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

*Assassin's Creed Shadows* immerses players in the vast and intricate world of Feudal Japan. However, before you can freely roam this expansive 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?

Ubisoft has a reputation for crafting expansive open worlds, but they often precede these with lengthy introductions. Fortunately, *Assassin's Creed Shadows* keeps the wait shorter compared to some of its predecessors. The game begins with a prologue that sets the stage and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, representing the Samurai and Shinobi respectively. This segment also acquaints players with Iga, Naoe's homeland, and marks the beginning of her journey beyond this region. Expect to spend approximately an hour and a half on this prologue, filled with both epic set pieces and crucial expository dialogue.

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, allowing for more freedom in exploration.

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

Upon gaining access to the open world, you'll find yourself starting in Izumi Settsu, one of the nine regions available at launch. Initially, quests and side activities will be centered around Izumi Settsu, eventually expanding north to the Yamashiro province.

While certain story elements and quests might tether Naoe and Yasuke to specific areas, you can venture into other provinces. However, two key factors might deter you from doing so prematurely. First, the absence of quests and activities in regions that unlock later in the story means you might not find much to do there early on. Second, *Assassin's Creed Shadows* retains RPG elements from the franchise, meaning you need to reach a certain level to effectively combat enemies in higher-level regions. These level requirements are indicated on the map with a number inside a red diamond, signaling that you're significantly underleveled for that area. Attempting to explore these regions too early could lead to a challenging and potentially frustrating experience, as some enemies can be overwhelmingly powerful.

In summary, while you can technically rush to higher-level regions, it's advisable to wait until you're adequately prepared to ensure a more enjoyable gameplay experience.