As an avid fan of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, I’ve found myself defending the game in the midst of criticism that I initially perceived as unwarranted. Yet, as I delve deeper into this title, I recognize that many of the significant issues plaguing the series since its transition to an open-world RPG format are still prevalent in Shadows. Although recent changes have improved some aspects, my experience has prompted me to reflect on possible enhancements for the game’s future. More importantly, what inspiration can we draw from other successful titles in the industry?
With more Assassin’s Creed games likely on the horizon, I sincerely hope Ubisoft takes cues from some of the most acclaimed modern RPGs to refine the overall gameplay experience. There is a particular element that merits urgent improvement — a facet that diminishes the overall enjoyment of Shadows. The good news is there is a game that offers an ideal prototype for how to address this major flaw.
The Overexpansive World of Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Even Though It’s Among the Series’ Smaller Installments
One of the standout features of Assassin’s Creed Shadows — at least from my perspective — is that it is shorter than massive titles like Valhalla, Odyssey, or Origins, while still retaining a wealth of open-world content that Mirage notably lacked. Advertised as a 35-hour journey with one of the series’ smallest maps, Shadows should ideally present a more concise and curated experience, stripping away the bloat that has plagued recent entries since Origins. Regrettably, this is not the reality.
Despite its smaller size, Assassin’s Creed Shadows still presents a colossal gaming experience. The controversial level-gating mechanic, which I deem to be its saving grace, helps the game’s narrative pacing initially but eventually becomes ineffective. Players find themselves trekking 6000 miles to consult an NPC, who sends them on another equally lengthy journey. Therefore, Shadows’ map continues to feel unwieldy, notwithstanding its reduced scale relative to its predecessors.
This excessive size is particularly disappointing because Shadows’ map lacks the diversity necessary to justify its vastness. The environments do not offer a range of distinct regions that could benefit from a larger area, nor do they provide a wealth of activities beyond repetitive side quests and sparse interactions with NPCs. While Ubisoft’s stunning visuals in Shadows are commendable, the need for extensive fast travel often detracts from the opportunity to appreciate this beauty fully.
Ubisoft Should Emulate Avowed’s Model
Avowed’s Open Area Structure Excels
I firmly believe that Assassin’s Creed should not entirely abandon its exploration model, as this distinct feature enhances the historical fantasy experience the series excels at providing. The ability to navigate meticulously recreated cities or vast landscapes from the past offers a unique form of historical preservation that no other medium replicates as effectively.
Nonetheless, switching to an open-area structure could solve the issues associated with excessive bloat while still delivering the excitement of exploring exquisitely detailed historical settings. Ubisoft’s underappreciated game, Star Wars Outlaws, exemplifies this approach with its diverse open-area planets, which are each a delight to explore due to their unique styles, terrains, and activities. This level of variety creates a sense of novelty, allowing players to engage deeply with each locale.
Moreover, smaller areas allow for greater detail. In the case of Outlaws, this meant incorporating extensive lore and references from the films. Similarly, Avowed stands as one of the standout RPGs of 2025 and serves as a prime model for the next Assassin’s Creed iteration, illustrating the effectiveness of its open areas. Each location in Avowed feels genuinely special and distinct, allowing players to seamlessly transition from rolling green hills to arid deserts.
As developers continue to grapple with creating consistently engaging open worlds, the open-area model should become the standard. This design enables a more considerable array of side activities, or diversifies existing tasks, ensuring that players remain intrigued rather than encountering all available content within the first few hours of exploration. This revitalization is desperately needed for the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Enhancing World Design Through Open Areas
Broader Variety in Exploration
The variety and detail afforded to games utilizing an open-area design could profoundly enhance the Assassin’s Creed experience. This approach would allow Ubisoft to delve deeper into various historical aspects across different landscapes. Imagine traversing numerous countries or even an entire nation, segmented into discrete, richly designed areas. Such a model could foster an even more immersive Assassin’s Creed narrative.
While my skepticism toward open worlds may color my perspective on the franchise, there is a growing sentiment that Ubisoft has faltered in crafting compelling exploratory experiences. Though improvements have been made—such as the innovative leveling system introduced in Outlaws and the integration of faction dynamics—the overall execution frequently feels like a missed opportunity. Even the faction system, while intriguing, doesn’t reach its full potential.
Adopting an open-area format akin to Avowed could reinvigorate the Assassin’s Creed series. After all, the franchise initially thrived on an open-area framework, with entries like the second game showcasing extraordinary map designs that enabled Ubisoft to explore its rich historical settings effectively. Avowed’s open areas are filled with side quests, hidden secrets, and engaging encounters, demonstrating that it is indeed easier to populate smaller, meticulously crafted spaces than an expansive map the size of Shadows or Valhalla.
Perhaps there is a middle ground where the Assassin’s Creed franchise can draw inspiration from Avowed and transition to an open-area format. I yearn for the series to feel fresh and innovative once more, pushing the narrative into exciting new territories, particularly as it stands as one of the few franchises that allows players to experience rich historical tourism.
While some may disagree with my viewpoint, especially those who still enjoy the traditional open-world structure of Assassin’s Creed, there is undoubtedly an opportunity for the series to evolve. In the midst of substantial releases such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows, embracing an open-area approach could breathe new life into the franchise.