Assassins Creed Shadows: What Is The Animus Hub?

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Starting up Assassin’s Creed Shadows will probably lead you straight to the Animus Hub interface.

It could easily be mistaken for a new menu or just another launcher screen.

Delve a little further, and you’ll spot that Ubisoft seems to be cooking up something that could drastically alter how I immerse myself in this beloved series.

Here’s a comprehensive look at its functions, operation, and reasons it could be more significant than you realize.

What Is The Animus Hub?

The main gathering place, Animus Hub, serves as a unifying center where Ubisoft brings together their latest and upcoming game titles from the franchise under a single digital roof.

As a gamer, I’m now launching my game shadows directly from the Animus Hub, which is like a time travel control center, rather than using Ubisoft Connect or Steam as my launch platforms.

The feature is integrated within the game itself, rather than being a standalone application. Despite its resemblance to an additional startup program, it performs multiple tasks discreetly.

You can reach it directly from the game’s main menu if you select “Animus”, or alternatively, when you’re playing or on pause, simply follow the instructions displayed at the top-left corner of your screen.

To transfer your game progress across different platforms, such as moving from a computer to a console, you simply need to use the same Ubisoft account for logging in on each device.

Right off the bat, you’re taken to the “Memories” screen, which shows a timeline of the series.

After that point, feel free to dive into Shadows or start up any other games such as Valhalla, Mirage, Odyssey, or Origins, assuming they are already installed on your system.

Ubisoft has lined up the games in order, with visuals and historical notes.

Currently, certain points on the timeline serve as references only (such as Unity or Syndicate); however, this might alter in subsequent updates.

But Memories is only where it all starts. The Hub breaks down into four main parts:

1. Memories

You can view your library of recent Assassin’s Creed games in this timeline view.

Choosing one option provides you with an overview, some visual elements for context such as previews or backstory details, and instant access to the game if it’s already installed.

The game will redirect you to a purchase link for your platform if you don’t have it.

The experience is deeply engaging, seamlessly integrating the Animus concept to make the contemporary narrative seem significantly more intertwined.

2. Projects

Projects are Shadows’ spin on battle passes, but they’re free.

Each project features a series of themed challenges (aka Anomalies) that change over time.

Finishing these tasks grants Data Fragments that advance your standing within the Project and open up prizes such as armor, weapons, crafting materials, and special keys.

You can focus on one project at a time, but don’t worry about losing progress when you switch tasks – it will be saved automatically. To advance in a project, simply mark it as completed and you’ll earn rewards along the way!

You don’t have to spend real money here (at least for now) since it’s all tied into the gameplay.

Currently, things seem rather spacious, offering ample opportunity for growth through seasonal upgrades and fresh content releases.

3. Exchange

The Exchange is where you use the Keys you’ve earned from Projects or gameplay.

This platform operates like a constantly changing bazaar, offering various goods daily and weekly. Here, you can swap Keys for armor sets, weapons, mounts, and personalization options for your hideout and allies.

It operates independently from the luxury Helix Store, and even though the items are labeled as free, you’ll have to actively participate in the game to accumulate enough Keys for the larger prizes.

This setup is designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to enjoy top-tier content simply by playing; there’s no need for additional purchases or microtransactions.

4. Vault

Here’s where the lore lovers will want to hang out.

The Vault holds narrative content connected to the modern-day Assassin’s Creed universe.

As I delve deeper into the game, I uncover these fascinating sections not directly integrated into the main storyline. Instead, they are revealed through video clips, narrative tidbits, and hidden tales that I stumble upon along my journey.

One of the earliest videos demonstrates an unexpected takeover of a traditional Abstergo propaganda film by the Assassins.

A portion of the information you see may currently be restricted, possibly linked to upcoming events within the narrative or future improvements.

As a casual gamer, I might not pay much attention to the Animus Hub at first glance, but Ubisoft’s decision to gather the entire franchise under one roof is nothing short of daring and exciting!

This concept borrows elements found in similar live-service platforms (such as Call of Duty Headquarters) and infuses them with the unique style of Assassin’s Creed. At the moment, it is relatively limited, but it has the potential to grow and develop further.

If Ubisoft continues to incorporate backstory, seasonal updates, or additional tales, the Animus Hub could turn out to be much more extensive than it initially appears.

For long-time fans, it’s definitely worth diving into.

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2025-03-25 05:12