It is developed on an upgraded version of Anvil, utilizing dynamic lighting and environmental interactions with new enhancements such as breakable props, in addition to allowing players to manipulate shadows and use a grappling hook for parkour.

[5] The game's open world, whose size is comparable to that from Assassin's Creed Origins,[6] progresses through seasons, each affecting gameplay, including frozen water and icicles in winter, long grass and blooming plants in spring.

[8][9] This installment introduces new gameplay features, including the ability to crawl along the ground in a prone position, providing the player characters with a lower profile and the capability to access small openings.

[5][10] Eagle vision also makes a comeback, but unlike Assassin's Creed Mirage, it would not reveal the NPCs through the walls;[11] as enemies are denoted in red, while allies are highlighted in orange.

Moreover, a diverse selection of historically accurate weapons is showcased, ranging from katanas and the kanabō war club to yari spears, shuriken, kunai, and the kusarigama.

Yasuke's combat features destructible environments and realistic weapon impacts, providing a cinematic fighting experience, in addition to using arquebuses, giving him a powerful long-range capability.

Meanwhile, Naoe brandishes the iconic hidden blade with its pivot feature to serve as a tantō, as well as utilizing a kusarigama to fend off attackers, swinging its chain in wide arcs to create distance.

[5] On November 21, 2024, Ubisoft released additional information on new and improved gameplay mechanics:[12] Assassin's Creed Shadows is set in feudal Japan, specifically starting in 1579 during the Azuchi-Momoyama period.

[7] The game will reflect the urbanization of Japan at the time, as well as the influence of Portuguese traders and Jesuit missionaries, who introduced Christianity and imported technologies like cannons and long guns.

[22][23] In September 2024, Ubisoft announced that, despite the game being feature complete, they opted to delay the release to February 14, 2025, for further polishing, citing insights gained from the Star Wars Outlaws launch in August.