Introduction

The Assassin’s Creed franchise, a cornerstone of modern gaming since its debut in 2007, has long captivated players with its blend of historical exploration, stealth-action gameplay, and intricate lore. However, the series’ shift toward RPG mechanics with titles like Origins (2017), Odyssey (2018), and Valhalla (2020) introduced dialogue choices, branching narratives, and player-driven decisions that polarized fans. While some embraced the newfound agency, others felt it diluted the series’ core identity: reliving the fixed memories of ancestors through the Animus. The release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 20, 2025, introduced a novel solution—Canon Mode—a setting that removes dialogue choices to deliver a linear, lore-accurate narrative. Fans are buzzing, with sentiments like “I regret not playing in Canon Mode” echoing across platforms like Reddit, signaling a growing fatigue with RPG features. Why are players gravitating toward this mode, and what does it reveal about the franchise’s evolving identity? This article dives into the Canon Mode phenomenon, its implications, and the broader debate over RPG elements in Assassin’s Creed.

The Rise and Controversy of RPG Mechanics

The Assassin’s Creed series began as a linear action-adventure experience, with tightly scripted stories centered on iconic protagonists like Altaïr and Ezio. The introduction of RPG elements in Origins marked a bold pivot, adding randomized loot, leveling systems, and skill trees. Odyssey and Valhalla doubled down, offering dialogue options, romance choices, and even gender selection, transforming the series into a sprawling open-world RPG. These changes attracted new players but alienated some longtime fans who argued that player-driven choices clashed with the Animus’ premise of reliving historical memories.

For instance, Odyssey’s choice between Kassandra and Alexios caused confusion when Kassandra was later confirmed as the canon protagonist in subsequent games and DLC, leaving Alexios players feeling disconnected from the lore. Similarly, Valhalla’s gender options and branching dialogue frustrated fans seeking a definitive narrative tied to the series’ overarching meta-story. Reddit user u/DarkLordJ14 encapsulated this sentiment: “The fact they were even added in the first place is so dumb because the whole point of AC is to relive your ancestors’ memories.” The RPG shift, while ambitious, created a tension between player freedom and narrative fidelity, prompting Ubisoft to address fan feedback with Shadows.

Canon Mode: A Return to Roots

Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, introduces Canon Mode, a setting that removes all dialogue choices and locks the narrative to a pre-determined, lore-accurate path. Activated at the game’s start, Canon Mode ensures cutscenes flow cinematically, with protagonists Naoe and Yasuke making decisions as Ubisoft’s writers intended. This mode, which cannot be toggled mid-playthrough, caters to fans who prefer the linear storytelling of earlier titles like Assassin’s Creed II or Mirage (2023).

The mode’s creation stemmed from fan disappointment over the lack of a “definitive and canon narrative” in Odyssey and Valhalla, as creative director Jonathan Dumont explained in a Game Rant interview. “When we introduced a choice of characters and dialogue choices in AC Odyssey, many of our fans loved the idea, but some expressed their disappointment in not having a definitive and canon narrative for the game that could be embedded in the AC lore meta story,” he said. Canon Mode thus serves as a “reference story” for the franchise, streamlining the narrative for tie-in media, sequels, and lore enthusiasts.

Players have responded enthusiastically. Reddit user u/butterflyhole lamented, “I regret not playing in Canon Mode. The dialogue options and story choices are all uninteresting to me.” Others, like u/samjp910, echoed this, noting that Canon Mode allows them to “sit back and experience the story” without the interruption of choice prompts. The mode’s seamless cutscenes, which flow naturally without pausing for player input, evoke the cinematic quality of classic Assassin’s Creed titles, resonating with fans who view the series as an action-adventure saga rather than a full-fledged RPG.

The Trade-Offs of Canon Mode

While Canon Mode has won over many, it comes with caveats. Most notably, it sacrifices player agency, removing the ability to shape Naoe and Yasuke’s personalities through dialogue or decisions like sparing or killing targets. It also locks players out of most romance options and prevents recruiting all allies, such as one ally who canonically dies. Associate narrative director Brooke Davies clarified that “none of our love stories is canon,” allowing non-Canon Mode players to pursue romances freely, but Canon Mode prioritizes narrative coherence over romantic subplots.

