The Assassin’s Creed series generally features a vast open world, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows is no different. While familiar elements of movement and exploration are present in this game, Shadows will also allow its two main characters, Naoe and Yasuke, to take a moment to appreciate the wonders of nature through the creation of art.
Ubisoft introduced this feature during a detailed explanation regarding the game’s exploration mechanics. Allowing Naoe or Yasuke to create art may not provide them an advantage in combat, but it serves as a sign that they find it fulfilling.
Yasuke and Naoe will also have their own character-specific activities that they can engage in outside of quests and missions. For example, Yasuke can seek mentors who can teach him more about using his Kata, granting his character unique attack animations. Conversely, Naoe’s Kuji-kiri meditation will reveal more of her backstory.
Ubisoft has placed significant emphasis on scouts in this game, as these recruits can aid Naoe and Yasuke in locating key areas within the game world without needing to traverse each space themselves. Scouts can also stealthily infiltrate enemy strongholds, so subtly that adversaries might not realize what’s happening until it’s too late. With the resources obtained from scout raids, Naoe or Yasuke can enhance their safe houses. Additionally, scouts can help gamers eliminate temporary alerts should either character be caught violating the rules.
Viewpoints are also making a return in Shadows, with some modifications. Player characters can now locate and discover distant areas by climbing onto high structures and utilizing the 360-degree view feature, which will pinpoint special locations on their maps.
As before, viewpoints will also unlock fast travel opportunities. However, not all fast travel points are safe to access. Some are located in enemy-controlled territories, and players will have a significant battle on their hands if the foes discover that your characters have arrived unannounced.
If players seek a clearer idea of their destination, the pathfinder feature can also be employed while riding horseback. It’s similar to the mechanisms seen in Grand Theft Auto games to guide characters accurately toward their intended location.
A recent rumor suggested that Assassin’s