Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players into a richly detailed world set in Feudal Japan, emphasizing stealth-centric gameplay. This expansive setting invites exploration, and prospective players often question: How long will it take to complete Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Estimated Main Story Duration
The primary storyline of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is anticipated to take approximately 30 to 40 hours for completion. However, this duration only scratches the surface of what the game has to offer. Ubisoft has intricately designed the experience to include numerous side quests and optional activities, which can significantly extend total playtime based on individual engagement.
In a recent interview with Genki on X, Jonathan Dumont, the director of the game, confirmed that players could expect about 30 to 40 hours devoted to the main campaign.
For context, Dumont previously directed Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, which required over 45 hours for its main story, while Valhalla‘s campaign extended even further to nearly 60 hours, facing criticism for its length. In contrast, Shadows appears to offer a more concise narrative experience.
Completionist Expectations
Players seeking to dive deeper into the game beyond the central narrative will find that total playtime can easily double. Engaging with side quests, exploration, and optional objectives could elevate the experience to over 80 hours.
For those driven to attain 100% completion—exploring every region, collecting all items, and maximizing character progression—the time investment may exceed 100 hours, aligning with trends seen in previous RPG installments of the series, where comprehensive exploration demands considerable effort and time.
A Streamlined Assassin’s Creed Experience?
Ubisoft seems to have carefully considered player feedback regarding game length when developing Shadows. Many fans have expressed their concerns about prior installations in the franchise being excessively lengthy, which can lead to player fatigue.
By maintaining a manageable main campaign while still providing ample side content for those who desire more, Assassin’s Creed Shadows could represent a more balanced approach within the franchise, catering to both casual gamers and completionists alike.