This trade-off has sparked debate. Some fans, like those on Reddit’s r/Asmongold, argue that Canon Mode undermines the RPG label: “Why even play it, just watch a movie. You have no say in the outcome anyway.” Others, however, see it as a strength, aligning with the series’ roots. Polygon’s review noted that Canon Mode delivers “the story that the writers of this game have set up to be the ‘intended’ version,” appealing to players who prioritize Ubisoft’s vision over personal customization.

The mode’s permanence—once activated, it cannot be disabled—adds weight to the decision. Game8 advises players to “carefully consider” Canon Mode, as it locks out certain content, though it doesn’t prevent earning the Platinum trophy. For lore purists, this is a small price to pay for a cohesive narrative, but RPG enthusiasts may feel restricted by the loss of agency.

The Broader Debate: RPG vs. Action-Adventure

The Canon Mode phenomenon reflects a deeper schism in the Assassin’s Creed fandom: the clash between RPG innovation and the series’ action-adventure heritage. An IGN post on X argued that “Assassin’s Creed’s focus on character-driven storytelling has been buried by its RPG sandbox features, and the series is weaker for it.” This sentiment resonates with fans who believe dialogue choices and branching paths dilute the narrative focus that defined earlier entries.

Conversely, RPG fans appreciate the depth and replayability of choices, even if they don’t drastically alter the core story. Shadows attempts to bridge this divide by offering both modes, but some question the point of RPG elements if a canon path exists. Forbes contributor Paul Tassi mused, “If there is a Canon Mode indicating the ‘right’ choices, why have choices at all?” This critique highlights a philosophical tension: should Assassin’s Creed fully embrace RPG mechanics like Mass Effect, or return to its linear roots?

Ubisoft’s approach in Shadows suggests a compromise. By making Canon Mode optional, the developers cater to both camps—lore purists and RPG enthusiasts—while acknowledging the series’ evolution. The dual protagonists, Naoe (a shinobi) and Yasuke (a samurai), further balance stealth and combat playstyles, addressing another fan divide. The game’s critical reception, with reviews praising its “confidence, texture, and purpose,” indicates that this hybrid approach resonates with many players.

Fan Reactions and the Future

The fandom’s response to Canon Mode is overwhelmingly positive among those fatigued by RPG features. Reddit threads like r/assassinscreed reveal players celebrating the mode’s return to “a single storyline with one ending,” with some calling for its retroactive implementation in Odyssey and Valhalla. However, RPG fans defend the value of choice, arguing that it enhances immersion and personalization, even if the choices are “superficial.”

Looking ahead, Canon Mode’s popularity could shape future Assassin’s Creed titles. If data shows significant adoption, Ubisoft may prioritize linear storytelling or refine the balance between choice and canon. The mode’s success also raises questions about the franchise’s identity in a gaming landscape dominated by RPGs like The Witcher 3 and Elden Ring. Can Assassin’s Creed remain competitive as an RPG, or is its strength in its historical, cinematic roots?

Conclusion

The rise of Canon Mode in Assassin’s Creed Shadows reflects a pivotal moment for the franchise, addressing years of fan feedback and reigniting debates about its direction. For players like u/butterflyhole, who regret bypassing Canon Mode, the feature offers a return to the seamless, lore-driven storytelling that defined the series’ golden era. While it sacrifices player agency and certain content, its cinematic flow and narrative clarity have struck a chord with fans tired of RPG choices. As Assassin’s Creed navigates its dual identity—action-adventure legacy versus RPG ambition—Canon Mode stands as a bold experiment in giving players what they want: choice, ironically, about whether to have choices at all. With Shadows topping sales charts and sparking fervent discussion, the fandom’s love for this mode proves that sometimes, less choice is more.