*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* invites players into a sprawling open world set in Feudal Japan, but you won't have the freedom to explore this vast landscape until after the game's prologue. Here’s when you can start exploring the open world in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue? Answered

Ubisoft has a history of crafting expansive open worlds, but often prefaces them with lengthy introductions. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* keeps the wait relatively short before unleashing players into Japan.

The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the scene and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. This segment showcases the Samurai and Shinobi lifestyles from each character's perspective and acquaints players with Iga, Naoe's homeland. As Naoe embarks on her journey beyond Iga, players will experience a mix of epic set pieces and crucial expository dialogue. This prologue typically takes about an hour and a half to complete.

Once you finish the “From Spark to Flame” Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the open world becomes yours to explore.

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

Upon gaining access to the open world, you'll find yourself in Izumi Settsu, one of the nine regions available at launch. Initially, quests and side activities will be centered around this area before expanding north to the Yamashiro province.

While the narrative and certain quests may tether Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations, you can venture into other provinces. However, there are two key factors that might deter you from doing so prematurely.

Firstly, the lack of quests and activities in other regions early on means there might not be much to do there. Secondly, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, requiring players to reach a certain level to effectively engage in combat in different provinces. You can check these level requirements on the map; regions marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that you are significantly underleveled for that area. Attempting to explore these regions too early can lead to a challenging and potentially frustrating experience, as enemies can be overwhelmingly powerful.

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 gameplay experience.