Assassin's Creed Shadows: Guided Exploration mode, Canon mode, and Immersive mode, explained

Assassin's Creed Shadows lets you explore feudal Japan during the Sengoku period through three distinct modes: Guided Exploration mode, Canon mode, and Immersive mode. Each mode offers a unique feature to the game.

To help you understand that, here is an explanation of Guided Exploration mode, Canon mode, and Immersive mode in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

All modes in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Guided Exploration mode

Screenshot by BLAST

Guided Exploration Mode is all about making the game a bit easier and more straightforward. When this mode is turned on, the game will show you exactly where to go for your objectives; no guessing is required.

You won’t need to use scouts or search around for clues like you would in other modes. The map just tells you where to head, so it’s a more relaxed way to play, especially if you’re not interested in hunting down every detail.

However, you won’t be able to unlock certain achievements, like the Scouting Mission achievement, since you won’t be using scouts to gather info. But, you can always turn it off whenever you want, so if you want to get the achievement, just disable the mode, grab it, and then turn it back on.

Also Read: How to get Mon fast in Assassin's Creed Shadows

Canon mode

Screenshot by BLAST

Canon Mode lets you take away your ability to make decisions in conversations or choose who lives or dies.

Essentially, you’re locked into the choices Ubisoft wants you to make, which means the characters, like Naoe and Yasuke, will always make the “canon” decisions that fit into the story Ubisoft has crafted. You can’t switch things up or choose a different path.

For example, if there’s a moment where you’re deciding whether a character should live or die, Canon Mode will just follow the storyline, and you won’t get to make that choice.

It also means you won’t be able to romance certain characters or explore some side stories since those options aren’t part of the official narrative.

The catch with Canon Mode is that you can only turn it on at the start of a new game, and once it’s on, you can’t turn it off unless you restart the whole game.

Immersive mode

Screenshot by BLAST

In Immersive Mode, the voice acting changes to reflect the characters’ native languages. For example, characters from Japan, like Naoe and Yasuke, will speak Japanese, while characters from Portugal, like the Jesuit priests, will speak Portuguese. This adds a layer of realism, making you feel like you're really in the world of feudal Japan.

What’s even better is that you will still get subtitles in your language, so you can follow along with the story. But, depending on how fast things are moving, you might miss some details, especially during combat, since the dialogue and subtitles can appear quickly.

Immersive Mode can be turned on or off whenever you want, so if you’re curious to see how it feels, you can give it a try and switch back if it's not your thing.

Which mode should you choose in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

It all depends on how you like to play. If you want a laid-back, no-hassle experience where everything’s marked out for you, Guided Exploration Mode is the way to go.

If you’re all about experiencing the game as Ubisoft envisioned it, with no deviations in the story, Canon Mode is what you’ll want.

But if you’re looking to make things feel more realistic and immersive, with characters speaking their native languages, then Immersive Mode is worth giving a shot.

Also Read: Assassin's Creed Shadows Beginner Tips