Dive into the rich tapestry of Feudal Japan with *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, where a vast open world awaits your exploration. However, before you can roam freely, you must first 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 history of crafting expansive open worlds, yet they often precede these with lengthy introductions. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* keeps the wait shorter than some of its predecessors. The prologue serves as an essential setup for the game's world, introducing the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, and their respective roles as Samurai and Shinobi. You'll get a taste of Iga, Naoe's homeland, as she embarks on her journey beyond its borders. Expect this section, brimming with epic scenes and vital narrative, to last around an hour and a half. Once you complete the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko's Homestead, the gates to the open world will swing open for you.
Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away?
Upon gaining access to the open world, you'll find yourself in Izumi Settsu, one of the nine regions available at launch. Initially, quests and side activities will focus on this area before expanding northwards to the Yamashiro province. While the story often tethers Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations, you have the freedom to venture into other provinces. However, two significant factors might deter you from doing so prematurely.
The first is the scarcity of quests and activities in regions unlocked later in the story, which might make early visits less rewarding. Secondly, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, meaning you need to reach a certain level to be effective in combat within these provinces. You can check the recommended level for each region on the map; areas marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that you're significantly underleveled, suggesting that venturing there too soon could result in a challenging, if not frustrating, experience due to formidable enemies capable of swift defeat.
In summary, while you can technically explore higher-level regions earlier, it's advisable to wait until you're adequately prepared to ensure a more enjoyable gameplay experience.