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Explore Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Open World: When?

Author : Madison Update : Apr 17,2025

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* offers a sprawling open world set in Feudal Japan, but players must first navigate through the prologue before they can freely explore. Here's when you can start your journey through the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue? Answered

Ubisoft has a reputation for introducing expansive open worlds but often precedes them with lengthy intros. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* keeps the wait shorter than in some previous titles. The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the stage for the world and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. This section delves into the Samurai and Shinobi perspectives and introduces players to Iga, Naoe's homeland, before sending her on a journey across Japan. Packed with epic set pieces and crucial dialogue, the prologue typically takes about an hour and a half to complete. Once you finish the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, you'll be free to explore the open world.

Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away? Answered

Naoe prepares to observe an area after synchronizing in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, via Ubisoft

Naoe prepares to observe an area after synchronizing in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, via Ubisoft

Once you're able to explore the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you'll start in the Izumi Settsu region, one of nine available at launch. Early quests and activities will focus on this area before expanding northward to the Yamashiro province. While certain story-driven quests may keep Naoe and Yasuke anchored to specific locations, you can often venture into other provinces.

However, there are two key factors to consider before rushing to new regions. First, the lack of quests and activities in areas that haven't been unlocked through the story progression might make early exploration less rewarding. Second, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements where players need to reach certain levels to effectively engage in combat in different provinces. You can check these level requirements on the map; regions marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that you're significantly under-leveled, suggesting that venturing there prematurely could lead to a challenging and potentially frustrating experience due to powerful enemies that can quickly overpower you.

In summary, while you can technically visit higher-level regions early on, it's generally not advisable as it may result in an unpleasant gameplay experience.