with history and intrigue. Whether you're diving into *Shadows* as your first foray into the series or returning after a hiatus, here's everything you need to know to get started.

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 title typically offering a standalone narrative. Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to 16th-century Japan, a setting distant from previous entries like Brotherhood and Revelations, which explored Italy and Constantinople in the early 1500s. Due to the vast differences in time and location, Shadows does not directly connect with any other games in the series.

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

In the early days of the Assassin's Creed series, a modern-day storyline featuring Desmond Miles ran consistently through the games on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. However, the modern-day narratives have since struggled to maintain their allure. Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces a fresh modern-day storyline, aiming to re-engage fans. This new narrative is sparse and mysterious, ensuring you don't need prior knowledge of the franchise's modern-day arcs to enjoy Shadows.

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 Assassin's Creed Shadows isn't a direct sequel, it still pays homage to the series' legacy with Easter eggs and nods to iconic elements. These connections are subtle and won't overwhelm newcomers. Key elements such as the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars feature in Shadows, but their significance unfolds gradually, allowing both new and returning players to immerse themselves in the world of Feudal Japan without needing to understand the broader series context.

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