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Discover When to Explore Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Open World

by Riley Apr 20,2025

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* transports players to the captivating world of Feudal Japan, offering a vast open world to explore. However, before you can roam freely, you'll need to navigate through the game's prologue. Here’s when you can start exploring the open world in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

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

Ubisoft has a history of creating expansive open worlds, but they're also known for their lengthy introductions before players can dive into the exploration. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* keeps the wait relatively short. The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the stage for the world and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. This section acquaints players with the Samurai and Shinobi perspectives, delves into Naoe's homeland of Iga, and sets her on a journey beyond her region. Filled with both epic set pieces and expository dialogue, the prologue is expected to take 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, the game opens up, allowing you to explore the open world more freely.

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
After completing the prologue, you'll find yourself in the Izumi Settsu region, one of the nine areas available for exploration at launch. Initially, quests and side activities will be centered around Izumi Settsu, gradually expanding to the Yamashiro province as the story progresses.

While the narrative may sometimes anchor Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations, you can venture into other provinces. However, there are key factors to consider. The first is the availability of quests and activities, which unlock as you progress through the story. Heading to new regions prematurely might not offer much to do. Additionally, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, meaning you'll need to reach a certain level to effectively engage in combat within these areas. You can check the recommended level for each region on the map; a red diamond with a number indicates that you're significantly under-leveled, suggesting that venturing there could lead to challenging encounters or even instant defeat by stronger enemies.

In summary, while you can technically explore higher-level regions early on, it's advisable to wait until you're adequately prepared to ensure a more enjoyable experience.

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