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Ubisoft says it added Canon Mode to Assassin’s Creed Shadows after hearing from some players who wanted a definitive story that could fit into the series’ wider lore. The mode automatically chooses narrative decisions to create a reference path, while the regular choice-driven experience remains available.
What Canon Mode does in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft describes Canon Mode as automatically selecting narrative decisions so the game’s canon story unfolds. Rather than asking the player to choose, it follows the game’s intended reference narrative. Ubisoft’s feature description does not specify every decision the mode handles, so it should not be taken to mean that it governs every story or character choice.
That makes it distinct from Guided Mode, which Ubisoft describes as streamlining exploration and content discovery. Canon Mode is about narrative decisions, not navigation. See Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows accessibility feature overview.
Why Ubisoft says it added the mode
In a March 2025 interview reported by Kotaku, creative director Jonathan Dumont linked Canon Mode to reactions to the character and dialogue choices introduced in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. He said many players liked those choices, but some were disappointed that the game did not have one definitive narrative to place in the franchise’s broader lore.
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- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content includes the base game and Sekiryu Character Pack
- Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles.
- Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
- Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
Dumont said the team spoke with fans during development and added a mode without narrative choices that could serve as a reference story. Players who want a more RPG-style narrative can still make choices; those who prefer a more linear story can let Canon Mode select them. His explanation was about feedback from some fans, not a measured consensus: the interview does not report a poll, sample size, or quantified level of support. Kotaku’s March 2025 report reproduces Dumont’s explanation.
Canon Mode and the standard choice-driven experience
| Question | Canon Mode | Standard choice-driven mode |
|---|---|---|
| Who selects narrative decisions? | The mode selects them automatically. | The player makes choices. |
| What kind of story path does it offer? | A more linear reference story intended to fit the franchise’s lore. | A more RPG-style narrative shaped by player choices. |
| Does it establish a canonical romance? | No. Developers said romance is personal and left each player to define it. | Players can define their own experience; the developers did not designate a romance as canon. |
The available descriptions establish how the two approaches differ, but do not show that one produces greater satisfaction or replay value, or that one is better for a particular type of player.
Rank #2
- ENTER FEUDAL JAPAN - Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- MASTER COMPLEMENTARY PLAYSTYLES - Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.
- MAKE INFORMATION YOUR WEAPON - Travel the world and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions
- BUILD A PLACE TO CALL HOME - Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s buildings layout, decorations, and accessories.
Why romance is not part of the canon path
In an August 2025 developer AMA, a player asked whether romances might become playable in Canon Mode. Developer Luc replied that romance is personal and that the team felt it was better not to make it canon in an Assassin’s Creed RPG, leaving each player to define their own canon. In other words, Canon Mode supplies a reference for the narrative without fixing a romantic relationship as part of it. The August 2025 developer AMA contains Luc’s response.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- BECOME A FEARSOME PIRATE- Strike fear in your foes as you board and sink enemy vessels as Edward Kenway, captain of the Jackdaw. Whether blending into crowds or leading daring assaults, switch between silent takedowns and fierce brawls as you effortlessly wield swords, pistols, and the Hidden Blade. With a cast of historical pirate legends at your side, defy empires amidst the age-old conflict opposing Assassins and Templars.
- A CLASSIC REBUILT FOR AN ENHANCED EXPERIENCE- Combat has been rebuilt for more dynamic encounters, emphasizing parries and takedowns, while stealth and parkour have been improved for smoother escapes and assassinations. Continuously upgrade the Jackdaw to face powerful enemy ships with enhanced naval mechanics featuring new alternate fire modes. Quality-of-life additions also address previous pain points, ensuring your experience is improved.
- THE CARIBBEAN LIKE NEVER BEFORE- Whether you’re sailing the open seas or journeying across untamed lands, discover a seamless open world built with the latest Anvil engine. Take in sweeping vistas as you brave stormy waters, dive into underwater shipwrecks, or push through dense tropical jungles. Enhanced by features such as Dolby Atmos and ray tracing, every scene feels more immersive, bringing the world’s beauty to life.
- EXPANDING EDWARD’S ADVENTURE- Building on top of the original story, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced introduces exclusive new content. Familiar faces will return, with new storylines dedicated to fan-favorite characters such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. Unexpected allies will also cross your path, as three officers join you on your journey as part of the main narrative. More surprises await, such as new sea shanties, pets, a photo mode, and more.
Rank #3
![Assassin's Creed Shadows [PlayStation 5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cgBmgsqGL._SL160_.jpg)
- Experience an epic, historical action adventure in feudal Japan and become a deadly Shinobi assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open game world in chaotic times
- Sneak as a Naoe to not be discovered, use your agility to confuse your opponents and stretch down your opponents with deadly precision and power as a Yasuke
- Use information as weapons and build your own spy network to have eyes and ears everywhere and find your targets easier and recruit new allies on the go with unique skills to help you with your missions
- Create a fully customizable hideaway for your growing Shinobi league, where you train recruits, craft new equipment and interact with important characters; set the room layout, decoration and accessories yourself
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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