Ubisoft has officially revealed a new feature in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Canon Mode, a storytelling option designed for fans who prefer a more structured, linear experience. This addition is addressed to long-time players who miss the classic narrative-driven approach of the early Assassin’s Creed games, or to general players who do not like choice-based games.
What Is Canon Mode in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Canon Mode is a gameplay setting that provides a predetermined, structured story path, similar to older Assassin’s Creed titles. Unlike modern RPG-style games in the franchise, where choices influence the narrative, Canon Mode creates a fixed storyline that follows the intended lore of the game. It will basically make the choices for you.
This means that instead of making dialogue choices or affecting big plot points, you will experience a seamless, author-driven narrative, making sure that the events unfold as originally imagined by the developers.
Why Does Canon Mode Matter for an Assassin’s Creed Game?
Over the past few years, the Assassin’s Creed series has evolved into a vast open-world RPG with deep character customization and branching narratives. While this has attracted a new audience, some long-time fans have expressed a desire for a more focused, cinematic storytelling experience close to Assassin’s Creed II or Black Flag.
Canon Mode aims to bridge the gap between the old and new approaches by giving players the choice to enjoy a linear adventure without sacrificing the depth and world-building that modern AC games offer.
How Canon Mode Affects Gameplay
- Predefined Storyline – No branching paths or alternate endings; the game follows a set narrative.
- Character Consistency – Protagonists Naoe and Yasuke will have a single, unified story arc.
- Immersive Experience – Fewer interruptions from decision-making, allowing you to focus on the core Assassin’s Creed experience.
This mode does not affect the game’s core mechanics, such as combat, exploration, and stealth, but it provides a different approach to storytelling.
Will Canon Mode Be the Default Option?
Ubisoft has confirmed that players will have the choice between Canon Mode and the RPG-style storytelling that has been a default since Assassin’s Creed Origins. You should have the choice when you start the game to decide how you want to experience Assassin’s Creed Shadows based on your preferences.