*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* transports players to the expansive and immersive world of Feudal Japan. However, before you can roam freely across this beautifully crafted landscape, you'll need to navigate through the game's prologue. Here’s when you can start exploring the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue?

Ubisoft is well-known for its expansive open worlds, but also for its lengthy introductions before letting players loose. Fortunately, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* keeps the wait relatively short. The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the stage for the narrative and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi. This introductory section takes you through Iga, Naoe’s homeland, and sets her on a journey beyond its borders. Expect to spend around an hour and a half on this part, filled with dramatic set pieces and essential story exposition. Once you complete the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, the vast open world of Feudal Japan becomes yours to explore.

Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away?

Firstly, the lack of quests and activities in these regions early on means you won't find much to do. Secondly, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* incorporates RPG elements, meaning you need to reach a certain level to effectively engage in combat in different areas. The map will display regions with a number in a red diamond, indicating that you are significantly underleveled for that area. Attempting to explore these zones before reaching the recommended level can lead to a frustrating experience, as enemies may be able to defeat you easily.

In summary, while you can technically rush to higher-level regions, it's advisable to progress through the story and level up appropriately to ensure a more enjoyable and rewarding exploration experience in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.