Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Set in Japan?
Image Credit: Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in feudal Japan during the year 1581, right in the middle of one of the country’s most chaotic and violent eras. The story unfolds during the late Sengoku period, a time marked by civil war, power struggles, and the rise—and eventual fall—of the infamous warlord Oda Nobunaga.
This was an age of clashing clans, shifting alliances, and enough political drama to fuel a dozen revenge plots. So naturally, it’s the perfect backdrop for a game about stealth, sword fights, and sneaky rooftop parkour.
Players will explore a massive open world that includes several provinces across Japan. You’ll visit historical cities like Kyoto and Osaka, along with famous temples, shrines, and castles, all carefully recreated to reflect how they would’ve looked in the 1500s—not how they look today with souvenir stands outside. From lush bamboo forests to snow-covered hills and autumn maple groves, you’ll see Japan through changing seasons and dynamic weather, which isn’t just for show—it affects gameplay too.
And yes, while the story is fiction, it weaves around real historical events and figures, including Yasuke, a real African samurai who served under Nobunaga. The game balances action and exploration with an impressive attention to cultural detail—right down to characters removing their shoes when entering a house.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to sprint across castle rooftops, pet every cat and dog, and bring down warlords in a beautifully rendered version of 16th-century Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has you covered.
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