Discover When You Can Explore the Open World in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Dive into the expansive world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, set against the backdrop of Feudal Japan. While the game promises a vast open world to explore, you'll need to navigate through the prologue first. Here's when you can start roaming the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue?

Ubisoft has a history of immersing players in rich open worlds, but they're also known for their lengthy introductions. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* keeps the wait relatively short before you can explore Japan.

The game begins with a prologue that sets the stage for the world and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. You'll get to know the Samurai and Shinobi perspectives through these characters. The prologue also introduces you to Iga, Naoe's homeland, and sets her on a journey beyond this region. This segment, filled with epic set pieces and narrative exposition, will take approximately an hour and a half to complete.

Once you complete the "From Spark to Flame" quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the open world becomes yours to explore freely.

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

After completing the prologue, you'll find yourself in the Izumi Settsu region, one of the nine available at launch. Initially, quests and side activities will be centered here before expanding north to the Yamashiro province.

While the story and certain quests may tether Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations, you can venture into other provinces. However, there are two key considerations to keep in mind:

Firstly, the availability of quests and activities in other regions is tied to the progression of the main story. Venturing into these areas early on might not be fruitful due to the lack of content. Secondly, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, meaning you need to reach a certain level to effectively engage in combat in different provinces. You can check these level requirements on the map, where regions marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that you're significantly underleveled. Attempting to explore these areas prematurely could lead to a challenging, if not frustrating, experience, as enemies might be capable of defeating you quickly.

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 gaming experience.