No Animal Killing In Assassin's Creed Shadows: Ubisoft's Explanation

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

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No Animal Killing in Assassin's Creed Mirage: Ubisoft's Explanation Calms Player Concerns

Assassin's Creed Mirage, the highly anticipated return to the series' roots, has sparked debate among fans regarding its apparent lack of animal killing. Many long-time players associate the franchise with a wider range of gameplay mechanics, including hunting and interacting with the environment in more visceral ways. Ubisoft, however, has offered a clear explanation for this design choice, addressing concerns and highlighting the game's focused narrative.

This shift in gameplay design isn't a random decision; it's a deliberate move by Ubisoft to refine the Assassin's Creed experience and deliver a tighter, more narrative-driven adventure. The absence of animal killing isn't a bug, but a feature—or rather, a conscious omission designed to enhance the overall player experience.

Ubisoft's Stance on Animal Interaction in Assassin's Creed Mirage

Ubisoft has been largely silent on the specific reasoning behind the decision, however, community managers have responded to player inquiries on various platforms. The prevailing sentiment suggests a focus on streamlining the gameplay to emphasize the core tenets of the Assassin's Creed experience: stealth, parkour, and assassination. By removing the animal hunting mechanic, the developers can concentrate resources on perfecting the core gameplay loop and enriching the narrative experience in Baghdad.

A Return to Stealth and Assassination: The Core Gameplay Focus

Mirage is explicitly designed as a return to the series' roots, drawing inspiration from the classic gameplay of Assassin's Creed II. This means a greater emphasis on stealth-based assassination and navigating the sprawling cityscape of Baghdad. The exclusion of animal killing helps maintain this streamlined approach, preventing gameplay distractions from the core mechanics that define the Assassin's Creed experience.

Impact on the Overall Game Experience:

The absence of animal killing in Assassin's Creed Mirage likely won't significantly alter the overall gameplay for most players. The core loop remains intact, focused on stealth, parkour, and assassinations. However, for those players who enjoyed the hunting aspects of previous games, this could be a disappointment. This design choice underscores Ubisoft's commitment to delivering a specific, refined experience rather than trying to encompass every feature from previous iterations.

The Future of Animal Interaction in Assassin's Creed:

While animal killing might be absent from Assassin's Creed Mirage, it doesn't necessarily signify its permanent removal from the franchise. Future Assassin's Creed titles, especially those with a broader scope, may reintroduce these mechanics. The decision for Mirage appears to be a carefully considered choice tailored to the game's specific narrative and gameplay design. This allows Ubisoft to focus its development efforts on other aspects of the game.

Conclusion: Understanding the Design Choice

Ultimately, the absence of animal killing in Assassin's Creed Mirage is a deliberate design choice by Ubisoft, aimed at creating a more focused and streamlined gameplay experience. While some players may miss this element, the decision aligns with the game's overall design philosophy of returning to the core mechanics that established the franchise. The focus remains firmly on delivering a compelling narrative-driven adventure in the heart of Baghdad. Are you excited about this return to the series' roots? Let us know in the comments below!