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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is a monumental addition to the expansive *Assassin’s Creed* franchise, renowned for its rich historical settings and intricate narratives. Whether you're diving into the series for the first time or returning after a hiatus, understanding the context of *Shadows* can enhance your gaming experience.

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

The *Assassin’s Creed* series spans across various continents and epochs, with each game offering a relatively self-contained story and setting, particularly post-*Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag*. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* transports players to 16th-century Japan, a period and location distinct from other entries. The closest temporal and geographical setting in the series is seen in *Brotherhood* and *Revelations*, set in the early 1500s in Italy and Constantinople, respectively. Given the significant time and space gap, *Shadows* stands alone without direct connections to these games.

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

In the early days of the *Assassin’s Creed* franchise, during the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era, the series included a compelling modern-day storyline featuring Desmond Miles, voiced by Nolan North. Over time, however, these modern-day narratives have faced challenges in maintaining their appeal. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a fresh modern-day storyline aimed at re-engaging fans. This new approach means you won't need to be familiar with previous modern-day arcs to enjoy *Shadows*. The modern-day elements in *Shadows* are intriguing yet sparse, adding a layer of mystery to the game.

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 specific game, Ubisoft maintains a connection to the broader *Assassin’s Creed* universe. The game includes Easter eggs, nods to the franchise's history, and familiar iconography that will delight long-time fans. However, these references are subtle enough not to overwhelm newcomers.

*Shadows* can be fully enjoyed as a standalone adventure, yet it still integrates 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 available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.*