It's not easy to innovate in a series with such a long history as Assassin's Creed.
Over the years, we've jumped across centuries, taken on countless disguises, and rebuilt the Brotherhood more times than we can count.
But Ubisoft has finally cracked the code on the Hideout in Assassin's Creed Shadows, something that's been lingering in the background for years.
For the record, this isn't the first time the series has dabbled in base-building. Earlier titles like Brotherhood, AC3, and Valhalla each had their own twists, from rebuilding Monteriggioni to managing a homestead or Viking settlement.
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+ 2But it was always a little lacking. They were either too constrained, too bare-bones, or nothing more than a side feature. But Shadows change all of that.
You'll find the Hideout in Shadows right after the prologue, deep in the secluded valley of Izumi Settsu. It doesn't feel tacked on or shoved into the sidelines like before. It's essential for both the plot and the way things function.
From the start, meeting Tomiko (the woman who keeps things running) makes it obvious this is no ordinary upgradeable village. It's a space I can mold, adjust, and make my own, right down to the smallest detail.
The freedom this time is wild. I'm finally free from rigid blueprints or fixed narratives. I'm able to rotate them, rearrange the layouts, and pick where each item goes. I can even invite my favorite animals (yes, that means foxes and deer) and just stroll around petting them. It's oddly refreshing.
Each building also serves a purpose. I can choose to place my forge by the tea room with a moat of bushes and decorative stones, or I can line the cobblestone path with overgrown gravel and scatter trees like a forest shrine.
This also allows me to unlock engraving bonuses, upgrade weapons, and salvage gear for materials. With the dojo, I can train my allies to improve their combat skills, while the study enhances my scouting abilities.
click to enlarge + 2Speaking of scouts, Shadows brings that system back in a way that makes the old Assassin's Guild mechanics feel like they're finally here for a reason. I don't have to trudge across the map looking for a target – I can send scouts ahead to track it down.
The right rooms guarantee that scouts return at the end of each season with crafting materials or full stockpiles. Customization-wise, I can go as far as choosing different architectural styles for each room, selecting different floor and wall types, and even displaying weapons or paintings.
While it might sound overwhelming at first, Ubisoft has balanced the system well. The progression also feels natural. Of course, there are some minor criticisms floating around.
The frame rate in the Hideout is capped at 30fps on consoles, which can feel slow compared to performance mode. Some players also find the menus a bit clunky or wish there were quicker ways to switch building categories.
However, none of these issues are dealbreakers, and most can be fixed with future patches. Assassin's Creed Shadows does well with the balance of style and substance. It brings creativity, strategy, progression, and narrative into one easy package.
At last, a hideout that makes me see why it should have always been a big deal is here.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Features and Assassin's Creed page.