The latest installment in Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series is a standalone entry that requires little knowledge of previous games to enjoy. Set in feudal Japan, Shadows allows players to explore the country without any prior understanding of the Assassin’s Creed lore.
Unlike other games in the series, Shadows doesn’t rely on complex storytelling or connections to the rest of the canon. The game begins in 1579, about 60 years after the events of the Ezio era, and focuses primarily on the political warring within Japan at the time.
Players will encounter characters from that era, including those from the Portuguese, without needing prior knowledge of the series’ history or its accompanying novels and films. The Animus technology has been simplified to an app in this game, making it easier for new players to jump in.
The main conflict revolves around the Assassin vs Templar rivalry, with the Assassins fighting for free will and the Templars seeking control through a hierarchical system backed by the Catholic Church. This setup allows players to dive into the world without needing extensive knowledge of the series’ lore.
Ubisoft’s Animus Hub will provide additional lore in the future, but at launch, it feels somewhat extraneous. For more information on Shadows, check out Eurogamer’s review or our launch day Q&A.
Source: https://www.eurogamer.net/psa-you-dont-need-assassins-creed-lore-knowledge-to-play-shadows