Assassin's Creed Shadows: 30-40 Hour Campaign with New Game+ in Development

Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers a 30-40 hour main campaign, with a New Game+ mode under consideration for future updates. Explore the developers’ vision and the immersive Hideout feature below.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Campaign Length Unveiled

Main Story Spans 30-40 Hours

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers a 30-40 hour main campaign for players to dive into. At the AC Shadows Showcase Event in Kyoto, Genki Gamer interviewed Creative Director Johnathan Dumont to discuss the game’s scope.

Dumont revealed that completing the main story takes approximately 30-40 hours, with over 80 hours of side content available. The team is also exploring a New Game+ mode and additional features based on community feedback. This addresses fan disappointment over the absence of New Game+ in AC Valhalla.

Dumont highlighted the game’s dynamic world, featuring seasonal changes, weather systems, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a highly customizable Hideout. The narrative ties into the Animus storyline, setting the stage for future Assassin’s Creed titles.

Crafting a Japanese-Inspired Assassin’s Creed Experience

Dumont shared that creating a Japan-centric game was a long-held ambition for the team. Advances in technology enabled a vibrant, dynamic world, paired with a gripping story. The game draws inspiration from Japanese cinema, including 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and Kurosawa’s works, while incorporating the signature Assassin’s Creed style.

Addressing online debates, particularly around Yasuke’s inclusion as a Black samurai, Dumont noted the team’s commitment to constructive criticism. Despite controversies, the developers aim to deliver an exceptional experience that honors Japanese culture for their fans.

Exploring the Hideout’s Features

Izumi Settsu’s Hidden Valley

On March 5, 2025, AC Shadows released an in-depth look at the Hideout’s mechanics on their official website. Located in the secluded Izumi Settsu valley, the Hideout serves as the player’s base for building the Brotherhood.

Systems Associate Director Dany described the feature as ambitious, saying, “After exploring fortresses, villas, and ships in past games, we wanted to push boundaries. Players can now fully customize their homebase.”

Players receive an acre of land to design, adding buildings, pavilions, pathways, and local flora and fauna. Dany emphasized, “We want players to shape the Hideout to reflect their journey, with customization options unlocking as they progress.”

Building a Dynamic Brotherhood

The Hideout hosts a variety of characters, each with unique backstories and challenges, who interact based on the player’s design choices. For example, combat-focused characters may gather in the Dojo, while others relax in the Zashiki with sake.

These interactions create dynamic dialogue and a sense of community. Dany noted, “Bringing allies together sparks character development. Writers from four studios crafted interactions, imagining how characters would connect as roommates. These moments make the Hideout the heart of the Brotherhood.”

Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises an authentic Japanese adventure with a signature AC twist, appealing to fans seeking a rich, immersive experience.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest details in our article below!