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

Author : Zoey

Apr 17,2025

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* invites players into a vast open world set in Feudal Japan, but the freedom to roam isn't immediate. You'll need to navigate through the prologue before you can truly explore this expansive landscape. Here's a guide on when you can start exploring the open world in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

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

Ubisoft has a reputation for crafting intricate open worlds, but often, players must endure lengthy introductions before diving in. In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the wait is shorter compared to previous titles. The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the stage and introduces you to the world through the eyes of the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. You'll learn about the Samurai and Shinobi as you experience their stories and get acquainted with Naoe’s homeland, Iga. This prologue, filled with both epic set pieces and crucial expository dialogue, should take approximately an hour and a half to complete.

After finishing the “From Spark to Flame” Quest and establishing your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, you'll finally be free to explore the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

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

Naoe prepares to observe an area after synchronizing in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, via Ubisoft

Once you gain access to the open world, you'll start in the Izumi Settsu region, one of the nine available at launch. Initially, your quests and side activities will be centered around Izumi Settsu before expanding north to the Yamashiro province.

Although the narrative might lock Naoe and Yasuke into specific areas at times, you can venture into other provinces. However, there are key considerations to keep in mind. The first is the availability of quests and activities; these unlock gradually as you progress through the story. Additionally, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* retains RPG elements, meaning you must reach a certain level to effectively combat enemies in different regions. You can check these level requirements on the map, where regions marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that you're significantly under-leveled for that area. Entering such regions prematurely can lead to challenging encounters, where some enemies might even be able to instantly defeat you.

In summary, while you can technically travel to higher-level regions early on, it's advisable to wait until you're adequately prepared to ensure a more enjoyable experience.