Summary
The upcomingAssassin’s Creed Shadowswill innovate from pastAssassin’s Creedtitles in several ways. For one, it will be the first mainlineAssassin’s Creedgame set in Asia, specifically Sengoku period Japan. Additionally, it will feature a dynamic weather and seasonal cycle affecting the local environment, wildlife, and NPCs, such as ponds and lakes becoming frozen in winter and puppies appearing more frequently in spring. PossiblyAssassin’s Creed Shadows’ most impactful changes are those relating to its stealth combat, which may be a good sign forAssassin’s Creed Codename Hexe’s own eventual combat system.
Naoe’s Stealth Combat in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadowswill feature dual protagonistsfor the second time in the franchise’s history, with the Japanese Shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe and the African Samurai Yasuke. Naoe and Yasuke will offer players two different playstyles. Being a Shinobi, Naoe will be able to perform expertly in stealth endeavors but struggle in direct combat with multiple opponents. Yasuke will act akin to a precise tank thanks to his heavy armor and powerful weapons in direct combat, but struggle with more covert missions. In a sense, Naoe will play closer to classicAssassin’s Creedgames while Yasuke will play similar to the protagonist of recent games such asAssassin’s Creed Valhalla.
However, Naoe’s combat is more expansive than her Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 counterparts. Naoe can use a grappling hook to reach distant locations and targets to perform air assassinations. Additionally, instead of simply crouching in tall grass to hide from enemies,Naoe can go prone to better avoid foes’ gazeand crawl through small openings. In interior locations, Naoe can leap onto ceiling beams to hide from enemies or perform air attacks similar to stealth actions seen inMarvel’s Spider-Man. If a pond or river is nearby, Naoe may use a breathing stick to hide underwater until a viable assassination opportunity presents itself. Of course, she can still use the signature hidden blade for common silent and air assassinations as well.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Other Stealth Environmental Features
While the environment inShadowsmay work against the player at times, such as a frozen pond preventing Naoe from using a breathing stick underwater, there are other ways it can still aid in stealth takedowns. During a quest, a thunderstorm may suddenly appear, causing the wind and rain to cover the sounds of Naoe’s footsteps, allowing her to more successfully achieve takedowns.Naoe may additionally use shuriken to destroy lanternsand drape a nearby area in darkness. This will reduce enemies’ detection time and help the player perform assassinations silently from the shadows.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Stealth Influence on Codename Hexe
Given how several pastAssassin’s Creedgames utilized similar mechanics and systems, such as howAssassin’s Creed OriginsandOdysseyalmost played identically,Codename Hexecould utilizeShadows’ new stealth mechanics. While little is officially known aboutCodename Hexe, it could turn out to be another stand out entry for the series if it plays anywhere in as depth asShadowswill, especially in its combat.Codename Hexecould even combine both elements of Naoe and Yasuke into one new protagonist, allowing players to utilize all stealth and direct combat abilities at all times without having to switch back and forth between characters.
CodenameHexecould additionally expand uponAssassin’s Creed Shadowsstealth mechanics. It’s rumored thatCodename Hexewill take place somewhere in Central Europe around the 16th Century, possibly within the Holy Roman Empire, focusing on witch trials. Given this focus on witches and Ubisoft Montreal’s experience with mythological elements inValhalla,Codename Hexecould feature a witch Assassinlead who can use magic to boast their stealth prowess. They could make potions that can make themselves harder to detect and affect enemies in unique ways to distract others, similar to the darts seen inAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. If the witch Assassin actually uses magic, they could use their powers to temporarily darken areas or bewitch foes with horrifying visions. By usingShadows' innovations as a springboard, Hexe could offer even deeper stealth for franchise fans to appreciate.
It’s believed thatAssassin’s Creed Codename Hexewill release sometime in 2026, but this release window hasn’t been officially confirmed by Ubisoft.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for 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.• 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 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.
