AC: Shadows Campaign Intensifies, Shorter but Richer

Assassin's Creed Valhalla's extensive playtime and numerous side quests drew criticism from fans, a concern Ubisoft has directly addressed in the upcoming Assassin's Creed: Shadows. The developers aim for a more streamlined experience while retaining the series' rich storytelling and world-building.

Game director Charles Benoit stated the main campaign will take approximately 50 hours to complete, with full completion, including all regions and side quests, estimated at 100 hours. This contrasts with Valhalla's 60-hour minimum and potential 150-hour completion time. Ubisoft has reportedly reduced optional content to create a better balance between narrative and side activities, aiming for a less tedious, yet equally immersive experience. The goal is to cater to both players who prefer a concise narrative and those who enjoy extensive gameplay without sacrificing quality or depth.

Game director Jonathan Dumont highlighted the team's research trip to Japan as a significant influence on Shadows' development. The scale and realism of Japanese castles, mountains, and forests surpassed expectations, leading to a focus on enhanced detail and accuracy.

This commitment to realism is reflected in the game's world geography. While travel times between points of interest will be longer, each location will be significantly more detailed and nuanced, unlike the more densely populated points of interest in Assassin's Creed Odyssey. This approach creates a more open, natural world with richer, more immersive locations, according to Dumont, resulting in a significantly higher level of detail and a truly authentic Japanese atmosphere.