Map Exploration#
Assassin’s Creed Shadows sets its open world across Iga, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Omi, with broad regions and varied terrain. This page covers the main regions and how to explore them.
1. Region Overview#
| Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Iga | Naoe’s homeland, home of the ninja |
| Kyoto | The capital, center of politics and power |
| Nara | Ancient capital, temples and historical sites |
| Osaka | Castle city, a commercial and military stronghold |
| Omi | Lakeside region connecting many areas |
2. The Core Idea of Exploration#
The game emphasizes “investigation” over a map carpeted with question marks. You are not shown every objective’s location outright; instead you locate targets through spies, scouts, rumors, and clues. That makes exploration far more immersive.
3. Strongholds and Fortresses#
Castles are not merely decorative landmarks. Infiltrating a fortress means first scouting its defenses, identifying entrances, and using darkness, weather, and sound. Understanding a fortress’s layout is the key to efficient infiltration.
4. Scouts and Intel#
- Recruiting scouts: dispatch scouts to locate targets.
- Spy network: gather intel through spies.
- Clue system: narrow the target area step by step using clues.
5. The Rewards of Exploration#
Exploration brings resources, gear, strongholds, and story progress. Mapping out as many areas and strongholds as possible is an important part of getting the most out of the game.
6. Suggested Gear for Exploration#
- Stealth gear: for infiltrating strongholds and fortresses.
- Combat gear: for head-on encounters.
- Exploration tools: the grappling hook, Observe, and other aids.
7. Exploration and the Seasons#
The seasons change exploration conditions. Frozen lakes are walkable in winter, while lush vegetation in spring and summer helps you hide. Planning routes around the seasons reveals more paths and resources.
8. Exploration and Achievements#
Some achievements are tied to exploration and collecting. Getting to know the strongholds, landmarks, and collectibles is a prerequisite for completing those objectives.
9. Suggested Exploration Routes#
- Intel before action: use scouts to locate targets and save yourself blind wandering.
- Collect along the way: pick up resources and gear as you explore.
- Plan by season: arrange your routes around the seasons.
10. Summary#
The game’s open world is vast and full of life, and its approach to exploration stresses investigation and immersion. Understand each region’s character, make good use of the intel system and the changing seasons, and you will move freely across this Sengoku landscape.
11. Exploration Combined with Intel#
Gathering intel and recruiting scouts as you explore helps you pinpoint targets and resources more efficiently. Combining “exploration” with “intel” is the key to better exploration efficiency.
12. Exploration and the Four Seasons#
The seasons change exploration conditions. Frozen lakes are walkable in winter, while lush vegetation in spring and summer helps you hide. Planning routes around the seasons reveals more paths and resources.
13. Exploration and Achievements#
Some achievements are tied to exploration and collecting. Getting to know the strongholds, landmarks, and collectibles is a prerequisite for completing those objectives.
14. Long-Term Goals for Exploration#
The game’s open world is vast and full of life, and its approach to exploration stresses investigation and immersion. Understand each region’s character, make good use of the intel system and the changing seasons, and you will move freely across this Sengoku landscape and enjoy exploring it.
15. Map Combined with Intel#
Gathering intel and recruiting scouts as you explore helps you pinpoint targets and resources more efficiently. Combining “exploration” with “intel” is the key to better exploration efficiency.
16. Map and the Hideout#
The Hideout serves as your logistics hub, the starting point and supply base for exploring the world. Setting out from the Hideout and planning your routes from there lets you map out the whole world more systematically.
17. Long-Term Exploration of the Map#
The game’s open world is vast and full of life, and worth exploring over the long haul. As you gradually map out the strongholds, landmarks, and resources, you will find this Sengoku landscape full of surprises.
18. The Pace of Map Exploration#
The open world is large, so there is no need to rush and clear it all in one go. Advancing region by region, with intel and seasonal planning, lets you map out the whole world in a more orderly way.
19. Map and Long-Term Goals#
Gradually mapping out the strongholds, landmarks, and resources is the prerequisite for full completion and long-term goals. Exploring with a goal in mind gives every outing more meaning.
20. Planning Your Exploration#
It is worth breaking the whole map down by region and exploring it in stages, working with intel and the seasons. That keeps things orderly and means you will not miss important content.
21. The Joy of Exploration#
The joy of exploration here lies in “discovery” — hidden strongholds, rare gear, and season-exclusive scenery are all worth uncovering slowly. Enjoying exploration for its own sake is the greatest pleasure of an open world.