Assassin's Creed Shadows: 10 New Mechanics Shown In The Gameplay Reveal

Games

By Vincent Arogya

Published Jun 19, 2024

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Games

Highlights

Break enemy armor strategically for a fatal blow in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, creating a more deliberate combat experience.
Weapon impact dynamics add realism as the environment reacts differently to various weapon types in the game.
Experience fresh stealth gameplay with new mechanics such as a light and shadow system, prone crawling, and a physics-based grappling hook.

The recently revealed gameplay for Assassin’s Creed Shadows showcased several new mechanics, giving players an idea of what they can expect from the latest installment in the series. Since the game is set in the final years of the Sengoku period in Japan, obvious details like environmental design, weapon selection, and armor detail are expected.

Assassin's Creed Origins, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

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The combat of Assassin's Creed has always been in flux, and as such, some games in the franchise's long history have better combat than others.

From the gameplay point of view, many exciting mechanics seem to pull together the overall Assassin’s Creed experience. Below are some new mechanics showcased in the gameplay reveal for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

1 Breakable Enemy Armor

Strategically Break Away Enemy Armor To Expose Their Weakness

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, fighting enemies is more strategic than ever seen before in the franchise. When engaging enemies, players will aim to break down their armor to render them vulnerable to a fatal blow.

The ability to dismantle enemy armor should add a strategic depth not seen in previous installments of the series. Players can expect slower, but refined combat in Shadows. This strategic approach to combat should discourage players from spamming attack buttons and encourage a slower, deliberate, and tactical approach to fighting.

2 Weapon Impact Dynamics

Objects React Differently To Various Weapon Types

Unlike previous Assassin’s Creed games, an effort has been made to ensure environmental objects react appropriately when coming into contact with different weapon types in Shadows. For example, when Yasuke swings his mace and hits a fruit basket, the weapon shatters the basket, scattering the fruits around.

Assassin's Creed Shadows: Historical Figures Who Could Appear In The Game

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows takes place during Japan's Sengoku period, which could allow for a few key historical figures to appear.

Similarly, using a Katana or Kusarigama can slice through objects. This effect was demonstrated in the gameplay trailer when Naoe swung her Katana to attack an enemy, cutting through bamboo shoots, adding to the immersion.

3 Strategic Parry System

Successful Parries Break Enemy Posture

Yasuke Proceeding To Parry An Attack In AC Shadows

While parrying has returned in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, it differs significantly from what players have seen in previous games. Players must now parry successive attacks to break enemy posture and deliver a fatal blow.

This tactical approach to parrying encourages players to balance defense and offense. When facing bosses or mini-bosses, players can benefit from a defensive strategy, creating openings by successfully parrying incoming attack chains. Parries are indicated by a small, blue glow that appears right before the attack lands on the player. Attacks carrying a red glow cannot be parried and must be dodged.

4 Light & Shadow Stealth System

Innovative Stealth Mechanic That Makes Stealth Tactical

Players familiar with Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell games will notice similarities in Assassin’s Creed Shadows' new stealth system. In the gameplay reveal, Naoe was depicted sticking to shadows as she infiltrated a castle before assassinating a general.

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The game features a visibility indicator that informs players of their stealth status. Remaining in the shadows keeps players concealed, allowing them to move stealthily. Players can also use shurikens to disable hanging lights, dynamically create shadow zones, and gain a stealth advantage.

5 Traditional Eagle Vision

No Eagle Buddies To Scout Areas

Naoe using the eagle vision to see enemy through walls

With Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft has bid farewell to the buddy bird that replaced the traditional eagle vision in previous games. In Shadows, players can once again utilize the older, yet familiar eagle vision to scout an area before infiltrating it.

Eagle vision enables players to detect enemies through walls. Scanned enemies are highlighted in red throughout the duration of the vision, empowering strategizing and attack planning. Unlike in previous Assassin’s Creed games, in Shadows, the eagle vision range has been reduced when scanning enemies through walls.

6 Ability To Go Prone & Crawl

Enjoy The New Prone Mechanic To Get Past Enemy Sightlines

Naoe proning and crawling in short grass in AC Shadows

Players can now use a new prone mechanic to crawl through short grass and maneuver past enemies. Crawling allows Naoe to navigate tighter spaces while staying concealed. This environmental interaction enhances the game's interactivity and immersion.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows also features a dynamic weather system, where snow can blanket the ground, posing challenges to Naoe’s use of short grass for concealment. The combination of the new light and shadow stealth system with the prone and crawl mechanic promises to offer a fresh stealth experience for fans.

7 Physics-Based Grappling Hook

Naoe using the grappling hook to assassinate an enemy in AC Shadows

Naoe’s navigational abilities are enhanced by her signature weapon, the kusarigama, which also functions as a grappling hook. Unlike the grappling hook in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Shadows features an era-appropriate grappling hook that follows the laws of physics.

Players will enjoy using the grappling hook to scale pagodas while parkouring their way to various destinations. Beyond navigation, the kusarigama serves as a spinning weapon capable of dealing with multiple enemies, making it effective for crowd control when Naoe is surrounded.

8 Underwater Air Refilling With Bamboo Pipes

Expands Stealth By Allowing Naoe To Refill Her Breath Underwater

Naoe refilling air using the bamboo pipe in AC Shadows

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe can also swim through small ponds to remain in stealth. Instead of surfacing to refill her lungs, she uses a unique bamboo pipe to breathe while remaining undetected.

It seems that Ubisoft has placed greater emphasis on Naoe’s stealth elements in Shadows. The ability to breathe underwater gives players greater agency over how they choose to approach a specific stealth scenario. This degree of freedom can allow players to focus only on the main target and leave the area undetected.

9 Stylized Assassination Animations

Special Art Style To Important Assassinations

Stylistic killing animation in Assassin's Creed Shadows

Assassin’s Creed Shadows incorporates a stylized art style to highlight important assassination sequences. Inspired by the Japanese Sumi-e tradition, known for its black ink painting, this effect applies a painting-like filter to assassination animations.

The stylized effect also enhances moments when Yasuke uses his powerful abilities to one-shot enemies. The game slows down when these animations play, delivering a striking and cinematic impact. These animations can significantly enhance player engagement when killing a challenging boss or when assassinating a powerful general.

10 Dynamic Seasons

Changing Seasons Affect Gameplay Opportunities

Showcasing changing seasons in AC Shadows

For the first time in the franchise, Assassin’s Creed introduces a dynamic season system that impacts player strategy. While some may argue that Assassin’s Creed 3 had a seasonal change system tied to specific memories, Assassin’s Creed Shadows features all four seasons that change independently of the story.

During summer and spring, players can take advantage of dense foliage to sneak past enemies. In the rain, they can mask their sounds to effectively infiltrate enemy camps and castles. In winter, players must adapt to the challenges posed by snow-covered fields and overhead platforms.