Assassin's Creed Shadows Takes 30-40 Hours to Beat the Main Campaign, with New Game+ Under Consideration

Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a substantial main campaign experience, clocking in at approximately 30-40 hours of gameplay. The developers are also exploring the possibility of adding a New Game+ mode in future updates. Read on to delve deeper into the team's vision and explore the game's unique Hideout feature.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Playthrough Duration Revealed

A 30-40 Hour Main Campaign Awaits

Creative Director Jonathan Dumont revealed during Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Showcase Event in Kyoto that players can expect a substantial 30-40 hour main campaign. Beyond the main story, over 80 hours of additional content awaits those seeking a complete experience. The team is actively considering a New Game+ mode, a feature highly requested by fans following the absence of one in Assassin's Creed Valhalla.

Dumont highlighted key features, including dynamic seasonal weather systems, innovative gameplay mechanics, a significantly expanded and customizable Hideout, and a new Animus storyline that will connect to future Assassin’s Creed titles.

A Japanese-Inspired Assassin's Creed

Dumont shared the team's passion for creating a Japan-centric Assassin’s Creed game, a long-held ambition finally realized thanks to advancements in technology and a compelling narrative. The game draws inspiration from classic Japanese films like 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and Kurosawa's works, while retaining the core elements of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The team acknowledges the online discussions surrounding the game and strives to address constructive criticism.

Despite controversies, the development team remains dedicated to delivering a high-quality experience and showcasing their commitment to their Japanese audience.

Exploring the Hideout: A Customizable Home Base

The Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu

A detailed look at the Hideout was unveiled on March 5, 2025, on the official Assassin’s Creed Shadows website. Nestled within the secluded valley of Izumi Settsu province, the Hideout serves as the player's central base of operations, allowing for the development of their Brotherhood.

Systems Associate Director Dany described the Hideout's ambition: "After fortresses, villas, homesteads, pirate coves, café-theatres, moving trains, ships, settlements, assassin bureaus... We knew that if we wanted to make anything new on that front, we had to take a bold step forward. That meant giving players the option to build their homebase with complete freedom."

Players are given an entire acre to personalize, placing buildings, pavilions, pathways, and more. Dany emphasized the desire for players to create a truly unique Hideout, with customization options expanding as the player progresses through the game.

A Brotherhood Forged in Camaraderie

The Hideout will house various characters, each with their own backstories and challenges. Character placement influences their interactions, creating dynamic dialogue and a sense of community. Dany highlighted the collaborative effort in crafting these interactions, stating, "Having our allies in one place creates opportunities for character development... I really love all the cool little moments they came up with. It makes the Hideout feel like the beating heart of the league."

Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises an immersive Japanese experience within the familiar Assassin’s Creed framework. The game launches March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates!