Assassin’s Creed Shadows is bringing an interesting new setting to the franchise: Canon Mode. Like choosing subtitles, difficulty levels, or exploration settings, players will decide whether to enable Canon Mode at the start of their playthrough. However, once selected, you can’t turn it off—you’re locked in for the entire game.
So, what exactly is Canon Mode, and should you play with it enabled? Let’s break it down.
What Is Canon Mode in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Canon Mode in Assassin’s Creed Shadows removes certain dialogue choices from the game. Normally, in non-canon mode, players will encounter moments where they can select different dialogue options, potentially altering how certain story elements unfold. With Canon Mode enabled, those choices disappear, and the game plays out as the writers originally intended.
The inclusion of dialogue choices in Assassin’s Creed games has been controversial since its introduction in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. In Odyssey (and later in Valhalla), players were occasionally given multiple dialogue options that could affect the story in minor or major ways. While some players loved this added layer of choice, others felt it diluted the core storytelling of the franchise.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows strikes a middle ground by offering Canon Mode as an optional setting. If you choose to disable Canon Mode, you’ll be able to select dialogue responses that slightly impact how certain scenes play out. If you enable Canon Mode, you’ll experience the game without any dialogue choices, watching events unfold as if they were pre-determined.
Should You Play Assassin’s Creed Shadows in Canon Mode?
The decision to play in Canon Mode comes down to personal preference. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Reasons to Play in Canon Mode
1. A Pure Story Experience – Canon Mode lets you experience the game as the writers intended, without choices altering the narrative. This brings the story more in line with classic Assassin’s Creed games, like the Ezio Trilogy or Mirage.
2. No “Illusion of Choice” – Some dialogue choices in past games didn’t really change much—many moments had pre-determined outcomes no matter what you chose. Canon Mode skips this entirely, letting you focus on the story instead of wondering if your choices actually matter.
3. More Immersive Cinematics – Without player-driven dialogue options, cutscenes flow naturally without interruptions, making the game feel more like a carefully crafted historical drama.
Reasons to Avoid Canon Mode
1. You Enjoy Role-Playing Choices – If you loved choosing dialogue options in Odyssey and Valhalla, Canon Mode might feel restrictive. Without it, you can shape Naoe and Yasuke’s personalities through your choices.
2. You Want to Influence the Story – While most choices in Assassin’s Creed games don’t drastically change the narrative, some do lead to alternate dialogues, minor character interactions, or quest variations. Canon Mode removes these opportunities.
3. You Prefer Interactivity Over Passive Storytelling – Canon Mode removes an interactive element from the game. If you like shaping your character’s journey, you may feel like you’re just watching events unfold rather than playing a role in them.
Examples of Canon Mode in Action
Here are some moments in Assassin’s Creed Shadows where Canon Mode has an impact:
1. The Perfect Gift Mission
During this main story mission, as Naoe, you must choose a gift to present to an important character. In non-canon mode, you can select from three different options, each potentially affecting the character’s response.
With Canon Mode enabled, Naoe automatically picks an antique bamboo tea ladle—you don’t get a choice.
2. Junjiro’s Stay at the Hideout
Early in the game, players decide whether to let Junjiro, a young child, stay at the Hideout—a dangerous place filled with skilled assassins.
In non-canon mode, you can choose whether to accept or reject him, but the outcome is always the same: he stays.
In Canon Mode, you don’t get this choice at all—Junjiro simply joins the Hideout as part of the story.
Final Verdict: Should You Play in Canon Mode?
If you’re a longtime Assassin’s Creed fan who prefers a traditional, story-driven experience, Canon Mode is a great choice. It ensures that you see the story exactly as Ubisoft intended, without unnecessary distractions.
However, if you enjoy role-playing elements and want to have some influence over character interactions, you might find Canon Mode too restrictive.
Ultimately, there’s no wrong choice—it all depends on how you prefer to experience the game. Just remember: once you activate Canon Mode, you can’t turn it off!
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