summation
-
Ubisoft wants to reduce the number of icons and markers on the world map.
-
Assassin's Creed Shadows encourages self-directed exploration.
-
Yasuke and Naoe sometimes have to find alternate routes depending on which character they're playing.
Despite yet another delay in Assassin's Creed Shadows' release date, Ubisoft continues to release blog posts about specific features and changes coming to the upcoming entry in the legendary series. The most recent post is about exploration and explains how Ubisoft is trying to hold the player's hands less than they did in previous entries and instead encourage self-directed exploration.
“We didn’t want to hold the player’s hand too much with icons and markers,” said game director Charles Dumont. “We wanted to create an open world where information would be key and a form of reward. This makes sense in the context of playing as a ninja and fighting for information. In Shadows, information is something you have to find and obtain, no matter what. Spies , through encounters with NPCs, or through their own eyes. Simply put, we want players to discover all our secrets in their own way, through investigation, spy networks, or observation of the world.”
When the game starts, the world map only shows region names. As you travel around, the map radius around you gradually becomes revealed. The perspective is reintroduced, but less information is revealed than previous series entries. If the player has never visited an area before, the area is listed as undiscovered.
hold hands less
not Assassin's Creed Shadow A promotional screenshot showing a close-up of Naoe wearing a hood.
Perhaps most importantly, dramatic synchronized cameras are returning. You can observe one of these cinematic moments in action in our blog post. Naoe is shown zooming out to the top of the castle before the camera zooms out to show the surrounding area. Each of these viewpoint locations are also fast travel points, but some are located deep in enemy territory, so moving quickly and carelessly can result in collisions.
Interestingly, Naoe and Yasuke may need to take alternate routes to reach the same point. Naoe can climb buildings with a grappling hook, while Yasuke may have to climb stairs and fight guards to reach the observation deck. This is another example of Yasuke and Naoe's different play styles, which Ubisoft highlights in every blog post.
Through exploration, Naoe will discover new Kujikiri meditation activities that reveal more about her life before becoming a ninja. Yasuke will be able to learn new weapon-specific kata, and both characters will be able to draw wild animals from the Japanese countryside.
There's more information in the full blog post, including specifics on reconnaissance and observation mechanisms. Assassin's Creed Shadows releases on March 20th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Assassin's Creed Shadow
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set during Japan's feudal era! Become a deadly shinobi assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in an age of chaos. Seamlessly transition between two unlikely allies as they discover a common destiny. Master complementary play styles, create a shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era of Japan.
• Explore a fascinating open world of feudal Japan, from stunning castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-torn landscapes. Embark on an adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
• Become shinobi assassin Naoe and legendary samurai Yasuke, experience their compelling stories and master their complementary play styles. As Naoe, use your stealth abilities to avoid detection and confuse your enemies with agility. As Yasuke, attack your enemies with deadly precision and power. Unlock new skills, equipment and progress for each character independently.
• Weapon information as you explore the world, building your own spy network to serve as your eyes and ears across multiple locations to track down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help you complete your mission.
• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new equipment, interact with key characters, and choose the layout, decorations, and accessories for your base.