*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* offers an expansive open world set in Feudal Japan, but eager explorers will need to wait until after the prologue to fully immerse themselves in this rich environment. Here’s when you can start exploring the Open World in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.
How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue?
Ubisoft is known for its detailed open worlds, but they often come with lengthy introductions. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* doesn’t keep players waiting as long as some other titles in the series. The game starts with a prologue that sets the scene and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, as well as their roles within the game’s world. This section not only acquaints players with the Samurai and Shinobi perspectives but also introduces Naoe’s homeland, Iga, before she ventures out into other parts of Japan. Filled with cinematic set pieces and important exposition, the prologue is expected to take around an hour and a half to complete.
After completing the “From Spark to Flame” Quest and establishing their Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, players will finally be able to freely explore the open world.
Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away?
Once the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* becomes accessible, players will find themselves in the Izumi Settsu region, one of the nine named areas available at launch. Initially, quests and side activities will be concentrated in Izumi Settsu, gradually expanding northwards to the Yamashiro province as the story progresses.
While certain narrative-driven quests might restrict Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations, players can theoretically venture into other provinces. However, there are significant barriers to doing so effectively. The primary deterrents are the scarcity of quests and activities in other regions until they are unlocked through the story, and the RPG elements that require players to reach a certain level before they can handle combat in higher-level areas. On the map, regions marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that players are significantly under-leveled, suggesting that venturing there too early could lead to instant death from powerful enemies.
In summary, while it’s technically possible to rush to higher-level regions, it’s generally not advisable as it may result in a frustrating gaming experience.
