Are there any Assassin’s Creed video games fans here? We hope so, because this series of games has instantly appealed to many players.
The entire storyline revolves around the centuries-old conflict between the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order. Why is this series so popular? Because it adapts to the needs of different players.
Today, we’re going to focus on comparing two instalments, Mirage and Shadows. As it turns out, they represent two different styles of gameplay – one is reminiscent of the classic installments of the series, while the other offers freedom and RPG elements. Which is better? You’ll find out in this guide!
AC Shadows was released on March 20, 2025, so you can now explore its world and compare it directly to Mirage.
Read on to compare both now-available titles and discover which gameplay style suits you best!
What Assassin’s Creed Mirage vs Shadows is About?
| Feature | Assassin’s Creed Mirage | Assassin’s Creed Shadows |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Ninth-century Baghdad | Feudal Japan |
| Playable Characters | Basim (single character) | Yasuke (samurai) and Naoe (shinobi) |
| Gameplay Style | Classic stealth, parkour, hidden blade | Dual style: combat (Yasuke) and stealth (Naoe) |
| Combat Focus | Stealth, traps, smoke bombs | Weapons vary by character: katana vs kunai |
| Replayability | Short story, focused experience | Open-world RPG, two-character approach |
| Educational Value | Historical Baghdad exploration | Deep dive into Feudal Japan |
| Release Status | Released (2023) | Released (2025) |
Let’s start with what Assassin’s Creed is. Well, it’s a series of games published by Ubisoft since 2007. It started out as an open-world action game, but as time went on, the instalments evolved into role-playing games (RPG).
Today we look at two contrasting instalments in the Assassin’s Creed:
- Mirage returns to the game’s classic roots with a focus on stealth, parkour and precision in ninth-century Baghdad, where we take on the role of Basim.
- Shadows, on the other hand, is a more expansive RPG set in feudal Japan, where players can switch between the samurai Yasuke and the shinobi Naoe.
The historical nature of the game is also remarkable. Both Baghdad and feudal Japan have been faithfully recreated, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of past times. As well as exciting gameplay, Assassin’s Creed also allows you to learn more about history, combining learning with fun.
Combat and Stealth Dynamics
Now that we are familiar with the theme of the game, let us focus on the main difference between the games, which is the approach to the gameplay.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
As we have already mentioned, AC Mirage focuses on elements characteristic of the classic instalments of the series. In this game, we take on the role of a single character, Basim, who focuses on stealth rather than direct combat. The key to success is to remain unnoticed and execute attacks with precision.
The most common tactic is to surprise the enemy and strike with the Assassin’s hidden blade. As discretion is key, players can use smoke bombs to distract the enemy and allow them to escape. Traps are also often set to gain control of the situation and gain a winning position.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
This part is really a mixture of both combat approaches. This is because in this instalment we can take on the role of one of two characters who have individual tactics.
When you take on the role of Yasuke, your tactics become direct combat with your opponent. With your heavy weaponry, it’s easier to land a blow or take a hit than to hide.
The second character is Naoe, whose specialty is sneaking around in shadows and bushes. Compared to Yasuke, it is faster and more agile, making it easier for him to pull off a sneak attack. If you choose this character, you will be able to move quickly and attack suddenly with smoke bombs.
Yasuke and Naoe use different weapons depending on their fighting style:
- Yasuke uses katana, kanabo, naginata and ranged weapons such as bow and arquebus, preferring direct confrontation.
- Naoe, on the other hand, uses kunai, shuriken, smoke bombs and a hidden blade that allows for stealth and quick attacks from cover.
Player Experience and Replayability
The two games also differ in their approach to replayability. Each game is designed with different player preferences in mind, offering unique mechanics, gameplay elements, and progression systems.
Below, we’ll dive deeper into how replayability is handled in each installment.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
- is perfect for fans of a shorter story and classic series style
- focuses on a single character, allowing players to learn their skills and weaknesses
- emphasizes stealth and precise attacks
The shorter storyline makes it easier to return to the game and take up the challenge again, with the motivation to make up for previous skill deficits.
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows the concept of replayability takes on a new meaning thanks to
- extensive RPG mechanics
- the possibility to switch between two characters
- wide world exploration and a variety of techniques
All of this encourages players to go through the game again to discover new secrets or experiment with different combat strategies.
Conclusion
That’s it! We hope you found our comparison guide helpful and that you already have a favorite.
Whatever your choice, both parts of Assassin’s Creed offer unique experiences. Will you go for classic stealth in the crowded streets of Baghdad, or head to feudal Japan to explore an open-world RPG as one of two unique characters? The decision is yours!
Play now and experience an unforgettable adventure!