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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* offers a vast open world set in Feudal Japan, but players must first navigate through a prologue before they can fully explore it. 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 reputation for creating expansive open worlds, but often requires players to endure lengthy introductions before diving into them. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* keeps the wait relatively short. The game begins with a prologue that sets the stage for the world and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, representing the Samurai and Shinobi respectively. This section also introduces players to Iga, Naoe's homeland, and sets her on a journey beyond the region. Expect to spend around an hour and a half on this prologue, filled with cinematic set pieces and crucial dialogue. Once you complete the “From Spark to Flame” quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, you'll gain the freedom to explore the open world.

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

After completing the prologue, players find themselves in the Izumi Settsu region, one of the nine named areas available at launch. Initially, quests and activities will be centered around Izumi Settsu, gradually expanding to the north into the Yamashiro province. While certain story elements may restrict Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations, you can venture into other provinces. However, there are considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, the availability of quests and activities in different regions is tied to the progression of the main story, meaning early visits might not offer much to do. Secondly, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, including level requirements for different regions. You can check these on the map; regions marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that your current level is far below the recommended level, suggesting that combat will be extremely challenging, and some enemies may be able to defeat you instantly.

In summary, while you can technically explore higher-level regions early on, it’s not advisable due to the potential for a frustrating experience. It’s best to progress through the story and level up accordingly before venturing into these areas.