Assassin's Creed Shadows: Canon Mode Explained

Assassin’s Creed Shadows features a new game setting called Canon mode, which hasn’t been seen before in the AC franchise.

With Assassin’s Creed Shadows close to launch, it is time for fans to decide whether to turn on Canon mode for their first playthrough. Ubisoft recently confirmed this new feature being added to the title that aims to allow lore enjoyers to focus on the story elements.

In recent years, the Assassin’s Creed franchise has leaned a little toward the RPG genre. It wasn’t until the release of AC Mirage that Ubisoft decided to take a step back to its roots. The addition of Canon mode in the latest title is a great step ahead not only for Ubisoft but for future developers who decide to implement this idea as well, thus catering to a wider audience.

Everything You Need To Know About Canon Mode in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Assassin's Creed Shadows Canon Mode — Lore enjoyers can turn Canon mode on from settings in AC Shadows (Image via Ubisoft)

Canon Mode allows players to lock the dialogue options, letting the game decide the path. This allows story-focused gamers to enjoy the story without worrying about dialogue choices that shape the personality or fate of a protagonist.

Players can decide to turn on Canon mode as they are promoted at the beginning of the game. Gamers who are more interested in the RPG elements can choose to toggle this setting off. Additionally, once it has been turned on, you cannot revert back to the original setting.

#AssassinsCreedShadows introduces CANON MODE.

📜 Lore lovers! Feel fully immersed in the canon story with narrative-locked dialogue during cutscenes.
⚔️ RPG fans, have no fear! Toggle this mode off to continue enjoying your roleplaying experience.

How will you be playing? pic.twitter.com/58Q2YrApZl
— Assassin's Creed (@assassinscreed) February 18, 2025

Ubisoft hasn’t clarified why the setting is permanent during a walkthrough. However, some fans believe that giving players the freedom to change the setting midway might affect the canon plot. Furthermore, it is the only feature among the three new settings that players cannot turn off later in the game.

Guided Exploration and Immersive Modes in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

The Guided Exploration, when turned off, allows players to enjoy a more engaging experience. It is suited for players who love exploring the entire map and discovering things on their own. If you decide to turn it off, map pointers will be invisible, requiring the protagonist to send out Scouts to discover the exact point of interest. If it is enabled, you will be able to enjoy the default system with everything marked on the map.

The Immersive mode in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is another new feature that allows players to engage with the story in the most natural way. When this setting is turned on, all NPCs belonging to different nationalities and races will converse in their native or designated language. This allows for a more immersive experience.

Players can turn on subtitles to enjoy the originality of the game when the feature is turned on. Others who are more comfortable playing the game in one particular language can turn the setting off.

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