Before you start Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you will need to make one important decision: Do you want to play in Canon Mode or Regular Mode? This is more than just a story setting because it changes how the game plays in a few important ways.
What Is Canon Mode?
Canon Mode removes all dialogue choices. You will experience the story exactly how Ubisoft intended it; no branching paths, no alternate endings, just the “official” version of events. Some players might love that, others might feel boxed in. Keep in mind:
- You cannot switch modes later! This choice is locked.
- Romance options are gone. Naoe and Yasuke mostly remain solo in this mode.
- One potential ally will not be available in Canon Mode, which can change how you approach certain fights or stealth situations.
- All trophies/achievements are still obtainable, so you do not need to worry about missing out if you go Canon. However, the “Scouting Mission” will require a few steps for you to go through in order to complete it:
- Turn the Guided Exploration Mode off to switch to normal exploration mode.
- Track a clue
- Dispatch your scouts at the right location
- After completion, you can go back to the guided mode.
What about Regular Mode? Regular Mode is more flexible: You make dialogue choices, shape the story, and recruit that extra ally if you want. You can also romance certain characters here, which adds a little more flavor to the overall experience.
The good news? You can switch between modes anytime. So if you get stuck, just turn Guided Mode on temporarily. And if you prefer having control over your story and decisions, Regular Mode is the way to go!
However, remember that there is one trophy, Scouting Mission, that can only be earned while in Exploration Mode. So keep that in mind if you want to 100% the game.
