Plan on about 30–50 hours for a story-focused playthrough of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Taking on a selection of optional activities can bring that to roughly 35–70 hours, while exhaustive completion estimates range from 60 to more than 115 hours. These are guide estimates, not guaranteed play times, and the ranges overlap because sources define “main story,” optional content, and 100% completion differently.
Estimated time by playstyle
| Goal | Estimated time | What the estimate covers |
|---|---|---|
| Story-focused | About 30–50 hours | Main quests, with some guides allowing for activities needed to keep pace with level requirements. |
| Story plus some side activities | About 35–70 hours | A selection of optional quests and activities, rather than clearing everything. |
| Exhaustive or 100% completion | About 60 to more than 115 hours | Broad cleanup; what counts as 100% differs by guide. |
| Platinum trophy or 1,000 Gamerscore | About 50–75 hours | PowerPyx’s estimate for this achievement target, which it says requires around 30% of side content—not all content. |
The figures come from different editorial guides and are not standardized measurements or an official Ubisoft average. For example, GamesRadar+ estimates 25–35 hours for main quests, 35–50 for a standard run, and 60+ for 100% completion; its reviewer reported reaching the ending in about 40 hours after doing some side activities. GameSpot estimates 40–50 hours for the main story, 50–70 with some optional activities, and 75–100 for 100%. Gamer Guides estimates 30–40 hours for the main story and more than 115 hours for exhaustive completion. GamesRadar+, GameSpot, Gamer Guides
Why the estimates vary
“Main story” can mean rushing through main quests or including the optional work needed to stay prepared for tougher, higher-level regions. GameSpot notes that optional quests, mini-bosses, and hideout upgrades can help make difficult sections easier; Gamer Guides likewise says some side quests and activities may be needed to keep up with level requirements. Your pace and appetite for exploration also affect the total.
The completion label matters too. PowerPyx reports that its author’s story run took 35 hours, estimates 80–90 hours for 100%, and separately puts platinum or 1,000 Gamerscore at 50–75 hours. Its estimate says that trophy and achievement target requires around 30% of side content, so it should not be treated as equivalent to clearing everything. PowerPyx
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Does the estimate include the final update or Claws of Awaji?
Ubisoft’s final update adds a final story arc for Naoe and Yasuke and introduces Domains, a challenge feature with five maps, objectives, and changing gameplay modifiers. Ubisoft describes the new story content and Domains as free, but its announcement does not quantify how many hours they add. The playtime ranges above should therefore be read as guide estimates rather than a precise total for every post-launch activity. Ubisoft’s final-update announcement
Claws of Awaji is a separate expansion, not part of the base-game estimates above. Steam describes it as adding a new region, weapon, and skills, with 10+ hours of content; that is the store’s estimate for the expansion, not a completion-time estimate for the main game. Steam
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
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.
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.
