Assassin’s Creed Shadows: First-Boot Setup Guide

Adventure

Mar 20

*Image Credit: Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed Shadows*

When you first start Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you’re hit with a bunch of choices: difficulty, exploration mode, Canon mode, Immersive mode... it’s like ordering coffee but somehow more stressful.

Here’s what each setting means—and what you should pick for the best experience.

1. Difficulty – Pick “Normal” (or “Story” if You’re Just Here to Chill)

Story: For players who just want the narrative and easy fights.
Forgiving: A bit harder, but still very relaxed.
Normal: The sweet spot for most players—balanced combat and stealth.
Expert: Enemies hit harder, stealth is less forgiving—only pick if you hate yourself.

Best Pick: Start with Normal. You can adjust it later (even separately for combat and stealth). Just note: You’ll still need to grind side content to level up, even on easy modes.

2. Guided Exploration – Yes, Turn It On

With this on, you get quest markers and clear objectives.
With this off, you rely on scouting and clues to find things on your own.
Sounds fun, but gets old fast—especially in new areas where you have no idea where anything is.

Best Pick: Just turn it on. You can switch it off later if you want to pretend you're a real detective.

3. Canon Mode – Think Carefully (You Can’t Change This)

ON: No dialogue choices. The story plays out as Ubisoft intended.
OFF: You get to make dialogue decisions that slightly tweak how things play out, but they don’t really change the story.

Best Pick: If you like watching the story play out without thinking too hard, turn Canon Mode ON. If you want some control over dialogue, keep it OFF.
Reminder: You can’t undo this choice, so pick wisely.

4. Immersive Mode – Just Say Yes

ON: Sets audio to Japanese with some Portuguese, subtitles on.
OFF: English voices.
You can switch the audio language later, despite what the game suggests.

Best Pick: Try Immersive Mode ON—the Japanese voice acting is excellent, and it feels more authentic. If subtitles bother you, just switch to English later.