Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Some critics used the label “woke” in response to Assassin’s Creed Shadows, particularly in arguments about Yasuke’s role as a protagonist in a game set in feudal Japan. That label is a political framing, not an objective description of the game: reporting documents objections and wider culture-war discussion, but does not establish how common the label was or a single reason every critic used it.
Why is Assassin’s Creed Shadows called “woke”?
The label is tied in part to the game’s decision to place Yasuke, a historical African figure, among its central protagonists. Ubisoft’s official description presents two intertwined stories: Naoe is a shinobi from Iga Province, while Yasuke is described as a historical African samurai figure. The company frames them as distinct characters whose stories share the center of the game, rather than describing Yasuke as a replacement for Naoe. Ubisoft’s game page
“Woke” is being used by some critics as a broad political accusation about representation and historical storytelling. The sources available document criticism of Yasuke’s inclusion, but they do not show that every objection used that term, that all criticism was ideological, or that the label has one agreed meaning. It should therefore be understood as a framing used in the debate, not a settled verdict on the game.
What happened, and when?
| Date | What was reported |
|---|---|
| May 2024 | After the reveal, TIME reported criticism from some fans about Yasuke’s role in a story set in feudal Japan. The article described Yasuke as a historical figure believed to be of African origin. This is reporting on the initial reaction, not a measure of how many players objected. TIME, May 16, 2024 |
| 2024, discussed in February 2025 | The European Video Games Observatory’s report on culture-war coverage included the game’s announcement and Yasuke’s role as part of broader debate around games. European Video Games Observatory report |
| March 2025 | A separate Observatory report examined review-bombing around Assassin’s Creed Shadows. It noted online criticism concerning Yasuke’s inclusion alongside other complaints. This documents a strand of discourse; it does not establish what every reviewer believed or why. European Video Games Observatory report |
| June 16, 2026 | Ubisoft announced a final story update, saying its narrative content wraps up Naoe and Yasuke’s story. Ubisoft News |
Why is Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Ubisoft chose to tell the story through two protagonists with different identities and narrative perspectives: Naoe, a shinobi from Iga, and Yasuke, whom the company describes as a historical African samurai figure. The official framing is the clearest answer to why the character is present: his story is one of the two interwoven protagonist narratives. It does not settle disputes about how history should be interpreted, nor does it prove that every criticism of the choice is political.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#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.
Those are separate questions: Ubisoft’s description explains the role the characters play in the game, while objections reported after the reveal concern the choice to feature Yasuke in this setting. The available reporting does not provide a representative survey of players or Japanese audiences, a verified statistic for use of the “woke” label, or a named-person quotation that establishes a definitive meaning for it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the game’s current status?
Ubisoft’s current page lists the game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Ubisoft+, Amazon Luna, Mac, and Windows PC storefronts, and names a Complete Official Guide by Piggyback. Platform access and editions can vary by market, so check the relevant storefront for current availability. Ubisoft’s June 2026 announcement describes the final update as adding story content that concludes Naoe and Yasuke’s story.
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.
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.
