How Assassin’s Creed Shadows Honors the Lore of Early Games

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This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Over the past 18 years, the Assassin’s Creed series has significantly evolved. The most transformative shift occurred in 2017 with the arrival of Assassin’s Creed Origins, a game that replaced the franchise’s stealth and parkour emphasis with action-RPG aspects and an expansive open world. Every subsequent title, excluding AC Mirage, has expanded upon this open-world RPG blueprint, such as the latest addition, Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

On the surface, it may appear that the Assassin’s Creed series has strayed from its initial character and essence. Although the recent installments might seem distinct from those starring Altair, Ezio, Connor, and Edward, they continue to incorporate elements that tie into the larger narrative of the franchise and occasionally pay homage to classic versions. For example, Assassin’s Creed Shadows maintains the series’ heritage by acknowledging two of its most cherished episodes.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Ezio Easter Eggs Explained

A Classic Assassin Robe Can Be Found in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Once you’ve wrapped up all the side missions labeled as Kuji-kiri and the primary mission called “Wolves and Foxes” within Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a fresh quest entitled “Secrets of the Blade” will become available. In this new quest, you’ll take on the role of Naoe and set off to uncover the hidden Tomb of the Ancients in Izumi Settsu.

Once they’ve navigated a short maze of challenges, players will then discover a fissure in the cave walls leading them to encounter an imposing Assassin Brotherhood emblem etched onto a grand door. Inside, they’ll stumble upon a journal and a collection of Assassin garments to wear. Although these robes aren’t directly modeled after Ezio Auditore da Firenze, they subtly honor the legendary figure, featuring white fabric with red accents on the belt and hood.

In the ancient tomb, a journal was discovered penned by Alvaro Catarribera, a Spanish member of the Assassins Order, who had enlisted Naoe’s parents into the Brotherhood.

The Events of Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood Are Referenced in AC Shadows

As Yasuke’s storyline in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” nears its conclusion, players encounter Duarte de Melo, a former slave trader from Yasuke’s past. Following a swift confrontation, Duarte is defeated and Yasuke discovers a letter. He then delivers this letter to his Jesuit companion, Luis Frois.

Frois informs Yasuke that the letter contains a vow to the Templar Order, a group he had previously learned of while residing in Italy. He explains that the Templars were rumored to be an influential association involving the Pope and the Three Great Houses, and that the Borgias’ pursuit of power almost destroyed Rome. Moreover, Frois hints that the Templars operating within Italy were enigmatically eliminated by a clandestine group.

Absolutely, devoted followers of the Assassin’s Creed series will swiftly recognize this reference to the happenings in Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood, where Ezio Auditore established his own Italian Brotherhood to eliminate the Borgias and their Templar accomplices. The culmination of Yasuke’s storyline involves him slaying Nuno Caro, a high-ranking Templar, who hints at an impending conflict. This could foreshadow a more direct link between the Templars and Assassins in the future.

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2025-05-29 23:04