Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Unveiling the Hanno-ji Incident

Before you dive in, be warned—there are some spoilers for Assassin’s Creed Shadows ahead!

Famous for seamlessly blending historical events with engaging gameplay, the Assassin’s Creed series has taken us on many captivating adventures. We’ve mingled with notable figures like Benjamin Franklin and Napoleon, but the real magic happens when historical events become essential parts of the story. For example, in Assassin’s Creed 3, players experience the Boston Tea Party, while Odyssey immerses them in the Battle of Thermopylae. Unity even lets us escape the Bastille during its storming. Now, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises its own share of historical twists.

This installment kicks off in 1581, set against the tumultuous backdrop of Japan’s Sengoku period—a time marked by near-constant struggle among daimyos and clans. Things get exciting as the story follows Oda Nobunaga’s campaign to unite the war-torn nation, only to be interrupted by the infamous Hanno-ji Incident, which players get to witness firsthand.

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In 1582, Oda Nobunaga, having crushed the Takeda clan, stood as the most powerful daimyo in Japan. Aiming to consolidate his power, Nobunaga dispatched his top generals across Japan’s vulnerable provinces. Believing he was on the brink of unifying the country, Nobunaga returned to Kyoto. Learning that the Mori clan was larger than anticipated, he sent his general, Akechi Mitsuhide, to the Chugoku region before heading to the Hanno-ji temple for a rest.

With Nobunaga’s forces spread out, his capital lay vulnerable. Seizing the opportunity, Akechi Mitsuhide led his sizeable army to the temple. In just a couple of hours, the siege was over—temple walls decimated, leaving Nobunaga with no choice but seppuku amidst the burning ruin.

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In the game, players experience this drama through Naoe, the main character. She meets with Mitsuhide, who falsely accuses Nobunaga of leading the Shinbakufu, responsible for her father’s death. Naoe agrees to assist Mitsuhide, slipping past Nobunaga’s weakened defenses at Hanno-ji. But Nobunaga tells her it was Mitsuhide who killed her father. Conflicted, Naoe flees the burning temple. As Nobunaga takes his life, Yasuke, his loyal retainer, helps him by severing his spine—a poignant moment staged spectacularly in-game.

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The game releases on March 20, 2025, rated Mature 17+ due to its intense violence and mature themes—elements sure to captivate the fans of the series. Get ready to lose yourself in this gripping narrative, as it continues to merge real history with thrilling gameplay.