Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to deliver one of the most immersive historical experiences in the franchise, taking players to feudal Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. With a gripping narrative, dynamic world events, and two unique protagonists, the game explores the rise of the Assassin Brotherhood in a land dominated by samurai warlords.
In this guide, we’ll break down the story, historical setting, timeline, and key characters of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, including in-depth details about the dual protagonists, Naoe, the ninja assassin, and Yasuke, the legendary samurai warrior.
Table of Content:
The Setting
Naoe Backstory and Combat Style
Yasuke Backstory and Combat Style
The Conflict
FAQ
The Setting: Feudal Japan During the Azuchi-Momoyama Period
When Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Take Place?
The game is set in late 16th-century Japan, specifically during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573 - 1600). This was a time of intense political upheaval, where warlords (Daimyos) fought for control, and Japan began transitioning toward a unified nation.
Players will navigate a beautiful yet dangerous world, featuring real japanese regions:
- Kyoto: A cultural and political center filled with samurai and spies.
- Osaka: A crucial stronghold where power struggles unfold.
- Iga Province: The birthplace of the Iga ninja clan, central to the game’s conflict.
- Kobe: A port city that serves as a gateway for foreign influences.
Historical Events in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The game’s story is shaped by real historical events, including:
- The fall of the Iga ninja clans: A brutal campaign led by Oda Nobunaga to wipe out shinobi influence.
- The rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu: A key figure in unifying Japan.
- The cultural clash between samurai and shinobi: A theme central to Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Key Characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Who is Naoe? Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Ninja Protagonist Explained
Naoe is a kunoichi (female ninja) from the Iga Province, trained in the deadly art of stealth, deception, and assassination. She is the daughter of a legendary shinobi master and seeks vengeance for the destruction of her clan at the hands of Oda Nobunaga’s forces.
Naoe’s Role in the Story
- She represents the stealth-based gameplay in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
- A highly skilled assassin, Naoe uses parkour, shadows, and gadgets to eliminate enemies.
- She is drawn into the war between the Assassins and the Templars, uncovering secrets that could change Japan’s fate.
- Naoe’s personal journey revolves around revenge, loyalty, and the survival of her people.
Naoe’s Combat & Playstyle
- Stealth-focused: Uses the environment to disappear and strike from the shadows.
- Signature weapons:
- Shurikens & Kunai: Silent ranged attacks.
- Grappling Hook: Enhances mobility and parkour abilities.
- Smoke Bombs & Poison Darts: Disorients and weakens enemies.
- Agile & fast: Masters wall-running, rooftop parkour, and silent assassinations.
Naoe is an expert in assassination tactics, making her ideal for players who prefer a silent, strategic approach.
Who is Yasuke? The Story Behind Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Samurai Warrior
Yasuke is inspired by the real-life African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga. Originally from Mozambique, Yasuke was brought to Japan by Portuguese traders and rose to prominence as one of Nobunaga’s most trusted warriors.
Yasuke’s Role in the Story
- He represents the brute-force, combat-heavy gameplay in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
- As a samurai, Yasuke is bound by honor and duty but struggles with his place in a land where he is seen as an outsider.
- His loyalty to Nobunaga is tested as he uncovers the Templars' influence in Japan.
- Yasuke’s story explores identity, power, and the cost of war.
Yasuke’s Combat & Playstyle
- Heavy melee combat: Specializes in katanas, polearms, and direct duels.
- Signature weapons:
- Katana & Wakizashi: Precision-based samurai swords.
- Polearms (Naginata, Yari spears): High-damage, crowd-control weapons.
- Heavy Armor: Provides superior defense but reduces agility.
- Brutal & honorable: Prefers one-on-one combat, parrying, and counterattacks.
Yasuke is perfect for players who enjoy direct combat, dueling, and battlefield dominance.
Bonus: Both main characters have multiple romance options, a feature first introduced in Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey. These romance options will further explore the difference in personalities of the protagonists.
The Conflict: Assassins vs. Templars in Feudal Japan
The core conflict in Assassin’s Creed Shadows revolves around the Assassins and the Templars operating behind the scenes of Japan’s warring states.
- The Assassins (led by Naoe) believe in freedom and resistance against oppressive rulers.
- The Templars (influencing Nobunaga and other daimyos) seek to impose order and control through power.
Naoe and Yasuke are caught in this struggle, forcing them to question their allegiances and uncover secrets that shape Japan’s future.
FAQ: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Story, Setting & Characters
1. When does Assassin’s Creed Shadows take place?
- The game is set in late 16th-century Japan, during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573–1600), a time of war, political intrigue, and the rise of the Tokugawa shogunate.
2. Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows based on real history?
- Yes, while the game features fictional elements, it incorporates historical events, real locations, and figures like Oda Nobunaga, the Iga ninja clans, and Yasuke, the African samurai.
3. Who is Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
- Naoe is a kunoichi (female ninja) from the Iga Province, specializing in stealth, assassination, and parkour. She seeks revenge for her fallen clan and fights against the Templars.
4. Who is Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
- Yasuke is a real-life historical figure, an African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga. In the game, he represents brutal combat, heavy weapons, and battlefield dominance.
5. What is the main conflict in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
- The story revolves around the hidden war between the Assassins and Templars, set against the backdrop of feudal Japan’s political turmoil. Naoe and Yasuke find themselves on opposite sides of this struggle but must work together to uncover a deeper conspiracy.
6. Can you romance in Assassin's Creed Shadows?
- Yes! Both assassins have multiple romancing options which will highlight their personalities.
7. What weapons do Naoe and Yasuke use?
- Naoe: Grappling hooks, shurikens, kunai, smoke bombs, and daggers for stealth.
- Yasuke: Katanas, polearms, heavy armor, and direct melee combat for powerful duels.
With its historically inspired setting, compelling characters, and dynamic gameplay, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to be a landmark entry in the franchise.
Stay tuned for more Assassin’s Creed Shadows guides, including everything we know so far!
