When does Assassin’s Creed Shadows take place in feudal Japan? 

We're about to set foot in the whirlwind of Feudal Japan, leading you to wonder when Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes place. While history buffs may be able to connect the dots and figure out the backdrop for where we will be time jumping next, you are likely unfamiliar with it and have been left with an itch of curiosity. After all the Assassin's Creed Shadows trailer did raise a few eyebrows and leave many confused.

We look forward to quench your thirst for knowledge and answer your query. Assassin’s Creed Shadows will take you in 1570s Japan, straight into the heart of the Warring States or Sengoku Jidai period.

Stick with us, as we explore the war-torn fields of the Land of the Rising Sun and piece down all the clues from the Assassin's Creed Shadow trailer to find out when it takes place.

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Examining all clues to determine when does Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes place

Before we dive into all the clues, let us learn about what the Sengoku Jidai or Warring States period was. It is mainly referred to the time when Oda Nobunaga sought to unite all the feudal states of Japan under his banner. It was a brutal civil war, which ended with Matsudaira Takechiyo (Tokugawa Ieyasu) succeeding the throne of Shogun and forming the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will take place during the 1570-80s time period, which marked the ending days of the Sengoku Jidai. Now let's examine the clue that leads to this answer

Clue 1: Unification

An alliance is formed (Image via Ubisoft)

The very first hint of the game taking place in the Sengoku Jidai period can be noticed around the 0:30 mark of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows trailer, where Naoe is seen praying in a shrine, which is followed by the quote:

"All I have ever known in my life... our customs... my family, burns in the name of Unification"

This hints at the Warring States period, which is also known as the War of Unification, which it was in a way. Nobunaga started the war to bring all the Japanese states under his banner, and although he did not survive to see it, Japan was ultimately united by his ally Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

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Clue 2: Daimyo Nobunaga and Yasuke

Oda Nobunaga and Yasuke (Image via Ubisoft)

According to historical records, Nobunaga employed a man of African origin under him, who arrived in Japan onboard the Portuguese ships. Although not much is known about his earlier life, it is worth noting that historians agree that he was a loyal retainer of Oda Nobunaga and even fought alongside his men.

At the 1:20 mark in the official trailer, you will be greeted with a scene where foreign ships appear at the docks of Japan, followed by a scene where Nobunaga is employing Yasuke, one of the protagonists in AC Shadows.

You might think that this can be any random warlord, but it is worth noting that the insignia of Clan Oda is visible on the daimyo's Haori, clearly indicating that it is none other than the Legendary Oda Nobunaga.

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All of these clues led us to only one conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will take place during the Sengoku Jidai and it will allow us to venture across the war-torn landscapes of Feudal Japan.