Explore Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Open World: When?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* transports players to the enchanting setting of Feudal Japan, boasting a vast open world ripe for exploration. However, before you can freely roam this beautifully crafted landscape, you'll need to navigate through the game's prologue. Here's 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 history of crafting expansive open worlds, yet their games often start with lengthy introductions. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* doesn't make players wait as long as some of its predecessors to dive into the world of Japan.

The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the scene and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. This segment introduces you to the Samurai and Shinobi ways through their eyes, and acquaints you with Iga, Naoe's homeland, before she embarks on her journey beyond. Expect epic set pieces and essential expository dialogue, which should take around an hour and a half to complete.

Once you've completed the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and established your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the gates to the open world will swing open for you.

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

While the story and certain quests might tether Naoe and Yasuke to specific areas, you can generally venture to other provinces. However, there are two key factors that might hinder your exploration:

The first is the availability of quests and activities. Since these unlock as you progress through the story, visiting new regions prematurely might not be as rewarding. Additionally, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, meaning you need to reach a certain level to effectively combat enemies in different provinces. You can check these level requirements on the map; regions marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that you're significantly underleveled, suggesting a challenging, if not impossible, experience if you venture there too soon.

In summary, while you can technically rush to higher-level regions, it's not advisable and could lead to a frustrating gameplay experience.