The latest update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows has rolled out today, bringing a host of crucial features and enhancements to the acclaimed title. Patch 1.0.2 introduces several long-awaited quality of life improvements, including options for bulk selling and dismantling items, the ability to reset Mastery Nodes, and perhaps most significantly, an overhaul of the horse mechanics to enhance user experience. A particularly exciting addition is the long-anticipated auto-follow feature for horses, pivotal for navigation in the expansive world of AC Shadows.
Additionally, this update addresses one of the most frustrating aspects experienced by players: the cumbersome horse movement speed in urban areas. Previously, the slow pace rendered horseback riding virtually ineffective in bustling city settings. However, with this update, developers demonstrate their responsiveness to community feedback and their commitment to improving gameplay mechanics that have hindered player enjoyment, particularly in heavy exploration segments. The new equine functionalities mark a significant advancement for the game.
Why Auto-Follow Is Essential In AC Shadows
The Massive Open World Requires Long Journeys
Surprisingly, the initial release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows lacked an auto-follow feature for mounts, a decision that felt like a considerable oversight given the game’s vast landscapes. This new functionality allows players to enable auto-follow while mounted, automatically guiding their horse along predetermined paths toward pinned locations or active quests. Despite the presence of fast travel points and Kakurega, players frequently find themselves traversing on horseback while exploring new terrains.
The introduction of this feature not only adds convenience but also optimizes the pathfinding system, allowing players to take a break from the controls during their journey. The ability to engage autopilot transforms the game experience, relieving players from the tedium of maintaining precise control while navigating long distances.
Moreover, my second-favorite aspect of patch 1.0.2 is the enhanced speed of horses in urban areas, an improvement that amplifies the overall experience.
Horse Speed In Cities Has Been Increased
Now The Horse Is Faster Than Naoe & Yasuke On Foot
One of the most criticized elements of the horse mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Shadows was the decision to reduce the horse’s speed in populated areas. This feature may have been intended as an innovative design choice, but in reality, it discouraged players from using their mounts in towns. There’s simply no justification for Naoe or Yasuke to outpace a horse during city exploration. Thankfully, the update has rectified this issue by restoring normal speed, allowing for a smoother gaming experience.
This change is truly transformative and substantially enhances the gameplay dynamics in AC Shadows. While the game is designed to be engaging, any feature that bogs down gameplay—like a sluggish horse—can disrupt immersion and detract from the overall enjoyment. The removal of reduced horse speed alongside the addition of the auto-follow mechanism represents significant victories for the community and showcases the ongoing commitment of developers to refine player experience through patch 1.0.2.
For more information on this update, visit the official Ubisoft page.