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Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Complete Main Quest List & Playtime Guide
Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers one of the most expansive open-world RPG experiences in the series yet—blending deep narrative, rich historical immersion, and layered gameplay. Whether you're chasing the full story, aiming for 100% completion, or just curious about how long the journey will take, this breakdown covers everything you need to know.
🕊️ Main Storyline Length: How Long to Complete?
- Main Story Only: ~40 hours
- 100% Completion (Main + Side Quests, Collectibles, Hidden Paths, etc.): 70–90+ hours
- Playtime Tip: The game rewards exploration and player choice—expect to spend extra time on optional storylines, combat training, and stealth challenges.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re aiming for completion, prioritize side quest chains like the Kabukimono Storyline and The Hidden Path for meaningful narrative depth and powerful rewards.
🗡️ Complete List of Main Quests in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Below is the full list of 22 core main missions, presented in chronological order. Spoiler alert: These are listed in story progression order—skip ahead only if you want to keep your journey truly unspoiled.
- Lord’s Favor
- Spirit of a Warrior
- Flames of War
- Fight the Kakushiba Ikki
- The Onryo
- Samurai
- An Unpayable Debt
- Wake Up Call
- From Spark to Flame
- The Wounded
- The Golden Teppo
- Friend of My Enemy
- Oda Nobunaga
- Lightning and Thunder
- The Fool
- The Mourner
- The Naginata
- The Noble
- The Ox
- The Wise
- The Fox
- Akechi Mitsuhide
🔍 Note: Some missions (like "The Fox" and "The Wise") are pivotal turning points in the story and heavily influence character arcs and world events. Don’t skip them.
🔗 Key Side Quest Chains to Explore
While the main story forms the backbone, the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows truly shines through its rich optional content:
- Kabukimono Storyline – A deep, character-driven quest arc involving theater, deception, and hidden identities. Offers powerful gear, unique combat abilities, and emotional weight.
- The Hidden Path – A secret Assassin network tied to pre-existing lore and philosophy. Unlocks new stealth mechanics and alternate endings.
- Assassination Contracts – Numerous optional targets tied to faction conflicts. Completing these boosts reputation, unlocks perks, and deepens world immersion.
🎮 Bonus: Use Guided Exploration Mode to find hidden shrines, secret archives, and clan relics scattered across Edo-era Japan.
🎯 Tips for a Complete Playthrough
- Progression Matters: Many main missions require you to complete subquests (e.g., gathering intel, recruiting allies) before you can proceed. Don’t rush—explore thoroughly.
- Canon Mode: For fans of lore and narrative accuracy, enable Canon Mode in settings to experience the story as intended by the developers.
- Balance Combat & Stealth: The game rewards flexibility. Master the art of misdirection, environmental kills, and using terrain to your advantage.
📚 Final Thoughts
Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t just a game—it’s a journey through one of Japan’s most turbulent eras, told through two unforgettable protagonists and a story that challenges loyalty, legacy, and the cost of freedom.
With a robust 40-hour main campaign, a web of deep side stories, and countless ways to shape your playstyle, it’s one of the most rewarding entries in the franchise.
✅ Recommended For: Fans of historical RPGs, stealth action, and emotionally charged storytelling.
📘 Want more? Check out our full Assassin’s Creed Shadows Walkthrough, including:
- All hidden collectibles
- Best weapons and gear
- How to unlock secret endings
- Lore deep dives on the Shogunate, the Assassins, and the Hidden Ones
Stay tuned to The Escapist for updated guides, gameplay tips, and exclusive developer interviews.
Let the shadows guide you.
The past is waiting.
Let me know if you’d like a printable PDF version, a checklist for 100% completion, or a companion guide for the two playable characters (Naoe and Yamada).