"Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Playable Without Prior AC Experience"

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is the latest addition to the expansive *Assassin’s Creed* franchise, known for its rich historical settings and intricate narratives. Whether you're diving into the series for the first time with *Shadows* or returning after a hiatus, here's what you should know to enhance your gaming experience.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Overlap With Other AC Games? Answered

The *Assassin’s Creed* timeline spans continents and epochs, with each game offering a unique story and setting, particularly since *Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag*. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* transports players to 16th-century Japan, a setting far removed from the locales of *Brotherhood* and *Revelations*, which were set in the early 1500s in Italy and Constantinople, respectively. Due to the significant temporal and geographical distance, *Shadows* does not connect directly with any previous *Assassin’s Creed* games.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Have a Modern-Day Story? Answered

In its early years, the *Assassin’s Creed* series featured a continuous modern-day storyline, prominently featuring Desmond Miles, voiced by Nolan North. However, as the series evolved, these modern-day narratives have varied in their impact and coherence. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a fresh modern-day storyline aimed at re-engaging fans. This new narrative is sparse and shrouded in mystery, ensuring that you don't need prior knowledge of the franchise's modern-day stories to enjoy *Shadows*.

Related: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Trophy List (All 55 Trophies)

Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Connected to the Series and Does it Matter If You’ve Played It Before?

Although *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* isn't a direct sequel, it maintains a connection to the broader *Assassin’s Creed* universe. Ubisoft has included Easter eggs, nods, and familiar iconography to please longtime fans without overwhelming newcomers. Key elements such as the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars are woven into the fabric of *Shadows*, but these connections are introduced gradually, allowing both new and returning players to immerse themselves in the world of Feudal Japan without needing to understand the entire series history.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is now available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, offering players a standalone yet connected experience within the beloved franchise.