Assassin's Creed Shadows Claws of Awaji is an action RPG set in feudal Japan that places players in control of two distinct protagonists on PlayStation 5. The experience centers on stealth infiltration and direct combat across a large open world that incorporates seasonal changes and weather effects into navigation and tactics.
Gameplay
Players switch between Naoe, a shinobi focused on evasion and precision strikes, and Yasuke, a samurai built for frontline engagements. Naoe relies on environmental awareness, using light levels, ambient sounds, and shadows to stay hidden while moving through enemy positions with parkour routes and a grappling hook. Distractions come from thrown shuriken or smoke bombs before finishing targets with the Hidden Blade. Yasuke handles confrontations through bow shots from cover or extended melee sequences with a katana or naginata. The Claws of Awaji expansion adds the bō staff as a new agile option for Naoe along with fresh skills and gear for both characters. Exploration covers castle towns, shrines, and countryside areas where dynamic conditions alter sight lines and movement options. Environmental destruction further shapes how encounters unfold during infiltration or open fights.
Game Modes
The core experience follows a single-player story structure that alternates between the two protagonists' perspectives. Progression involves completing main objectives, side activities, and region-based tasks that build toward larger narrative goals. The Claws of Awaji expansion unlocks after the base campaign and delivers a self-contained post-story adventure on the island of Awaji. This adds over ten hours of new missions centered on reclaiming a lost artifact while dealing with ambushes from the Sanzoku Ippa faction. Players navigate traps, evade trackers, and engage the new enemies on their own terms within the expanded open-world setting. Online connectivity supports account features but the primary loop remains offline story and exploration driven.
World and Mechanics
Feudal Japan receives detailed treatment through varied biomes that shift with the seasons. Rain affects rooftop traction and visibility, while wind moves foliage that can mask or reveal positions. The updated Anvil engine renders fine details such as lantern reflections on wet surfaces and falling cherry blossoms. Combat and stealth systems integrate these elements directly, requiring adjustments to approach based on current conditions. The expansion region of Awaji introduces distinct terrain with ruins, woods, and rocky areas that support new ambush and evasion scenarios against the Sanzoku Ippa.
Is It Worth Playing?
Assassin's Creed Shadows Claws of Awaji delivers a focused stealth and combat RPG loop that rewards patient planning and character switching. The base game and its expansion together provide substantial single-player content on PS5, with the new island and bō weapon extending playtime for those who finish the main story. Reception has been positive among players who value detailed environments and dual-protagonist mechanics, and the title reached millions of players shortly after launch. It suits fans of open-world action RPGs who enjoy mixing infiltration with melee variety rather than pure action or multiplayer focus. Those seeking post-campaign story content will find the expansion a natural continuation with fresh challenges and upgrades.
