Assassin’s Creed Shadows review

• Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC
• Released on 20 March 2025
• Developed by Ubisoft

Ubisoft’s long-running franchise steps into feudal Japan for the first time, and it does so with style. Assassin’s Creed Shadows blends the expansive, open-world structure of recent entries like Origins and Valhalla with a refined focus on stealth and dual-character storytelling, resulting in one of the most compelling Assassin’s Creed experiences to date.

You’ll take control of two protagonists: Yasuke, a powerful samurai with brutal combat abilities, and Naoe, a nimble and stealthy ninja. Initially, you play through separate arcs before the characters unite, unlocking the ability to switch freely between them. This setup lets you tailor your approach to different missions and explore the game’s systems from two unique angles.

Yasuke is a beast in open combat. Armed with heavy weapons like naginatas and katanas, plus ranged tools including rifles and bows, he’s ideal for charging through enemies head-on. His skill tree leans into this, with perks that enhance his already formidable strength. Finishing moves are particularly vicious, and his sheer size allows him to break down doors and stagger enemies with powerful charges.

Naoe, on the other hand, brings stealth to the forefront. She’s not as sturdy in a direct fight, but her tools and agility make her perfect for sneaky infiltrations. Thanks to her grappling hook, she can access rooftops and hidden areas with ease, making her ideal for scouting and clean assassinations. Shadows finally leans into the stealth fantasy fans have been craving, allowing you to hide in the dark, crawl through grass, and use new tactics to stay undetected.

The ability to swap between Yasuke and Naoe is simple and convenient. As long as you’re not in combat, you can switch almost anywhere. Some missions even let you choose your preferred character from the start, which makes planning your approach much more engaging.

Visually, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is stunning. The Japanese countryside is breathtaking, filled with colour and detail. Towns bustle with life, weather effects add realism, and the world feels alive with wildlife, changing seasons, and ambient sounds. This might be the most immersive setting in the series so far.

That said, the massive map can feel a little lonely when you’re far from the main path. Side quests and activities are abundant, but after a while, you may find some of them repetitive. Collecting scrolls, clearing out castles, and hunting samurai daisho are rewarding, but the loop does wear thin after a while.

Beyond the core gameplay, Shadows includes features like a customizable hideout, a gear upgrade system, and a robust set of skill trees for both characters. Mastery and Knowledge points earned through exploration and combat help develop their abilities, encouraging players to engage with the world fully.

Performance is solid, with the game looking and running great on modern consoles. Load times are minimal, and combat animations are fluid and impactful. Minor gripes aside, this is one of the most polished Assassin’s Creed games yet.

Is this the best Assassin’s Creed? It just might be. Shadows successfully merges the series’ stealth roots with modern action-RPG design. Yasuke and Naoe make for a fantastic pair, offering contrasting yet complementary gameplay. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer drawn by the setting, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is absolutely worth diving into.