Exploring Assassin's Creed Shadows: Map Size & Regions Explained

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The map in Assassin’s Creed Shadows features nine distinct regions, each filled with various landmarks, settlements, and quests. While it’s significantly larger than the map in AC Mirage, it still pales in comparison to the vast expanse of Odyssey. Assassin’s Creed Shadows strikes a nice balance by offering ample space for exploration while also being packed with engaging activities and points of interest. I’ve taken the time to explore and assess the map in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, detailing the most intriguing aspects of each region.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Map of Japan

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

The Assassin’s Creed Shadows map is extensive, spanning about 14 kilometers from the northernmost to the southernmost points (from Sotomo Cave in Wakasa to the Hashigui-iwa Overlook viewpoint in Kii). The width is just under 10 kilometers from its easternmost to westernmost points (from Kashiwabara Tower viewpoint in Omi to Miyazu Ship Mainmast viewpoint in Tamba).

Drawing inspiration from the modern Kansai region of Japan, the AC Shadows map features nine provinces for players to explore, with many notable real-world sites included:

Izumi Settsu: The starting province where Naoe’s adventure kicks off. It includes the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Hideout, Sakai, and Osaka.
Yamashiro: A centrally located province that shares borders with all other provinces except Kii. This is where Kyoto, the largest city in the game, is found. Nijo Palace in Kyoto is also home to some of the best armor available for Yasuke.
Harima: A rugged, war-torn region in the west featuring Himeji Castle. Some of the Kabukimono targets from Assassin’s Creed Shadows can be located here.
Omi: The largest province, known for Lake Biwa and Azuchi Castle, along with its urban areas. An opportunity for a romantic subplot can also be found here.
Iga: A small, mountainous area in the east and Naoe’s home base. You’ll navigate through parts of this region during Naoe’s Kuji-Kiri meditation flashbacks, and you can recruit Ibuki, one of the few allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Wakasa: A significant region that dominates the coastline to the north, with key settlements like Obama in the center and Tsuruga to the north.
Yamato: A region encountered later in the game, situated next to Izumi Settsu, characterized by its rolling hills. It includes smaller towns such as Koriyama and Katsuragi, as well as the expansive Todaiji temple area in the north.
Tamba: Located in the northwest part of the AC Shadows map, this region includes Takeda, Fukuchiyama, and Miyazu Bay.
Kii: A relatively sparse area marked by jungled hills and paths along the southern coast. A quest related to Junjiro will lead you here.

The seas flanking the northern and southern coasts, along with additional forested and mountainous areas to the east and west, provide a bit more space beyond these nine regions, making the AC Shadows map feel even larger, though most of the action takes place inland.

While Assassin’s Creed Shadows scouts won’t speed up your map exploration, they offer help in other ways. Ensuring you have enough in-game currency for any Kakurega you find allows for more fast travel options.