Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Deep Dive into the Hanno-ji Incident

Please be advised that this article contains spoilers for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

The Assassin’s Creed franchise, revered for weaving historical figures into its narrative tapestry, often brings historical events to life within its gameplay. With iconic moments such as the Boston Tea Party in Assassin’s Creed 3, the Battle of Thermopylae in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and the Storming of the Bastille in Assassin’s Creed Unity, these games deliver an immersive experience where players can engage directly with the events that shaped history. Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues this tradition beautifully.

Set in 1581 Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows explores the turbulent tail end of the Sengoku period—a time characterized by relentless conflict among warlords vying for dominance. The game’s story begins by immersing players in Oda Nobunaga’s ambitious campaign to unify Japan. However, this quest is abruptly halted by the infamous Hanno-ji Incident, an event that players get to experience firsthand.

By 1582, having vanquished the formidable Takeda clan, Oda Nobunaga stands as Japan’s most powerful daimyo. Driven by the vision of unifying Japan, he dispatches his generals to seize control of key provinces in central Japan, still reeling from internal strife and battles with rival clans. Confident his goal is within reach, Nobunaga returns to Kyoto. Hearing that the Mori clan’s forces are greater than anticipated, Nobunaga instructs Akechi Mitsuhide to reinforce the forces in the Chugoku region, planning to join them after a brief respite at the Hanno-ji temple.

With his main army engaged elsewhere, Nobunaga finds himself vulnerable in Kyoto. Akechi Mitsuhide seizes this chance, leading his 13,000 troops to storm Hanno-ji temple. Nobunaga’s defenses crumble quickly; within two hours, Mitsuhide’s forces have obliterated the surrounding walls and set fire to the temple, leaving Nobunaga to die by seppuku amidst the flames.

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players step into the shoes of Naoe, who is summoned by Akechi Mitsuhide for a fateful meeting at his castle. There, Naoe learns from Mitsuhide that Oda Nobunaga leads the sinister Shinbakufu organization responsible for her father’s death. Driven by this revelation, she agrees to help oust Nobunaga. Naoe infiltrates the weakened defenses of Hanno-ji and confronts Nobunaga during Mitsuhide’s assault. Faced with accusations, Nobunaga claims Mitsuhide deceived her, confessing that he, not Nobunaga, killed Naoe’s father. Overwhelmed, Naoe flees the temple as it turns to ashes, leaving Nobunaga to commit seppuku. His trusted retainer, Yasuke, reluctantly acts according to tradition, assisting in his master’s final act.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows releases on March 20, 2025, with an ESRB rating of Mature 17+, featuring blood, intense violence, and strong language. Prepare for an immersive journey where history and storytelling collide in this captivating new installment.