Yes, You Can Play Assassin’s Creed Shadows Without Prior AC Experience

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is a monumental addition to an expansive franchise known for its deep historical narratives. Whether you're diving into the series for the first time with *Shadows* or returning after a break, here's what you should know.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Overlap With Other AC Games? Answered

The *Assassin’s Creed* series has explored various continents and eras, with each game typically offering a standalone experience, particularly since *Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag*. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* takes place in 16th-century Japan, a setting far removed from the early 1500s Italy and Constantinople of *Brotherhood* and *Revelations*. Due to this significant gap in both time and location, *Shadows* does not directly connect with these earlier titles.

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

In its early years on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the *Assassin’s Creed* series featured a continuous modern-day storyline, prominently featuring Desmond Miles, voiced by Nolan North. However, subsequent games have struggled to maintain a cohesive modern narrative. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a fresh modern-day storyline, aiming to re-engage fans without requiring knowledge of previous modern-day plots. These modern elements are sparse and shrouded in mystery, adding intrigue without overwhelming the main historical narrative.

Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Connected to the Series and Does it Matter If You’ve Played It Before?

While *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* isn't a direct sequel to any specific game, Ubisoft maintains a connection to the broader series through Easter eggs, nods, and familiar iconography that will delight long-time fans. These elements are subtle enough not to confuse newcomers. Key series components like the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars are woven into *Shadows*, but their significance unfolds gradually, allowing both new and returning players to enjoy the game's setting in Feudal Japan without needing prior knowledge of the series.

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