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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* marks another thrilling chapter in the expansive and storied franchise, whether you're diving in for the first time or returning after a hiatus. Here's everything you need to know to get started.

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

The *Assassin’s Creed* series spans continents and centuries, with each game typically offering a standalone experience. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* takes place in 16th-century Japan, far removed from the settings of other games like *Brotherhood* and *Revelations*, which explored Italy and Constantinople in the early 1500s. Given this distance in time and space, *Shadows* does not directly connect with any previous titles.

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

In its early years on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, *Assassin’s Creed* featured a compelling modern-day narrative, famously highlighted by Desmond Miles. Over time, these modern-day stories lost their momentum. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a fresh modern-day storyline, aiming to rekindle fans' interest. This new approach means you don't need to be familiar with past modern-day narratives to enjoy *Shadows*. However, the modern-day elements in *Shadows* are sparse and shrouded in mystery.

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* isn't a direct sequel, Ubisoft has woven in nods to the franchise's rich history, including Easter eggs and iconic imagery that long-time fans will appreciate. These references are subtle enough not to overwhelm newcomers. Core elements like the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars are woven into the narrative, but their significance unfolds 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.*