*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* invites players into a vast open world set in Feudal Japan, but you won't be able to roam freely right from the start. Here's when you can begin exploring the open world in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.
Ubisoft has a history of crafting expansive open worlds, yet they often precede these with lengthy introductions. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* keeps the wait shorter than some of its predecessors. The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the scene and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, representing the Samurai and Shinobi respectively. This section also acquaints players with Iga, Naoe’s homeland, and marks the beginning of her journey beyond this region. Expect to spend around an hour and a half navigating through this prologue, filled with both epic set pieces and crucial expository dialogue.
Once you complete the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* opens up for you to explore more freely.
While the narrative and certain quests may tether Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations, you can venture into other provinces. However, there are two key considerations that might deter you from doing so prematurely. Firstly, the lack of quests and activities in these regions until they unlock through the story progression means there might not be much to do there initially. Secondly, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, requiring players to reach a certain level to effectively engage in combat in higher-level regions. You can check these level requirements on the map; regions marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that you are significantly under-leveled, suggesting that venturing there too early could lead to a challenging, if not frustrating, experience due to the risk of being insta-killed by enemies.
In summary, while you can technically rush to higher-level regions, it's advisable to wait until you're adequately prepared to ensure a more enjoyable gameplay experience.