Choose the default Exploration Mode if you enjoy interpreting clues, searching the map and using Scouts to find objectives. Turn on Guided Exploration if that search slows your progress or you would rather follow clear objective markers. The choice is reversible, so you can start with the default and switch if it stops being fun.
What Guided Exploration changes
In the default mode, quests provide clues about opportunities; you use those clues to work out where to investigate on the map. Scouts can scan an area and reveal a more precise objective location. Ubisoft describes this clue-led approach as a way to give players more control over discovering what lies ahead in its exploration overview.
Guided Exploration streamlines that discovery. According to PC Gamer’s guide, it automatically reveals quest objectives and target locations on the map, so you do not need to investigate clues or use Scouts to narrow down those locations. Direct guidance can also let you skip objectives that would otherwise provide clues.
The tradeoff is straightforward: Guided means less searching and more direct navigation, while the default mode makes figuring out where to go part of the gameplay. Ubisoft categorizes Guided Mode as an accessibility feature intended to streamline exploration and finding content—not as a combat setting. Combat difficulty options are separate.
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#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.
Which mode fits how you play?
| Choose | If you want | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Default Exploration | Clues, map investigation and Scout-assisted discovery | You deduce where to go and can use Scouts to reveal more precise locations. |
| Guided Exploration | Clear markers and less time spent searching | Quest objectives and target locations are shown directly, reducing the clue-and-Scout discovery loop. |
Push Square describes the clue-led setting as the default experience. If you are unsure, begin there and enable guidance if you get stuck or find the search tedious. You can change the setting during a playthrough.
How to turn Guided Exploration on or off
- Pause the game.
- Open System, then Options.
- Open Gameplay and change the Guided Exploration setting.
Push Square gives this menu path, and PC Gamer also reports that the mode can be switched during a playthrough. Menu labels may vary with game updates.
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.
Does Guided Exploration affect achievements or trophies?
PC Gamer reports that Guided Exploration bypasses Scout scanning for map discovery and prevents earning the Scout-based Scouting Mission achievement while the setting is enabled. Its guide says you can turn guidance off to earn that achievement, then turn it back on. Push Square gives a broader warning that some trophies are disabled, but the specific Scout-related consequence is the one described in detail. Achievement and trophy behavior can depend on platform or later game updates, so check the current version if this matters to your run.
Pathfinder is a separate aid
Pathfinder does not reveal objectives in the same way as Guided Exploration. Ubisoft says that once a quest location has been revealed by a Scout—or you have placed a map marker—Pathfinder can draw a white line on the ground toward it while you are on horseback. You can toggle Pathfinder at any time. It helps you follow a known destination; it does not replace the clue-led discovery process. See Ubisoft’s exploration overview for its description.
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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.
Accessibility options beyond Guided Mode
Ubisoft’s accessibility overview places Guided Mode under Navigation and Guidance, describing it as a way to reduce the engagement required for exploration and finding content. The overview also lists Audio Cues and Audio Glossary, which provide navigation and pathfinding feedback through nonvisual cues. These are related supports, but they are distinct features. Ubisoft’s Tech Q&A also describes Guided Mode among the game’s accessibility options.
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