In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players are introduced to an innovative seasonal cycle that evolves over time, allowing for a dynamic gameplay experience. Notably, players have the ability to manually initiate a season change, a groundbreaking feature for the franchise. The game showcases four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each transitioning every two hours during gameplay.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to change seasons within Assassin’s Creed Shadows and discuss the practical implications this has for gameplay.
How to Change Seasons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
As previously mentioned, the game incorporates a sophisticated season and weather system, ensuring that the world remains ever-evolving. Before exploring the mechanics and effects of these seasonal changes, let’s clarify the process involved in altering the seasons.
It is essential to note that you cannot change the seasons at your whim. Instead, players must wait for a meter indicating the season change to fill. To monitor this meter, open the map and observe the top right corner, where the compass displays your current progress. This visual representation also includes icons that denote the current season: the sun for summer and a pink flower for spring.
Once the meter reaches capacity, you can initiate the season change by pressing and holding the relevant button:
- PC: Press and hold H
- PlayStation 5: Press and hold the Right Direction Button
The Impact of Seasons on Gameplay in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Seasons are pivotal within Assassin’s Creed Shadows, altering not only the game environment but also the mechanics of gameplay. Each season brings with it a unique atmosphere. For instance, spring’s cherry blossoms and vibrant greenery create a lively backdrop, whereas winter envelops the world in snow, significantly transforming the visual appeal and gameplay dynamics.
The seasonal changes influence various gameplay aspects, particularly in terms of combat and exploration strategies. In spring, for example, abundant tall grass offers superior cover, facilitating stealth tactics and successful enemy takedowns. Conversely, during the winter, players may find movement inhibited. Navigating snowy rooftops can produce sounds that alert nearby guards, thereby challenging stealth approaches.
Moreover, enemy behavior shifts with the seasons; in winter, fewer guards may patrol the open areas, choosing instead to congregate around fires for warmth. This alteration in their patrol routes adds layers of opportunity and challenge for players focusing on stealth operations.
Wildlife also adapts to these seasonal transitions, with certain animals evolving and changing coloration. Players can expect to encounter an increase in puppies during spring, enhancing the immersive nature of the game.
Additionally, the game’s economy is affected by seasonal changes. Each transition brings a replenishing of merchant stock, ensuring players have access to a variety of new resources. Furthermore, scouts assigned by players will return with loot for their salvage chest at the hideout, providing additional rewards at the onset of each new season.
This encapsulates the mechanics of changing seasons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows and the significant impact they have on gameplay dynamics.