The Animus is a revolutionary device in the Assassin’s Creed series, allowing users to relive the memories of their ancestors through genetic memory. First introduced by Abstergo Industries, a multinational corporate industry and the primary front of the Templar Order, this advanced technology plays a central role in the ongoing battle between the Assassins and Templars.
With the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the Animus Hub is the latest evolution of this technology, offering players a new way to interact with the franchise. In this guide, we’ll break down how the Animus works, its evolution in the series, and how to access the new Animus Hub in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Table of Content:
What is the Animus?
The Animus is a fictional device in Assassin’s Creed that reads a person’s DNA to access and simulate their ancestors’ memories. It acts as a historical virtual reality machine, allowing users to experience real events from the past as if they were actually there.
Who Created the Animus?
The Animus was originally developed by Abstergo Industries, the modern-day front for the Templar Order. Their goal was to extract hidden knowledge from historical figures, mainly to locate powerful artifacts known as Pieces of Eden, which are remnants of the ancient Isu civilization.
The Assassins also use the Animus, but for a different purpose. They are trying to uncover the truth about history and train new members.
How Does the Animus Work?
The Animus scans a person's genetic memory, which is stored in their DNA. By analyzing this data, the Animus reconstructs events from the past, allowing the user to relive these experiences in a fully immersive environment.
Key Features of the Animus
Memory Simulation: Users experience events exactly as their ancestors did.
Historical Accuracy: The Animus creates highly detailed, interactive historical settings.
Desynchronization Mechanic: If the user strays too far from their ancestor’s real actions, they experience desynchronization and must restart from a past memory. Some desynchronization examples in Assassin’s Creed Shadows are the killing of innocent people or dying an unexpected death.
Over the years, different versions of the Animus have appeared in the series, each with new capabilities and improvements.
Evolution of the Animus in Assassin’s Creed
Early Versions (AC1 to AC3)
- Animus 1.0 & 2.0: Used by Abstergo to extract memories from Desmond Miles.
- Animus 3.0: Allowed more freedom in exploration and interaction with historical settings (Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood and Assassin’s Creed Revelations).
Modern Advancements (AC Unity to Valhalla)
- Helix & Cloud-based Animus: Introduced in AC Unity, allowing users to access multiple genetic memories remotely.
- Layla Hassan’s Portable Animus: A highly advanced version seen in Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, capable of accessing DNA from ancient remains.
What is the Animus Hub in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
The Animus Hub is a brand-new feature introduced in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Unlike previous versions, which were mainly used to relive a single character’s memories, the Animus Hub is a central platform that connects multiple Assassin’s Creed experiences in one place.
How to Access the Animus Hub
- Launch Assassin’s Creed Shadows: The Animus Hub is integrated directly into the game.
- Explore the Features:
- Memories: Replay past Assassin’s Creed games, including Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla, and Mirage.
- Projects: Take on exclusive in-game challenges to earn rewards.
- The Exchange: Unlock weapons, gear, and collectibles using in-game currency (not microtransactions).
- The Vault: Access modern-day lore, encrypted files, and hidden Assassin-Templar secrets.
FAQ: Assassin’s Creed Animus & Animus Hub
1. Is the Animus real?
No, the Animus is fictional, created as part of Assassin’s Creed’s sci-fi and historical storytelling. However, the idea of genetic memory has some basis in real science, though it is not as advanced as depicted in the games.
2. Do you need an internet connection to use the Animus Hub?
- Offline Features: You can play Assassin’s Creed Shadows and access past memories without an internet connection.
- Online Features: Some sections of the Animus Hub, like Projects, The Vault, and The Exchange, require an internet connection.
3. Can I access older Assassin’s Creed games through the Animus Hub?
Yes, but only if you already own them. The Hub acts as a launcher for Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla, and Mirage, but it doesn’t grant free access to those games.
4. Will the Animus Hub expand to include future Assassin’s Creed games?
Yes, Ubisoft has confirmed that the Animus Hub is a long-term feature and will evolve over time with new games, challenges, and content.
5. Can I play as different historical characters in the Animus Hub?
The Hub itself doesn’t offer new gameplay, but it connects past Assassin’s Creed titles, allowing you to relive the stories of multiple historical figures.
6. Will there be microtransactions in the Animus Hub?
No, Ubisoft has stated that rewards in the Exchange are earned through gameplay and not through microtransactions.
The Animus Hub marks a shift in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, offering a unified, evolving platform for players. Ubisoft has hinted at future updates, making it a long-term addition to the series.
Whether you're a veteran Assassin or new to the Brotherhood, the Animus Hub lets you explore the Assassin’s Creed universe like never before.
