"Discover When to Explore Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Open World"

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* invites players into a vast open world set in Feudal Japan, but you'll need to complete the prologue before you can truly roam free. 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 reputation for expansive open worlds, yet their games often come with lengthy intros before players can dive in. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* keeps the wait relatively short. The game begins with a prologue that sets the stage for the world and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, representing the Samurai and Shinobi, respectively. This segment also acquaints players with Iga, Naoe’s homeland, and sets her on a path that leads out of the region and into broader Japan. Expect to spend around an hour and a half navigating through this section, which is filled with both epic set pieces and crucial expository dialogue.

After completing the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and establishing your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the open world becomes yours to explore more freely.

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

Once you gain access to the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you'll start in the Izumi Settsu region, one of nine available at launch. Initially, your quests and side activities will be centered here before expanding northward to the Yamashiro province.

While the narrative and specific quests may keep Naoe and Yasuke anchored to certain areas, you can venture into other provinces. However, two factors may deter early exploration: the scarcity of quests and activities in other regions, which unlock as you progress through the story, and level requirements for combat effectiveness. Regions marked with a red diamond on the map indicate that you're significantly underleveled for that area, suggesting that premature visits could lead to challenging encounters and potential instant defeats.

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 gaming experience.