Assassin\'s Creed Shadows Details Parkour Changes

Summary

• Assassin's Creed Shadows revamps its parkour system, focusing on designated "parkour highways" for climbing and introducing seamless ledge dismounts.
• The game features dual protagonists: the stealthy shinobi Naoe and the powerful samurai Yasuke, offering diverse playstyles.
• Launching February 14th, Assassin's Creed Shadows aims to blend classic stealth gameplay with RPG combat elements.

Ubisoft has detailed significant changes to the parkour system in its upcoming title, Assassin's Creed Shadows—the next RPG-infused installment in the acclaimed historical action-adventure franchise. Following a delay from its November 2024 release, Assassin's Creed Shadows is now set for a February launch.

Set in feudal Japan, the game introduces dual protagonists: Naoe, a nimble shinobi adept at stealth and wall-scaling; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but unable to climb. This dual-protagonist approach caters to both fans of classic Assassin's Creed stealth and those who prefer the more action-oriented RPG combat seen in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.

In a recent blog post, Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois outlined the revamped parkour system. A key change is the restriction of free climbing; players will now navigate designated "parkour highways" for vertical traversal. While this might seem limiting, Lemay-Comtois assures players that most surfaces remain climbable, requiring a strategic approach. The blog also highlights seamless ledge dismounts, replacing the need to grab ledges with stylish, fluid movements. Additionally, a new prone position allows for diving while sprinting, alongside sliding.

"...we had to be more thoughtful about creating interesting parkour highways and afforded us more control about where Naoe can go, and where Yasuke can't...Rest assured that most of what you'll see in Assassin's Creed Shadows is still very much climbable - especially with the grappling hook - but players will have to look for valid entry points from time to time."

Players Won't Be Able To Climb Everything In Assassin's Creed Shadows

This refined parkour design, with its carefully planned pathways, aims to optimize flow and create a more engaging experience.

Assassin's Creed Shadows arrives on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14th. With its release approaching, Ubisoft is expected to share more details soon. The game's launch will be interesting given the crowded February release schedule, including titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed.