Assassin's Creed Shadows Ditches the Bird Companion: What's Next?

The Assassin's Creed franchise has never been afraid to reinvent itself. From the early days of Altaïr and Ezio to the massive RPG shift in Assassin's Creed Origins, Ubisoft has constantly tinkered with the formula. But with Assassin's Creed Shadows, one beloved feature has quietly flown the coop: the bird companion. For four straight games, players could summon a feathered friend to scout ahead, tag enemies, and reveal treasures. Now, that bird is gone, replaced by a new ability called Observe. And while the change makes sense for the game's more grounded tone, many fans are left wondering if the series will ever bring back its winged ally. 🦅

The Rise of the Bird Companion

It all started with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017. Bayek of Siwa had Senu, an eagle who could be controlled directly. Players could soar above the Egyptian sands, marking enemies, locating mission objectives, and spotting chests or crafting materials. As the game progressed, Senu's perception could be upgraded, turning her into an indispensable tool for any assassin. The feature was an instant hit, and Ubisoft carried it forward into every subsequent entry.

Each bird served as a constant companion. They weren't just mechanical tools; they gave players a breathtaking view of the world and a tactical edge before diving into combat. Whether you were scaling the pyramids of Giza or raiding Saxon forts, having a bird overhead felt special. It was a small but meaningful addition that made the RPG-era Assassin's Creed games feel distinct.

Enter Assassin's Creed Shadows and the Observe Ability

Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, stars two protagonists: the shinobi Naoe and the samurai Yasuke. Instead of a bird, the game introduces Observe. This ability lets players scan their surroundings from the character's own viewpoint. By holding a button, you can tag nearby enemies and highlight resources like chests or crafting materials. There is no bird flying overhead, no glowing Eagle Vision pulse, and no separate entity to control. It's just the character, using their own senses.

On paper, this sounds like a more realistic and immersive system. After all, a shinobi trained in observation wouldn't necessarily need a pet eagle. And for a game that prides itself on grounded stealth, Observe fits the tone. But as many players have noted, something feels missing. 🔍

Why the Bird Is Missed

The bird companion was never a game-changer. It didn't break the combat or make stealth trivial. But it added a layer of joy. There was something magical about launching into the air, seeing the world from above, and then swooping down to tag a guard. It gave players a whole new perspective on the meticulously crafted environments. From the snowy peaks of Norway to the bustling streets of Baghdad, the bird's-eye view was often a beautiful sight to behold.

Beyond aesthetics, the bird offered practical benefits. It could reach areas the player couldn't, spot enemies behind walls, and reveal hidden paths. Observe, by contrast, is limited to what the character can see. You can't peek over a cliff or scout a fortress from a mile away. The result is a more claustrophobic scouting experience, even if it is more realistic.

Could the Bird Return in Future Assassin's Creed Games?

For Assassin's Creed Shadows, it's likely too late. Unless Ubisoft adds a bird in a post-launch update—which seems unlikely given the game's direction—players will have to accept Observe as the new normal. But future titles should seriously consider bringing the bird back. Even if its functionality is reduced, a constant animal companion is a fun addition to the formula. It doesn't have to be an eagle; a hawk, a raven, or even a trained monkey could work. The key is giving players that sense of partnership and verticality.

If Ubisoft decides to move away from birds entirely, then they need to replace Observe with something more substantial. Maybe a drone-like mechanical companion? Or a network of informants? The current system feels like a step back, not a step forward. Players want to feel like master assassins, and having a loyal bird by their side was one of the small ways the games achieved that fantasy.

The Verdict

The removal of the bird companion in Assassin's Creed Shadows is a reminder that the franchise is always changing. Some changes stick, others fade away. The bird had a good run across four games, and it will be fondly remembered. But as Ubisoft looks ahead to the next era of Assassin's Creed, they should ask themselves: does the Observe ability really fill the void? Or is it time to let another bird take flight? 🕊️

For now, players can enjoy the streets of Kyoto and the stealthy thrill of Shadows. But don't be surprised if you catch yourself glancing at the sky, hoping for a familiar silhouette. The bird may be gone, but its legacy—and the hope for its return—lives on.

Industry analysis is available through Eurogamer, whose long-running games criticism often examines how Assassin's Creed balances cinematic spectacle with player freedom; that perspective helps explain why Shadows dropping the bird companion in favor of Observe may feel more grounded to some players, yet less expansive and tactically satisfying to others who enjoyed scouting large environments from the air.