*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* immerses players in a sprawling open world set in Feudal Japan, but you won’t be able to freely roam this vast landscape right from the start. Here's when you can begin exploring the open world in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.
How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue? Answered
Ubisoft has a history of creating expansive open worlds, yet often precedes them with lengthy introductions. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* offers a quicker entry into its world compared to its predecessors. The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the scene and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, showcasing their roles as a Samurai and Shinobi, respectively. This section also delves into Naoe's homeland, Iga, and sets the stage for her journey beyond its borders. Filled with cinematic moments and crucial dialogue, the prologue should take about an hour and a half to complete. Once you finish the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko's Homestead, the open world becomes yours to explore.
Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away? Answered
The first limitation is the availability of quests and activities. Since these unlock progressively through the story, early visits to other regions may not offer much to do. Additionally, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements where your character's level impacts your effectiveness in combat. Regions marked with a number in a red diamond on the map indicate that your current level is significantly lower than what's recommended for that area. Venturing into such regions prematurely can lead to challenging encounters and potentially instant deaths from stronger enemies.
In summary, while you can technically explore higher-level regions early on, it's generally not advisable. Doing so might result in a frustrating experience due to the difficulty spike and lack of meaningful activities until you reach the appropriate level.
