Summary

  • Assassin's Creed Shadows will have "more developed relationships" than past games.
  • It's also bringing back queer romances like in Odyssey and Valhalla.
  • However, since Yasuke and Naoe are distinctly separate, they will have unique romances individual to them. That means these queer romances are specifically catered to each character.

In a new interview with YouTuber JorRaptor, Assassin's Creed Shadows associate narrative director Brooke Davies revealed that the game will have "more developed relationships" than past entries while also bringing back same-sex romances.

Davies also explained that you cannot miss out on any romances in the game through your story choices.

What's especially interesting about this revelation is that Shadows is revamping the dual protagonist system. In Odyssey and Valhalla, you essentially played the same character but were able to pick their gender at the start—Ubisoft even made female Eivor and Kassandra the canon choices. In contrast, Yasuke and Naoe are completely separate and both are important to the story.

The old way meant same-sex relationships happened because of the gender you chose, not because they were written that way, whereas Yasuke and Naoe have unique romances individual to their character, meaning that these stories are intentionally queer.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Will Also Feature Platonic Relationships

It's not just romantic relationships you can pursue in Shadows, there will also be plenty of platonic bonds to forge throughout your adventures; "I think something that's unique in Shadows is we're going to have some more developed relationships," Davies said. "A chance to really get close to people, get to know people, all sorts of different relationships for Naoe and Yasuke to explore."

Davies also promises what sounds more like flings—"lighter romances".

Based on this interview, JorRaptor likens the relationships in Shadows to Odyssey more than Valhalla, which makes sense given that the two share a development team.

We don't know much about who will be romanceable or how that will look compared to previous titles, but we can at least expect deeper friendships, more in-depth romances, queer stories, and quick affairs while we're slitting templar throats.

Assassin's Creed Shadows launches on November 15 later this year, so we'll find out more for ourselves soon enough.

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Assassin's Creed Shadows

Action Stealth RPG Systems 14 8.5/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 81/100 Critics Rec: 81% Released March 20, 2025 ESRB Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language Developer(s) Ubisoft Quebec Publisher(s) Ubisoft Engine AnvilNext
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL

Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.

• Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
• Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.
• Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.

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