Explore Assassin's Creed Shadows' Open World: When?

Dive into the expansive world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, set in the captivating era of Feudal Japan. While the game boasts a massive open world, players must first navigate through a prologue before being set free to explore. Here’s when you can start exploring the open world in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue? Answered

Ubisoft has a storied history of creating immersive open worlds, yet their games often come with lengthy introductions. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* cuts down the wait time significantly, allowing players to dive into Japan’s landscapes sooner than in previous entries.

The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the stage for the narrative and introduces the dual-protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, representing the Samurai and Shinobi, respectively. This section also introduces players to Iga, Naoe’s homeland, and marks the beginning of her journey beyond this region. Filled with epic set pieces and crucial expository dialogue, the prologue should take about an hour and a half to complete.

Once you complete the “From Spark to Flame” Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the world opens up for exploration.

Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away? Answered

After the prologue, players find themselves in the Izumi Settsu region, one of the nine named areas available at launch. Initially, the majority of quests and side activities will be centered around Izumi Settsu, gradually expanding north to the Yamashiro province.

While the story and certain quests may confine Naoe and Yasuke to specific areas at times, players can venture into other provinces. However, there are key considerations to keep in mind. The primary deterrent is the lack of quests and activities in these regions until they unlock as part of the story progression. Additionally, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, meaning players need to reach a certain level to effectively combat enemies in different provinces. You can check level requirements on the map, where regions with a number inside a red diamond indicate that you are far below the recommended level, suggesting a high risk of encountering enemies that could easily defeat you.

In summary, while it's technically possible to rush into higher-level regions early on, it's advisable to wait until you've reached the appropriate level to ensure a more enjoyable and less frustrating experience.