Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Plan on roughly 30–50 hours to reach the ending of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, depending on how much you explore and which optional activities you take on. Published guide estimates for the main story range more widely, from about 25 hours to as much as 60. A thorough or completionist run can take 60–115+ hours, and Ubisoft says the later Black Tides story adds about two hours.
How long does it take to beat Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
There is no single dependable runtime. The figures below come from editorial guides and individual review playthroughs, not a standardized timing test or a population survey. Their labels also differ: “main quests,” “main story,” and “full completion” do not necessarily include the same activities.
| Play style or reported run | Published estimate | What the estimate describes |
|---|---|---|
| Main quests only | 25–35 hours | GamesRadar+ editorial estimate; the guide also says a fast, main-quest-focused run can reach the credits in about 30 hours. GamesRadar+ |
| Main storyline | 40–50 hours | GameSpot estimate. Its guide notes that optional quests, mini-bosses, and Hideout upgrades can help with level-gated regions. GameSpot |
| Main story, reported playthrough | 30–40 hours | Gamer Guides estimate, with a warning that some side quests or activities may be needed to meet regional level requirements. Gamer Guides |
| Ending after some side activities | About 40 hours | GamesRadar+ review author’s reported experience, not a controlled average. GamesRadar+ |
| Main story, review playthrough | 50–60 hours | PCGamesN’s reported review playthrough; it is one outlet’s experience, not a typical-player statistic. PCGamesN |
| Main story plus some optional activities | 35–50 hours | GamesRadar+ editorial estimate. GamesRadar+ |
| Main story plus some optional activities | 50–70 hours | GameSpot estimate, with examples such as flashback missions, pets, viewpoints, and enemy encampments. GameSpot |
| Thorough or 100% run | 60+ hours | GamesRadar+ estimate. GamesRadar+ |
| Full completion | At least 75, possibly up to 100 hours | GameSpot estimate; exploration and sightseeing can affect the total. GameSpot |
| Completionist run | More than 115 hours | Gamer Guides estimate for collecting, side missions, and extensive exploration. Gamer Guides |
| Story plus remaining side content | At least 80 hours total | PCGamesN estimate. PCGamesN |
For a practical plan, set aside around 30–50 hours for the story, recognizing that some reports run longer. Extensive completion may take 60–115 hours or more; the gap reflects different definitions of completion and play styles, not a precise average.
Why do playtime estimates vary so much?
Guides count different things
A main-quest estimate may omit optional missions and exploration, while a “100%” estimate can include collecting, side missions, and sightseeing. Because sources use different scopes, their numbers should not be averaged into a single exact runtime.
#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.
Progression can call for detours
GameSpot and Gamer Guides note that regional level requirements can make optional quests or activities useful—even for players prioritizing the main narrative. How much you explore, your combat approach, dialogue and cutscene choices, and time spent on optional content also affect your total.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much time does Black Tides add?
Ubisoft describes Black Tides as the final story mission for Naoe and Yasuke. Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois said it contains “about two hours of content wrapping up Naoe and Yasuke’s adventure.” Ubisoft interview
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.
To access Black Tides, finish the main story and the earlier post-launch quests A Critical Encounter and A Puzzlement. Ubisoft says Claws of Awaji is not required. The update also adds Domains, five replayable challenge maps with changing gameplay modifiers, but Ubisoft does not give a completion-time estimate for them. Ubisoft’s final-update article
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 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.
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.
