Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Playable Without Prior AC Experience

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is a monumental addition to an expansive franchise with a rich historical tapestry. Whether you're diving into *Shadows* as your inaugural *Assassin’s Creed* adventure or revisiting the series after a hiatus, here's what you should know.

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

The *Assassin’s Creed* timeline has journeyed across continents and epochs, encompassing a series of titles that span centuries. Since *Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag*, most entries have been relatively standalone in terms of story and setting.

Set in 16th-century Japan, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is temporally and geographically distant from other games in the series. The closest in timeline would be *Brotherhood* and *Revelations*, set in the early 1500s in Italy and Constantinople, respectively. Given this significant separation, *Shadows* has no direct connections to these titles.

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

In its early years, the *Assassin’s Creed* series wove a narrative thread set in the modern day, most notably with Desmond Miles, voiced by Nolan North, during the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era. However, subsequent modern-day storylines struggled to maintain their momentum.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a fresh modern-day storyline aimed at re-engaging fans. You don't need to be concerned about prior modern-day narratives within the franchise. The modern-day elements in *Shadows* are sparse and shrouded in mystery, adding intrigue without overwhelming the player.

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?

While *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is not a direct sequel to any previous game, Ubisoft maintains a connection to the series' legacy. The game includes Easter eggs, nods, and familiar iconography that will thrill long-time fans, yet these references are subtle enough not to confuse newcomers.

*Shadows* can be enjoyed as a standalone experience, yet it incorporates key elements like the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars. These connections unfold gradually, allowing both new and returning players ample time to immerse themselves in the world of Feudal Japan without needing prior knowledge of the series.

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