Don’t miss this hidden setting in Assassin’s Creed Shadows before you start

The very best way to enjoy Assassin’s Creed Shadows boils down to a simple setting that can be easily missed before you even start the game.

Set in 1579 Feudal Japan as the Sengoku era draws to a close, Shadows takes place during a pivotal moment in the country’s bloody history. Incorporating many real historical figures like Oda Nobunaga and Akechi Mitsuhide, and even the franchise’s first playable figure in Yasuke, it strives to be as accurate to the times as possible.

Of course, it is an Assassin’s Creed game, and Ubisoft takes plenty of liberties to spice things up amid the historically accurate backdrop, but at its core, Shadows immerses you in the period like no game ever has.

In order to truly be immersed, however, there’s one particular setting you should strongly consider changing. Before the game even starts, pay close attention to the menus, as you might miss this critical option.

Don’t miss crucial setting before you start Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In the game’s audio settings menu, you’ll find an option for ‘Immersive Mode.’ This combines various language options to create the most historically accurate version of the setting and the period.

At this point, the Portuguese were bridging the gap with Japan and Europe, starting trades, introducing firearms, and seeking to spread religion through the Eastern lands. Thus, many Portuguese-speaking characters are present throughout Shadows.

With Immersive Mode toggled on, you’re privy to the most immersive experience possible, as all characters speak their native tongue. Japanese natives speak Japanese, while Portuguese travelers speak Portuguese.

It may sound obvious, but it completely transforms Shadows. Rather than having a second-rate English voiceover for both languages, characters are truly themselves and speaking exactly as they would have in 16th-century Japan.

Take Yasuke, for instance. Brought over to Japan by foreign Jesuits, he didn’t know a word of Japanese when their ship arrived. Over the years, as he gained status under Oda Nobunaga, he learned the ways of the locals, including their language.

Hearing Yasuke speak Japanese, his deep, brooding voice distinct from any others in the region, is a treat that shouldn’t be passed up. And when the situation calls for Portuguese, he’s obviously well-versed there too.

Having played with the English language track for a few hours, while it’s certainly easier to digest, it’s far less impactful.

Scanning subtitles in cutscenes and the more action-packed moments becomes seamless if you give it time. The good news is that if you do happen to start the game in plain old English, you are able to change the audio settings at any time.

Head to the menus, navigate to settings and then the Audio section. Scroll down, and you’ll see an option to toggle the Immersive Mode on and off.

Stick with this setting for a far more immersive and enjoyable journey through Feudal Japan thanks to Assassin’s Creed Shadows.