AC Shadows: What is Canon Mode?

Newer installments of Assassins Creed series have many choices and RPG elements. Assassins Creed Shadows is no exception here, but one of the optional settings available in the game tries to satisfy both newer fans and players who prefer the older, linear narrative installments of the series. On this guide page, we described what Canon Mode is and whether it can be turned on or off during the game.

• How does Canon Mode work?
• Can Canon Mode be turned on or off during the game?

How does Canon Mode work?

Canon Mode cuts out all story choices from the game. You will often have to make decisions, for example, to kill or spare a target. Activating Canon Mode will mean that all such decisions will be made for you, and the game will follow a specific storyline - the one that Ubisoft considers canonical for the series. Activating this mode will therefore make the game more similar to the older, classic versions of the series rather than the more RPG-like games since Origins.

Canon Mode only affects story-related choices. You will still have to make gameplay choices, e.g. which of the heroes to play as during specific missions.

Can Canon Mode be turned on or off during the game?

The answer is no - the decision to activate Canon Mode can only be made at the very beginning of the game, when starting a new game. Once you make a choice, you will not be able to change it - the only way is to start a completely new game.

See also:

1. What is Boards?
2. How to heal?
3. How do skill trees work?
4. All missions

Assassin's Creed: Shadows

March 20, 2025

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