The build-up toAssassin’s CreedShadows’ release in November wouldn’t be as acute without a handful of ciphers and challenges to drip-fed extra tidbits about gameplay and setting. Fans are one cinematic trailer wiser but the community’s first look at gameplay is yet to be revealed, but players are hard at work behind the scenes picking apart the footage.

Before the full reveal of “Assassin’s Creed Red”, Ubisoft sent out ciphers on Twitter - includingthe Hourglass Puzzle- and there was another treasure hunt stealthily planted at the end of the cinematic trailer. The publisher knows how to keep a fanbase on its toes, but a recent Discord challenge has seemingly confirmed the entry’s precise setting in Feudal Japan.

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Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Discord Challenge Points To Kansai

Thanks to content creator Access The Animus’ completion of The First Mission Discord Experience, the YouTuber received asecret boxto open with their followers and a series of concept art was also sent over.

The exclusive artwork contained four images from regions and locations within Assassin’s Creed Shadows, one seemingly showing Kyoto during the winter, two concepts from the Iga Province, and a fourth design from the Tanba Province. The Iga images certainly allude to several nature-based environments to explore, and the winter expanse appears to confirm Kyoto as a prime setting.

Promotional image of Yasuke and Naoe from Assassin’s Creed Shadows with an Order Now and Green Tick sticker.

After a bit of investigating, previous ciphers seemed to match the outline of Japan’s Kansai region, hinting at the game’s precise setting. Therefore, these concept images provide further evidence that Kansai will be fans’ playground in Shadows.

Tree Parkour Could Enhance Exploration In Japan

The fourth concept art image of the Tanba Province appears to detail Takeda Castle, which is bound to be a thrilling fortress to infiltrate as Yasuke or Naoe. Despite Shadows sharinga map sizewith Origins instead of Valhalla’s scope, players will still receive a mammoth chunk of Japan to explore.

Furthermore, the same image shows an assassin crouching on a tree branch with a grappling hook, suggesting your protagonist will be able to partake in tree parkour. This would be a particularly impressive part of gameplay, considering Japan’s extensive flora biome.

Assassin’s Creed

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be released on November 15.

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