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Struggling with assassinโ€™s creed: shadows gameplay

Assassin's Creed Shadows Struggles | Players Voice Disappointment and Disengagement

By

Carlos Mendoza

Feb 20, 2026, 10:04 AM

Updated

Feb 20, 2026, 05:27 PM

2 minutes of duration

A player character exploring a vibrant city in Assassin's Creed: Shadows, showcasing detailed architecture and colorful scenery.
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A wave of frustration is hitting players of Assassin's Creed Shadows, with many leaving the game early due to its uninspired narrative and tedious gameplay. As discussions persist, gamers are highlighting specific issues that mar their experience, leading to a notable decline in engagement this February.

Gripes about the Game's Narrative

While Shadows has drawn praise for its visuals, players overwhelmingly criticize the writing and character motivations. One player said, "I don't even fully understand either Naoe or Yasuke's story and why I'm killing them." This sentiment is echoed by many who feel the characters lack depth and clarity, resulting in a disconnect from the story.

Common Complaints Rise

The ongoing conversations reveal three primary themes driving player dissatisfaction:

  1. Mundane Writing: Users describe the dialogue as lackluster, comparing it unfavorably to previous titles. "The story is bad and there's nothing to do," a user remarked.

  2. Generic Gameplay: Players are frustrated with bland quests and uninspired NPC interactions. "For a game set in Japan, itโ€™s bloody boring!" one commentator stated, highlighting the lack of engaging activities.

  3. Narrative Cohesion Issues: Thereโ€™s frustration around character use, especially the mandatory missions featuring Yasuke. One player commented, "My only peeve is being forced to use Yasuke."

"It's just dull as hell, and not enjoyable to play," lamented another, capturing the overall sentiment.

Can Shadows Turn it Around?

Players report significant dissatisfaction, saying Shadows might be the first game in the series they wonโ€™t finish. "It might be the first AC game I donโ€™t finish," shared a frustrated gamer. With many abandoning their journeys, the stakes are high for future releases. Ubisoft faces pressure to address these concerns quickly, or risk losing fans to competing titles.

Key Points from Player Feedback

  • ๐Ÿ” Character Motivation: Lack of clarity around Naoe and Yasuke's backgrounds.

  • ๐Ÿšซ Forced Character Use: Demands to use specific characters muted player choice.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gameplay Experience: Exploration feels tedious and aimless.

Looking Forward to Changes

Experts speculate that a major update from Ubisoft could be on the horizon as the company reacts to player feedback. There is an estimated 70% chance of a significant patch or expansion to mend narrative flaws and improve gameplay dynamics. With many players yearning for a deeper connection to the story, timely adjustments might restore some confidence in the franchise.

As players sift through their experiences with Shadows, one thing is clear: if Ubisoft wants to keep the momentum going for future titles, a major overhaul may be necessary for this underwhelming installment.