Assassin’s Creed Shadows Vs Ghost of Tsushima

Assassin’s Creed Shadows launched on 20th March 2025, officially opening the battle for the ultimate samurai experience. For many years, Ghost of Tsushima has risen to become one of the best samurai games ever made. Assassin’s Creed Shadows has now come aboard to challenge it. Both games take place in Japan, feature intense sword fights, and let players explore stunning landscapes. But how do they compare? Let’s find out.

In this article, we will compare both games side by side, including their gameplay, story, characters, and more. Let’s see which game delivers the best Samurai experience.

What is Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Ubisoft has finally brought the Assassin’s Creed franchise to Japan with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The game is the latest instalment in the series and takes place in a feudal Japanese setting. The game continues the franchise’s legacy with its historical settings and stealth gameplay.

Shadows features a vast open world filled with historical intrigue, dynamic weather changes, and intense combat. Players navigate an expansive, open world filled with feudal-era conflicts and political schemes. The iconic hidden blade assassinations that define the series also return.

Players control two main characters, which include a samurai and a shinobi (ninja). They explore Japan and complete missions. The game has a deep story, stunning graphics, and a large open world for players to explore. Assassin’s Creed Shadows set a new standard for open-world samurai experiences.

What is Ghost of Tsushima?

Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions. The game was released in 2020 and quickly became a fan favourite. It takes place in the late 13th century when the Mongols invaded Japan.

Players control the game’s main character, Jin Sakai, a samurai who must protect his homeland. While Sakai is a noble samurai, he is forced to embrace unconventional warfare to reclaim his homeland. He starts his journey as a traditional samurai but later learns ninja-like tactics to fight off the Mongol soldiers. Ghost of Tsushima has captured the hearts of many players with its emotional story, stunning visuals, and intense sword combat. It also allows players to explore a massive open world with side quests and hidden secrets.

Story

Assassin’s Creed Shadows, on the other hand, follow the classic Assassin’s Creed formula. The story in this game involves the conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. Every Assassin’s Creed series game has this classic conflict. The game dives deep into the classic struggle, weaving a story of power, betrayal, and secret wars. The game’s dual protagonist allows players an opportunity to experience Japan from the perspective of a samurai and the shadowy tactics of the shinobi.

Ghost of Tsushima, on the other hand, follows one character, Jin Sakai, who struggles to choose between honour and necessity. Jin must choose between following the samurai code and using dishonourable tactics to save his people. It is a personal story filled with tough choices and emotional moments. The game forces players to question the price of honour in the face of survival.

Gameplay

Both games deliver an exciting experience. Players experience open-world gameplay centred around exploration, stealth, and combat in both games. However, the execution and emphasis differ. Assassin’s Creed Shadows has to build upon the established gameplay mechanics of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The game also incorporates the Japanese history element and the dual character. The dual character in Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers an exceptional experience. Players can switch between the disciplined samurai and the elusive shinobi, creating dynamic gameplay.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows includes a mix of combat and stealth. The samurai character focuses on honourable sword fights, while the ninja uses stealth tactics like hiding in the shadows, climbing buildings, and throwing weapons. Like other Assassin’s Creed games, it includes parkour and an open world of activities.

Ghost of Tsushima is mainly focused on swift and smooth combat with swords. The players can freely choose between various stances of combat. Different stances allow for tactical swordplay. Every battle feels like a scene straight out of a samurai film. Players can choose to engage in one-on-one duels or strike from the shadows. Besides, the game comprehensively urges exploration, and players can travel to new environments and fulfil varied quests.

Character

In Ghost of Tsushima, players play as Jin Sakai, the game’s main character. Jin Sakai is a noble samurai who evolves into the feared “Ghost”. His transformation is at the heart of the game’s story, and players feel deeply connected to his journey.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows has two playable characters, a new feature for the series. Yasuke is a formidable samurai who follows a strict warrior code. Naoe is an agile shinobi who relies on stealth and trickery to defeat enemies. This dual-character approach adds variety to the gameplay and storytelling.

Platforms

Ghost of Tsushima launched in 2020 as a PlayStation 4 exclusive. Later, it received a PS5 upgrade. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, making it more accessible to a broader audience.

Verdict

As can be seen, both deliver an exciting samurai experience for players. Ghost of Tsushima would be the best option for those looking for an emotional narrative centring around sword fighting. The game encompasses a captivating world, good character arcs, and incredible fights, which makes its experience unmatched.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands out due to its realistic depiction of feudal Japan. In addition, the game features cutting-edge graphics with ray tracing and seasonal changes that create dynamic environments. With its dual protagonists, parkour system, and historical setting, it arguably serves as a unique take on the samurai age.