Assassin’s Creed Shadows was originally announced for launch on November 15, 2024, with two playable leads: Naoe, a shinobi from Iga Province, and Yasuke, a samurai. That date is historical: Ubisoft now lists the game as available. Its core distinction is the way the protagonists approach play—Naoe specializes in stealth and mobility, while Yasuke is built for direct combat.
What happened to the November 15 release date?
Ubisoft’s May 2024 announcement said Assassin’s Creed Shadows would “launch November 15.” That was the originally announced date, not a statement of current availability or confirmation of the eventual initial release date. Ubisoft’s current game page lists it as “Available now,” and the company’s June 16, 2026 update article describes a major content update as available.
Who are the two protagonists?
Naoe: stealth, parkour and gadgets
Naoe is a Japanese shinobi from Iga Province. Ubisoft presents her as the stealth-focused character, with parkour and tools for infiltration. Its current character description names kunai, shuriken, smoke bombs, a grappling hook and the hidden blade among her abilities and equipment.
Yasuke: a samurai built for combat
Yasuke is the combat-oriented samurai. Ubisoft lists weapons including a katana, kanabo, bows and naginata. The contrast is not simply cosmetic: each protagonist has distinct progression, stats, skills and gear.
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- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content includes the base game and Sekiryu Character Pack
- 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.
- 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.
Ubisoft’s product page sums up the choice as: “You decide whether to play as a shinobi or samurai.” That is the publisher’s description of the design, rather than an independent assessment of how either style feels in play.
Can you switch between Naoe and Yasuke freely?
For many quests, players can choose which protagonist to use, but the choice is not universal. In an Xbox Wire interview published May 15, 2024, game director Charles Benoit said, “Yes, you can switch between Yasuke and Naoe at any moment in the open world, once they are united.” He qualified that freedom: switching is unavailable during fights and infiltrations, and some introductions, personal quests and special missions require a particular character.
Rank #2
- ENTER FEUDAL 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.
- MASTER COMPLEMENTARY PLAYSTYLES - 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 - Travel 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
- BUILD A PLACE TO CALL HOME - 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 buildings layout, decorations, and accessories.
That makes character choice a matter of both preferred approach and mission rules. Naoe is the natural fit for stealth and infiltration; Yasuke brings the direct-combat toolkit. Check the requirements of a specific mission rather than assuming either lead is always selectable.
Where and when is the game set?
Ubisoft places the story in late-Sengoku Japan, also described in its announcement as the Azuchi-Momoyama era. The company says its team consulted historians, professors and cultural consultants, researching details such as castle construction, tea ceremonies and tatami alignment. This describes Ubisoft’s creative process; it does not establish that the game is a definitive historical account.
Rank #3
![Assassin's Creed Shadows [PlayStation 5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cgBmgsqGL._SL160_.jpg)
- Experience an epic, historical action adventure in feudal Japan and become a deadly Shinobi assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open game world in chaotic times
- Sneak as a Naoe to not be discovered, use your agility to confuse your opponents and stretch down your opponents with deadly precision and power as a Yasuke
- Use information as weapons and build your own spy network to have eyes and ears everywhere and find your targets easier and recruit new allies on the go with unique skills to help you with your missions
- Create a fully customizable hideaway for your growing Shinobi league, where you train recruits, craft new equipment and interact with important characters; set the room layout, decoration and accessories yourself
Ubisoft identifies Yasuke as a real historical figure, while noting that aspects of his story remain open to questions and speculation. The game’s narrative should therefore be understood as historical fiction, not as a documentary reconstruction of his life.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which platforms is Assassin’s Creed Shadows available on?
Ubisoft currently lists the game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Amazon Luna, Macs with Apple silicon through the Mac App Store, and Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Steam and the Epic Games Store. Ubisoft also lists Ubisoft+ as an option. Availability and editions can vary by region, so check the relevant local platform or storefront for current details.
Rank #4
- BECOME A FEARSOME PIRATE- Strike fear in your foes as you board and sink enemy vessels as Edward Kenway, captain of the Jackdaw. Whether blending into crowds or leading daring assaults, switch between silent takedowns and fierce brawls as you effortlessly wield swords, pistols, and the Hidden Blade. With a cast of historical pirate legends at your side, defy empires amidst the age-old conflict opposing Assassins and Templars.
- A CLASSIC REBUILT FOR AN ENHANCED EXPERIENCE- Combat has been rebuilt for more dynamic encounters, emphasizing parries and takedowns, while stealth and parkour have been improved for smoother escapes and assassinations. Continuously upgrade the Jackdaw to face powerful enemy ships with enhanced naval mechanics featuring new alternate fire modes. Quality-of-life additions also address previous pain points, ensuring your experience is improved.
- THE CARIBBEAN LIKE NEVER BEFORE- Whether you’re sailing the open seas or journeying across untamed lands, discover a seamless open world built with the latest Anvil engine. Take in sweeping vistas as you brave stormy waters, dive into underwater shipwrecks, or push through dense tropical jungles. Enhanced by features such as Dolby Atmos and ray tracing, every scene feels more immersive, bringing the world’s beauty to life.
- EXPANDING EDWARD’S ADVENTURE- Building on top of the original story, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced introduces exclusive new content. Familiar faces will return, with new storylines dedicated to fan-favorite characters such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. Unexpected allies will also cross your path, as three officers join you on your journey as part of the main narrative. More surprises await, such as new sea shanties, pets, a photo mode, and more.
Is there an official guide?
Ubisoft lists The Complete Official Guide by Piggyback in two editions. It is a physical reference option for readers seeking walkthrough or gameplay guidance. Ubisoft’s listing establishes the guide and its editions, but does not confirm current retailer stock or pricing.
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