Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces a bold new approach to stealth gameplay—now designed around the fluid, tactical play of protagonist Naoe, a master assassin who blends classic techniques with the agile skills of a trained shinobi. While not exactly nimble like Naoe, Yasuke can also utilize stealth using his trusted bow, where he can engage enemies from a distance without ever needing to draw his katana.
Stealth Gameplay Overview
In Assassin's Creed Shadows, stealth is no longer about relying on an eagle companion to scout ahead. Instead, players must depend entirely on the character’s own senses and tactical decision-making. As Associate Game Director Simon explains, “When in doubt, take a pause, observe your surroundings, and plan your next move.” This philosophy emphasizes a more immersive and deliberate approach to evading and engaging enemies.
Observe
The new Observe mechanic is at the heart of Shadows' stealth experience. By activating Observe, Naoe can quickly toggle on-screen details—identifying targets, tagging enemies, and highlighting lootable stashes, collectibles, and quest objectives. When you are in close proximity to a Synch Point, it also allows you to scrutinize nearby locations more closely, bringing every detail of your environment within your reach.
Eagle Vision
While Observe offers a broad overview, Naoe’s classic Eagle Vision remains a dedicated stealth tool. This ability highlights enemies hidden behind walls, emphasizes critical sounds, and points out ideal hiding spots. Combining Eagle Vision with Observe allows players to get a layered view of the battlefield, enabling them to tag and track targets even through obstacles.
Shinobi Moves
Hiding in the Shadows
For the first time in the Assassin's Creed series, shadows offer true invisibility. At nighttime, any patch of darkness becomes a dynamic hiding spot, letting you bypass enemies effortlessly. This new feature invites players to study and even create optimal routes by, for example, destroying lanterns with shuriken to generate more shadowed areas.
Staying Low
Speed isn’t always your ally when stealth is required. Sprinting in a populated area can alert nearby guards due to the noise. Instead, crouching reduces your “visibility” and footstep sounds, allowing you to traverse interiors and noisy environments more discreetly. This tactic is especially effective on creaky floors or in tight corridors.
Going Prone
Both Naoe and Yasuke can now go prone—an ability that drastically reduces visibility to enemies. Whether on rooftops, underwater, or simply when taking cover on the ground, going prone lets you remain nearly undetectable. Additionally, players can perform quick rolls while prone to reposition and avoid incoming attacks.
Advanced Stealth Tactics
Naoe isn’t limited to stealth movements alone. Her arsenal of tools is designed to complement her stealthy approach:
- Smoke Bombs: Create a dense cloud to obscure vision, ideal for escapes or discreet assassinations.
- Shinobi Bells: Throw these to distract guards, drawing them away from your planned path.
- Kunai: These razor-sharp throwing knives can be used to land lethal, precise strikes.
- Shuriken: Perfect for stunning enemies or creating diversions, shuriken can also be thrown strategically into the environment.
According to Simon, the Associate Game Director, Naoe utilizes her petite stature to maneuver through crevices in walls or conceal herself within compact storage areas, thereby gaining an advantage over her adversaries.
Double Assassinations
Efficiency is key. Shadows reintroduces Double Assassinations—by equipping the Tanto and unlocking the dedicated skill, you can eliminate two closely positioned enemies with a single, fluid motion using the Hidden Blade. This move is effective both on the ground and from the air.
Grabbing Enemies
For a more hands-on approach, Naoe can now grab and drag enemies while remaining undetected. This mechanic requires manual input to pull an enemy in before dispatching them silently. It replaces the series’ previous automation, rewarding precise control and timing.
Enemy Tactics and Countermeasures
Responsive Enemy Behaviors
Enemies in Shadows adapt to your stealth tactics. Servants, for instance, are non-lethal but can alert nearby guards when they spot you. When using Eagle Vision, these units appear in orange, ensuring that you remain aware of potential threats.
Heightened Suspicion
If you’re detected but manage to disappear, be prepared: enemies will pair up—a watcher and a seeker—to search for you. This increased suspicion makes subsequent stealth approaches more challenging. Use caution when employing tactics like whistling to lure enemies, as it may further heighten their alertness.
Samurai Enemies
Samurai foes present a distinct challenge. Unlike Ashigaru soldiers, samurai are less affected by smoke bombs—they’re adept at evading and countering stealth moves. They can even slice through bushes to eliminate your hiding spots. As Simon notes, “Once alerted, samurai are hard to trick—they’re always on guard, forcing you to rely on precise timing and advanced tactics.”
Assassination Denials
As you progress, enemy units gain levels, and some higher-tier targets will have denials for assassination attempts. The game uses a color-coded prompt—white for instant kills, yellow for partial damage, and red to indicate a complete denial of your attempt. Investing in Hidden Blade upgrades and specialized perks is crucial for overcoming these challenges.
Yasuke's Stealth Capability
Although Yasuke is primarily built for direct, close-quarters combat, he isn’t without stealth capabilities. When equipped with his bow, Yasuke can perform long-range assassinations while remaining hidden. Moreover, he can slip behind foes for melee kills, seamlessly blending stealth with his formidable combat prowess.
