Changing seasons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a unique feature that adds depth and variety to the gameplay experience. Whether you want to alter the environment for strategic reasons or just enjoy the beauty of different seasons, this guide will show you exactly how to change seasons and what benefits each season offers.
Introduction to Seasons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a dynamic season-changing mechanic that allows players to switch between Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each season offers unique visuals, gameplay alterations, and quest opportunities. Understanding how to change seasons and when to do so can enhance your overall experience and even unlock exclusive content.
Changing seasons can impact:
- Weather conditions (e.g., fog, snow, heavy rain)
- NPC behavior and availability
- Flora and fauna interactions
- Specific seasonal quests
How to Change Seasons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Changing seasons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a straightforward process once you have unlocked the ability. Here’s how to do it:
- Progress Through the Main Storyline
The ability to change seasons becomes available after completing the “Cycles of Time” quest, which is introduced in Chapter 3. This quest involves helping the village elder, Kaito, restore the seasonal shrine located in the Valley of Mirrors. - Visit the Seasonal Shrine
Once the quest is completed, you can access the Seasonal Shrine located near the Valley of Mirrors. This area is marked by four stone pillars, each representing a different season. - Interact with the Pillars
Approach the stone pillar corresponding to the season you wish to activate:
- Spring: Vibrant flowers and enhanced stealth capabilities.
- Summer: Increased animal activity and improved combat stamina.
- Autumn: Abundant harvests and enhanced loot drops.
- Winter: Snowy landscapes and reduced enemy visibility.
- Confirm Your Choice
Press the interaction button (X on PlayStation, A on Xbox, or E on PC) to confirm your selection. The environment will gradually transform to reflect your chosen season.
Benefits of Changing Seasons
Altering the seasons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows provides numerous gameplay benefits:
- Strategic Advantage: Winter can be useful for stealth missions due to reduced enemy visibility, while Summer improves combat stamina.
- Exclusive Quests: Some quests are only available during specific seasons. For example, the “Harvest Festival” questline can only be completed during Autumn.
- Unique Wildlife: Changing seasons affects the availability of certain animals and plants, which can be crucial for crafting and alchemy.
- Enhanced Exploration: Different seasons reveal hidden paths, allowing you to access otherwise unreachable areas.
Best Times to Change Seasons
Knowing when to change seasons can enhance your gameplay experience:
- During Stealth Missions: Switch to Winter for better stealth capabilities.
- Resource Gathering: Choose Spring or Autumn to maximize loot drops and gather rare herbs.
- Combat-Heavy Quests: Summer provides better stamina regeneration, making it ideal for difficult battles.
- Exploration: Changing seasons can unlock hidden areas and shortcuts, especially in dense forests and mountainous regions.