AC: Shadows breakdown: campaign will be more intense but shorter, with ton of meaningful locations

Assassin's Creed Valhalla's extensive plot and numerous optional tasks drew considerable criticism from fans, a point Ubisoft has directly addressed in the development of its successor. Shadows of… (game title needed here) will feature a more streamlined approach, with improved visibility and a more compact design for in-game elements.

Game director Charles Benoit stated in an interview that the main story campaign of Shadows will take approximately 50 hours to complete. Players wishing to fully explore all regions and complete side quests can expect a playtime closer to 100 hours. This is a significant reduction compared to Valhalla, which required at least 60 hours for a standard playthrough and up to 150 hours for complete content completion.

Ubisoft's focus on reducing optional content aims to prevent overwhelming players. Shadows will offer a more balanced blend of narrative and optional activities, striving for a less tedious experience while retaining the richness of the world and depth of the story. The goal is to provide a satisfying experience for both players who prefer extensive gameplay and those who prioritize the main narrative, avoiding excessively long playtimes.

Game director Jonathan Dumont highlighted the team's research trip to Japan as a major influence on Shadows' development. The scale of the castles, mountainous landscapes, and dense forests profoundly impacted their design approach. The sheer size and detail of these locations prompted a commitment to greater realism and detail.

One of the key changes will be a more realistic world geography. While travel between points of interest will require longer distances, each location will be far more nuanced and detailed. This contrasts sharply with Assassin's Creed Odyssey's system, where points of interest were often densely clustered. In Shadows, travel will be more deliberate, reflecting a more open and natural world, culminating in richer, more immersive locations. According to Dumont, Shadows boasts a significantly higher level of detail, allowing for a truly authentic Japanese atmosphere.