Discover When to Explore Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Open World

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* offers an expansive open world set in Feudal Japan, but eager explorers will need to wait until after the prologue to freely roam this vast landscape. Let's delve into when you can start your journey through this meticulously crafted world.

How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue? Answered

Ubisoft, known for its rich open-world experiences, often begins its games with extended introductions. Fortunately, in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players won't have to wait too long to dive into the open world of Japan. The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the scene and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, representing the Samurai and Shinobi perspectives, respectively. This initial section also introduces Naoe’s homeland, Iga, and sets her on a path that leads out of the region into broader Japan. Expect this prologue, filled with both cinematic set pieces and crucial expository dialogue, to last approximately an hour and a half.

After completing the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and establishing your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, you'll be free to explore the open world more extensively.

Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away? Answered

Although certain story elements and quests may temporarily confine Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations, you can generally venture into other provinces. However, there are two significant caveats to consider. Firstly, the availability of quests and activities in other regions depends on story progression, so early visits might not be fruitful. Secondly, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG mechanics, meaning you need to reach a certain level to effectively combat enemies in these areas. You can check the required levels on the map, where regions marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that you're significantly underleveled. Entering these areas prematurely could lead to a frustrating experience, as some enemies may be capable of quickly defeating you.

In summary, while it's technically possible to rush into higher-level regions, it's not advisable and could result in a challenging and less enjoyable gameplay experience.