Assassin's Creed: Shadows of Death is a sprawling adventure within the ever-expanding Assassin's Creed universe, a franchise steeped in rich history. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned veteran returning to the fold, this guide will provide the essential context you need.
The Assassin's Creed timeline is a vast tapestry woven across continents and centuries. While many entries have been self-contained narratives, especially since Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Shadows of Death, set in 16th-century Japan, stands largely apart. The closest temporal settings in the series, Brotherhood and Revelations (Italy and Constantinople in the early 1500s), are geographically and chronologically distant enough to eliminate any direct story connections.
In the earlier days of the franchise (PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era), a compelling modern-day storyline involving Desmond Miles (voiced by Nolan North) connected various titles. However, more recent entries have explored different approaches to the modern-day narrative. Assassin's Creed: Shadows of Death introduces a fresh modern-day storyline, independent of previous iterations. While present, these modern-day elements remain subtle and mysterious, requiring no prior knowledge to enjoy.
Related: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Trophy List (All 55 Trophies)
While not a direct sequel, Assassin's Creed: Shadows of Death subtly acknowledges the franchise's legacy. Fans will appreciate the Easter eggs, visual nods, and thematic elements referencing previous games. However, these references are woven seamlessly into the narrative, ensuring newcomers aren't overwhelmed. The game functions perfectly as a standalone adventure. Key series elements like the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars are present but their involvement unfolds gradually, allowing both new and returning players ample time to immerse themselves in Feudal Japan.
Assassin's Creed: Shadows of Death is available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
