Assassin’s Creed has evolved a lot over the past fifteen years. From the rooftops of Renaissance Italy to the frozen shores of Norway, the series has never been afraid to try something new. But the upcoming title, Assassin’s Creed Hexe, is doing more than just shifting settings—it’s taking a bold step into uncharted territory.
Set during the European witch trials, Hexe isn’t just about hidden blades and parkour. It’s about fear, suspicion, paranoia, and power in one of the darkest chapters of human history. And according to insiders, this might be the most radical transformation the franchise has seen to date.
A Setting Unlike Anything Before
Forget massive open worlds filled with ancient cities and sunlit temples. Hexe takes place in the heart of Central Europe during the late 16th century, a time when superstition ruled, and accusations of witchcraft led to brutal executions.
Rather than grand-scale warfare, the focus this time is on survival, secrecy, and societal terror. The environments are said to be darker, more atmospheric, and densely packed with fear-fueled tension. Forests, villages, underground crypts—each area plays a role in reinforcing the eerie tone of the game.
It’s not about conquering empires. It’s about escaping suspicion and uncovering the truth behind the witch hunts.
A New Type of Protagonist
While Ubisoft hasn’t officially confirmed the lead character, early leaks suggest that Hexe will feature the series’ first female protagonist in a solo dark-fantasy setting. But don’t expect a typical assassin. This character may not be part of the Brotherhood at all—at least, not at first.
Instead, players may begin as someone accused of witchcraft, forced to navigate a world where every neighbor could turn them in, every town could become a death trap, and survival means mastering not only stealth but psychological manipulation and knowledge of the occult.
It’s a sharp departure from the franchise’s usual path, but one that opens the door to new storytelling possibilities.
Gameplay Shifts: Less Combat, More Mind Games
Ubisoft seems to be moving away from heavy combat in Hexe. This isn’t Valhalla, where every problem could be solved with an axe. Instead, the gameplay reportedly emphasizes stealth, evasion, and manipulation. Think more cat-and-mouse tension than all-out brawling.
Players might be required to blend in, perform rituals, decode clues, and even use fear as a weapon. There are whispers of supernatural illusions, hallucinations, and environmental horror playing a part in how missions unfold. Not because the world is magical—but because the people in it believe it is.
That twist alone changes the Assassin’s Creed formula in a major way. It’s no longer just about hiding in crowds. It’s about surviving in a world actively trying to burn you alive.
The Horror Element: Real, Psychological, and Cultural
Hexe is being called a horror-infused Assassin’s Creed, but not in the traditional monster sense. The horror here is based on history—real fear, real executions, real injustice. You won’t be fighting ghosts or demons, but you’ll feel the weight of living in a society that sees you as a threat simply for existing.
Lighting plays a major role. So does audio. Distant screams, whispered rumors, creaking floorboards—all are part of creating a constant sense of dread. It’s not jump-scare horror. It’s psychological horror—the kind that lingers.
This new approach marks a major creative risk for Ubisoft, but it could also become a defining moment for the franchise.
Built on the Infinity Platform
Assassin’s Creed Hexe is part of the Assassin’s Creed Infinity project—a new digital hub that connects upcoming entries under one roof. This platform will allow Ubisoft to deliver narrative updates, seasonal content, and even crossover experiences without needing to release an entirely separate game each time.
Hexe may be smaller in scale compared to Valhalla or Odyssey, but it’s designed for longevity and depth, not size. It’s part of a bigger ecosystem, one that aims to keep fans engaged between major releases.
Release Window and Expectations
Ubisoft has not provided a release date yet, but industry analysts suggest Hexe may arrive in late 2025 or early 2026. That timeline lines up with the completion of support for Assassin’s Creed Mirage and the development cycles currently reported from Ubisoft Montreal.
Fans are cautiously optimistic. While the new direction may alienate players expecting traditional Assassin’s Creed mechanics, it could also attract an entirely new audience—especially those drawn to dark historical narratives and stealth-driven gameplay.
Final Thoughts
Assassin’s Creed Hexe is not just a new chapter in a long-running franchise. It’s a statement. A creative risk. A shift toward atmosphere over action, fear over freedom. And in doing so, it might give the series a second wind, one built on deeper storytelling and emotional tension.
If Ubisoft pulls it off, Hexe could redefine what an Assassin’s Creed game can be—not just for fans of the franchise, but for the entire action-adventure genre.