Assassin's Creed Shadows: The Animus Hub Finally Explained
Delve into the mysteries of Assassin's Creed Shadows with an in-depth look at the Animus Hub, a new gameplay feature that unlocks deeper layers of the series' story and mechanics.
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series has always been known for its vast, interconnected worlds and gripping modern-day storyline. Now, with the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows, players are in for a transformative experience as Ubisoft introduces the Animus Hub — a feature that will revolutionize how fans engage with the franchise.
Originally teased as Codename Infinity, the Animus Hub was shrouded in mystery, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more details. As the series’ first-ever interconnected platform, it will act as a central hub for all future Assassin's Creed games, starting with Shadows. Offering direct access to previous titles, new rewards, and a fresh way to experience the modern-day storyline, the Animus Hub could be the next big step for the franchise.
How the Animus Hub Works in Assassin's Creed Shadows and Beyond
The core purpose of the Animus Hub is to bridge the gap between past and future Assassin's Creed games. With a centralized platform, players can access not only Shadows but also earlier Period Two titles such as Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla, and Mirage. Through the Memories section of the Hub, players can enjoy a seamless experience, allowing them to revisit these titles and even engage with previously saved games and story recaps.
But the Animus Hub offers more than just easy access to past games — it serves as an evolving platform for players to unlock rewards while immersing themselves in the overarching Assassin's Creed narrative.
Projects, Vault, and Exchange: Unique Features for Rewards
The Animus Hub boasts three additional features that provide players with new ways to engage with the franchise: Projects, Vault, and Exchange. These sections not only deepen the connection to the narrative but also reward players for their participation.
In the Projects section, players will find a reward track that offers valuable gear, resources, and items, with progression tied to completing Anomalies — unique gameplay challenges that reward players with Data Fragments. These fragments are essential for decoding Encrypted Data Files, which add layers to the modern-day story of Assassin's Creed.
The Vault serves as a digital repository, storing lore, videos, and other media related to the modern-day narrative. As players progress through Shadows and future titles, the Vault will expand, offering even more content tied to the overarching story.
Meanwhile, the Exchange allows players to spend the Keys they earn through completing Projects to unlock exciting rewards like gear and customization items for their Assassin's Creed Shadows hideout.
The Ongoing Modern-Day Story and Free Rewards
A significant part of the Animus Hub is its integration of the Assassin's Creed modern-day storyline. Instead of the previous standalone narrative, players will now experience the modern-day events through The Guide, along with mentions of Animus Ego and Dark Animus. Fans of the modern-day story can dive deep into this content, while those more interested in gameplay can enjoy the Hub's many rewards without engaging in the narrative.
What’s more, Ubisoft has emphasized that all post-launch content delivered through the Animus Hub will be entirely free. This commitment to free content will undoubtedly put fans' minds at ease, as the platform offers exciting new ways to experience Assassin's Creed without any additional cost.
The Animus Hub represents a bold step forward for Ubisoft and the Assassin's Creed franchise. By blending the past, present, and future of the series, it promises to enhance the overall Assassin's Creed experience, making the world of Shadows more interconnected and rewarding than ever before. With the Animus Hub launching alongside Shadows on March 20, fans can look forward to a new chapter in the legendary franchise.