Ubisoft has officially revealed Assassin’s Creed Mirage by releasing the project’s first artwork on its social channels. The full presentation is planned for Ubisoft Forward, which will air on September 10 at 22:00 local time in Moscow. The reveal marks a return to the series’ roots, emphasizing classic stealth and narrative-driven gameplay over sprawling open worlds.
Rumors circulating ahead of the announcement suggest Mirage will be a more compact adventure, focusing on tight level design, streamlined progression, and a narrative-driven experience rather than a large map filled with side activities. The game is described as leaning toward the atmosphere and structure of the original Assassin’s Creed from 2007, with a tighter scope that prioritizes story, pacing, and cinematic set pieces. The action unfolds in a historically inspired Baghdad during the late 9th century, around the years 860 to 870, offering a richly detailed cityscape and a grounded, stealth-oriented approach to gameplay. The central protagonist is Basim, a character introduced in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, whose personal arc and origins are explored in this standalone entry. With Mirage, the team aims to recapture the tense, climbing stealth sequences and personal stakes that defined the early series while infusing modern polish and accessibility for a broader audience. The initial release window pointed to the first half of 2023, signaling Ubisoft’s intention to bring a focused, narrative-driven chapter to fans who crave classic Assassin’s Creed familiarity alongside contemporary refinement.
Shortly before the official reveal, early artwork related to a potential pre-order bonus titled The Forty Thieves Quest surfaced online, fueling anticipation and speculation about additional digital content and side quests tied to the main campaign. The leak prompted widespread discussion about what such a bonus might include—whether exclusive missions, cosmetic items, or early access perks that could enhance the early game experience.
More comprehensive details about Assassin’s Creed Mirage emerged in the days surrounding the announcement, painting Mirage as a return to the series’ core identity. The project, which began as an ambitious step toward creating a compact, highly replayable stealth-focused title, solidified Ubisoft’s commitment to delivering a polished narrative experience set in a historically inspired sandbox. The game’s presentation and accompanying materials highlighted a refined combat rhythm, smartly designed exploration routes, and a storytelling approach that centers on Basim’s evolving identity and the myths surrounding his past. The emphasis is on creating a compact yet deeply immersive adventure that resonates with longtime fans and newcomers alike, offering a tight, controllable experience that rewards patient, deliberate action over brute force. Players are invited to observe a living, breathing Baghdad where every alley, market, and rooftop offers new vantage points and opportunities for stealth and strategy, reinforcing the sense of place that characterized the earliest installments of the series.
As the community awaits hands-on impressions, Ubisoft has positioned Mirage as a celebration of classic Assassin’s Creed design philosophy with modern enhancements. The project aspires to deliver a memorable and accessible entry that respects the lineage of the franchise while inviting players to uncover Basim’s path, motives, and destiny within a meticulously recreated historical setting. The narrative focus, combined with precise stealth mechanics and streamlined progression, aims to deliver a compelling experience that stands on its own, even for players who may be exploring Assassin’s Creed for the first time. (VG Times)