Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now, according to Ubisoft. November 15 was the date Ubisoft originally announced—not a confirmed account of the game’s eventual initial release date. Set in late-Sengoku Japan, the game follows two protagonists with contrasting play styles: Naoe, a shinobi, and Yasuke, a samurai.
What happened to the November 15 release date?
Ubisoft’s May 2024 announcement said Assassin’s Creed Shadows would launch on November 15. That was the original announced schedule. Ubisoft’s current game page now labels it “Available now,” and the company’s June 2026 update article describes the latest major content drop as a story capper for Naoe and Yasuke. The official pages cited here do not establish the exact eventual initial release date, so November 15 should not be treated as that date.
Who are the two protagonists?
The story centers on Naoe, a Japanese shinobi from Iga Province, and Yasuke, a samurai. Ubisoft describes the design as two distinct approaches to play: stealth and infiltration with Naoe, and more direct combat with Yasuke. The company’s product copy puts the choice simply: “You decide whether to play as a shinobi or samurai.” That is Ubisoft’s description of the game, not an independent assessment.
Naoe: stealth, movement and gadgets
Naoe’s toolkit is built around stealth, parkour and gadgets. Ubisoft lists kunai, shuriken, smoke bombs, a grappling hook and the hidden blade among her abilities and equipment.
#1 Best Overall
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- 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.
Yasuke: direct combat and a broad arsenal
Yasuke is the more combat-oriented, armored character. His listed weapons include a katana, kanabo, bows and naginata, offering a different combat approach from Naoe’s emphasis on stealth and infiltration.
Can you switch between Naoe and Yasuke freely?
In the open world, players can switch between them after the characters are united, but not in every situation. In an Xbox Wire interview published May 15, 2024, game director Charles Benoit said, “Yes, you can switch between Yasuke and Naoe at any moment in the open world, once they are united.” He qualified that freedom: switching is unavailable during fights or infiltrations, and some introductions, personal quests and special missions require a particular character.
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.
The characters also have separate progression, stats, skills and gear. That makes the choice more than a moment-to-moment change of combat style: each protagonist develops with their own equipment and abilities, while mission rules sometimes determine who you play.
What is the historical setting?
Ubisoft places the game in late-Sengoku Japan, an era it also calls the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The company says its team consulted historians, professors and cultural consultants, and researched details including castle construction, tea ceremonies and tatami alignment. This describes Ubisoft’s stated creative process; it does not establish that the game is a definitive historical account.
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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
Ubisoft identifies Yasuke as a real historical figure and notes that questions and speculation remain about his story. The game’s narrative should therefore be understood as a fictionalized story drawing on a historical setting, rather than a complete record of established events.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which platforms is Assassin’s Creed Shadows available on?
Ubisoft currently lists the game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Amazon Luna, Macs with Apple silicon through the Mac App Store, and Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Steam and Epic Games Store. Availability can vary by region and storefront, so check the local listing for the platform and edition you intend to use.
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.
Is there an official guide?
Ubisoft lists The Complete Official Guide by Piggyback in two editions. It is a physical reference option for players looking for walkthrough or game-reference help. The official listing does not verify current retailer stock, pricing or affiliate availability.
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