How to change Seasons in Assassin's Creed Shadows

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-03-19 19:13:57
Discover how to change seasons in Assassin's Creed Shadows with our comprehensive guide. Unlock new gameplay experiences today!
Assassin's Creed Shadows transcends the typical open-world experience by introducing a dynamic seasonal cycle, a groundbreaking feature that fundamentally alters gameplay and aesthetics. This innovative system, a first for the franchise, brings the vibrant tapestry of feudal Japan to life, showcasing the transformative power of nature. From the blossoming cherry trees of spring to the stark, snow-laden landscapes of winter, the game's world evolves in real-time, impacting everything from stealth and combat to enemy behavior and resource management. This article delves into the intricacies of the seasonal mechanics, exploring how players can manipulate these changes and how they shape the immersive experience of Assassin's Creed Shadows.

Assassin's Creed Shadows: How to change Seasons

Understanding the Seasonal Cycle and Manual Changes

Assassin's Creed Shadows features a comprehensive seasonal system, encompassing spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each with distinct visual and gameplay characteristics. The game dynamically transitions between these seasons every two hours of gameplay, creating a constantly evolving environment. However, players are not entirely at the mercy of this natural progression. The game introduces a "season-change meter," a unique mechanic that allows for manual seasonal shifts.To monitor this meter, players simply need to open their map and observe the compass located in the top right corner. The compass not only indicates cardinal directions but also houses a visual representation of the current season. For instance, a sun icon signifies summer, while a pink flower symbolizes spring. This meter fills gradually as players engage in various in-game activities. Once full, players can manually trigger a seasonal change by holding down the designated button: "H" on PC and the right directional button on PlayStation 5.This ability to influence the seasons adds a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay. Players can tailor the environment to suit their playstyle, leveraging the unique advantages each season offers.

The Impact of Seasons on Gameplay and Environment


The seasonal changes in Assassin's Creed Shadows are not merely cosmetic; they significantly impact gameplaymechanics. Each season presents unique challenges and opportunities,influencing stealth, combat, exploration, and even the in-game economy.

  • Spring: This season brings vibrant greenery and abundant tall grass, providingexcellent cover for stealth approaches. Players can easily blend intothe environment, executing silent takedowns and navigating enemyterritories undetected. The increase in wildlife, including the adorable proliferation of puppies, adds to the immersive atmosphere.
  • Summer: The heat of summer alters enemy patrol routes, forcing them to seekshade and water. The lush vegetation of spring gives way to drierlandscapes, changing the dynamics of stealth and visibility.
  • Autumn: The falling leaves and changing colors create a visually stunningenvironment. However, the reduced foliage can also make players morevisible to enemies. The changing weather patterns can also bringunpredictable conditions.
  • Winter: This season transforms the landscape into a stark, snow-coveredexpanse. Movement is hindered, with snow slowing down Naoe's agility.Walking on snowy rooftops can alert guards, as the sound of falling snow gives away their position. However, fewer guards patrol open areas,seeking warmth around fires, creating new opportunities for stealthyinfiltrations. Frozen water bodies can also provide new traversaloptions.

Enemy behavior adaptsto these seasonal changes. Guards seek shelter from the cold in winter,altering their patrol patterns and creating vulnerabilities. Wildlifealso responds to the shifting seasons, with certain animals evolving and changing colors.


Economic and Resource Management

Beyond environmental and gameplay changes, seasons also influence the in-gameeconomy. Merchants restock their goods with each seasonal transition,ensuring players have access to a fresh supply of resources.Additionally, unused scouts return with loot to the hideout's salvagechest at the start of each new season, incentivizing the strategic useof these resources.



The dynamic seasonal system in Assassin's Creed Shadows is a testament tothe game's commitment to immersive and engaging gameplay. By seamlesslyintegrating environmental changes with gameplay mechanics, thedevelopers have created a world that feels alive and responsive. Theability to manipulate these seasons adds a layer of strategic depth,allowing players to tailor their experience to their preferredplaystyle. Whether navigating the lush greenery of spring or braving the harsh winter landscapes, players will find that the seasons inAssassin's Creed Shadows are more than just a visual spectacle; they are an integral part of the game's identity.

In essence, the seasons in Assassin's Creed Shadows are a dynamic andengaging mechanic that enhances the overall gameplay experience. Theyprovide a unique level of immersion and strategic depth, making eachplaythrough feel fresh and dynamic.

Tags: AC Mirage
Platform(s): PlayStation 4 PS4, PlayStation 5 PS5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, iOS
Genre(s): Action-adventure
Developer(s): Ubisoft Bordeaux
Publisher(s): Ubisoft
Engine: Ubisoft Anvil
Release date: October 5, 2023
Mode: Single-player
Age rating (PEGI): 16+
Video preview



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