What is Canon Mode in Assassin's Creed Shadows?
Here's how to see the canonical story of AC Shadows
What is Canon Mode in Assassin's Creed Shadows? Since Odyssey, the Assassin's Creed franchise has doubled down on RPG territory, including the ability to make choices in the dialogue that can affect the outcome of the story in both minor and major ways. Shadows continues this tradition, though you now have the option to play in Canon Mode. This is off by default, but if you turn it on, you won't need to worry about potentially making the wrong decisions for Yasuke or Naoe during cutscenes.
This quick guide will explain what Canon Mode does in Assassin's Creed Shadows so you can consider what your preference is for experiencing the story.
Assassin's Creed Shadows: Canon Mode explained
As the name implies, Canon Mode means you'll experience the canon story of Assassin's Creed Shadows as the writers have intended. This means all dialogue choices, such as the one shown below, are removed from cutscenes pertaining to the story.
At times, using Canon Mode can be a little awkward as there are moments that were clearly designed to have multiple choices. Nonetheless, this more linear narrative approach is in line with how the series has largely functioned before it went full RPG in recent years, so some players will prefer to not have to ponder over choices when you'd rather just enjoy watching the cinematics as they play out.
Canon mode is only one of many settings - including difficulty, sensitive content and QTEs - that can be adjusted according to player preference. The one caveat is that once you make your decision with Canon Mode, you will not be able to change it once you start a new game.
Turning on Canon Mode will not affect who you play as during missions. You will still be free to switch between Yasuke and Naoe in missions as you prefer. However, because it removes all dialogue choices from the game, Canon Mode will lock you out of romances and keep you from recuiting certain allies. If you want to truly experience every bit of content of Assassin's Creed Shadows, be aware.
That's all you need to know about Canon Mode in Assassin's Creed Shadows. For more on important features in Assassin's Creed Shadows, be sure to peruse our guides on how to change characters, the differences between Naoe and Yasuke, and how to parry and deflect.