Assassin’s Creed Shadows: No Need to Play Previous Games

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is the latest installment in the expansive and storied *Assassin’s Creed* franchise. Whether you're diving into the series for the first time with *Shadows* or returning after a break, here's everything you need to know to get started.

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

Image via Xbox Wire. The Assassin’s Creed timeline spans across continents and centuries, with each game generally standing on its own in terms of story and setting, particularly following Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to 16th-century Japan. The closest the franchise has come to this period before was with Brotherhood and Revelations, set in the early 1500s in Italy and Constantinople, respectively. Given the significant geographical and temporal distance from these games, Shadows does not share any direct connections with them.

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

During the early years of the Assassin’s Creed series on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, a modern-day storyline featuring Desmond Miles, voiced by Nolan North, served as a continuous thread across titles. However, over time, the modern-day narratives in Assassin’s Creed have faced challenges in maintaining engagement.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a fresh modern-day storyline, aiming to rekindle fans' interest. You won't need to be familiar with previous modern-day plots to enjoy Shadows, as it presents a new narrative. Nonetheless, the modern-day elements in Shadows remain subtle and sparingly used, 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?

Naoe receives her Hidden Blade in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft. While Assassin’s Creed Shadows is not a direct sequel to any previous game, Ubisoft pays homage to the series' history through Easter eggs, nods, and iconic imagery that will resonate with long-time fans without overwhelming newcomers.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows can be enjoyed as a standalone experience, yet it includes key elements from the series such as the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars. These connections are woven into the game subtly and gradually, allowing both new and veteran players ample time to immerse themselves in the world of Feudal Japan without needing prior knowledge of the franchise.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.