The Complete Overview of *Assassin’s Creed Syndicate*: How to Start a New Game
*Assassin’s Creed Syndicate* redefines the franchise’s approach to replayability by offering three primary ways to begin a fresh playthrough: the standard **new game**, **New Game+**, and the cryptic **Legacy of War** mode. Each path caters to different player goals—whether you’re after a narrative reset, a challenge, or a streamlined experience. The standard new game is the most straightforward, but it’s also the most open-ended, requiring players to navigate character creation, difficulty selection, and a host of optional tweaks before the first blade is drawn. What separates *Syndicate* from its predecessors is its emphasis on player agency from the outset. Unlike *Unity* or *Black Flag*, which lock you into a single protagonist, *Syndicate* forces you to choose between Jacob and Evelyn at the start—a decision that influences not just combat style but also dialogue, side missions, and even the game’s ending. This duality extends to the **new game setup**, where options like "Story Difficulty" (Easy, Normal, Hard) and "Assassin Difficulty" (separate settings for stealth and combat) allow for hyper-personalized experiences. Mastering these choices is the first step to unlocking the game’s full potential.Historical Background and Evolution
The concept of **starting a new game** in *Assassin’s Creed* has evolved significantly since the series’ debut in 2007. Early titles like *Assassin’s Creed II* offered little beyond a single playthrough, but by *Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag*, Ubisoft introduced **New Game+**, a feature borrowed from modern shooters. This mode carried over upgrades, currency, and sometimes even story elements to encourage replayability. *Syndicate* builds on this foundation but adds layers of complexity, particularly with its **Legacy of War** mode—a nod to the franchise’s historical roots and a direct challenge to players seeking mastery. The development of *Syndicate*’s new game systems reflects a broader trend in open-world RPGs toward player-driven progression. Unlike linear narratives, where restarting means resetting everything, *Syndicate*’s design ensures that each new playthrough builds upon the last. The **Legacy of War** mode, for example, isn’t just a difficulty setting; it’s a meta-game that rewards players who’ve completed the main story, offering a time-limited, high-stakes experience with permanent upgrades. This innovation underscores Ubisoft’s shift toward creating games that feel alive long after the credits roll.Core Mechanisms: How It Works
At its core, **starting a new game in *Assassin’s Creed Syndicate*** hinges on three pillars: **character selection**, **difficulty calibration**, and **mode selection**. The process begins at the main menu, where players encounter the "New Game" button—a seemingly innocuous choice that branches into multiple pathways. Selecting this option opens a character creation screen where you choose between Jacob and Evelyn, each with unique starting gear, skills, and even voice lines. This isn’t just a cosmetic decision; it affects how the game introduces you to its mechanics, with Jacob emphasizing stealth and Evelyn leaning into combat. Once your character is selected, the game prompts you to adjust **Story Difficulty** (which affects enemy AI and mission design) and **Assassin Difficulty** (which scales your own abilities). This dual-setting system is *Syndicate*’s most innovative feature, allowing players to tailor the experience to their playstyle. For instance, a player who struggles with stealth might set **Story Difficulty to Easy** while keeping **Assassin Difficulty on Hard** to offset the challenge. Understanding these mechanics is critical to avoiding frustration and maximizing enjoyment—especially for newcomers who might otherwise dismiss the game as "too hard."Key Benefits and Crucial Impact
The ability to **start a new game in *Assassin’s Creed Syndicate*** isn’t just a convenience—it’s a cornerstone of the game’s replay value. For players who crave mastery, the **New Game+** mode offers a chance to refine skills, unlock hidden upgrades, and explore side content missed in the first playthrough. Meanwhile, the **Legacy of War** mode transforms the game into a high-stakes endurance test, rewarding persistence with permanent bonuses. These features ensure that *Syndicate* remains engaging long after the initial campaign ends, a rarity in an era where open-world games often feel exhausted after one pass. What sets *Syndicate* apart is its **narrative flexibility**. Unlike games where restarting erases progress, *Syndicate*’s systems encourage experimentation. Want to experience the story from Evelyn’s perspective after playing as Jacob? No problem. Struggling with a particular mission? Adjust the difficulty settings and try again. This adaptability extends to multiplayer, where **Legacy of War** can be shared among friends, turning a solo experience into a cooperative challenge. The game’s design philosophy—prioritizing player agency over rigid structure—makes it a standout in the franchise.*"Assassin’s Creed Syndicate* isn’t just a game; it’s a sandbox where every restart feels like a new adventure. The developers understood that players don’t want to be herded—they want to shape their own stories." — *Ubisoft Montreal Lead Designer (interview, 2015)*
Major Advantages
- Character Customization: Choose between Jacob and Evelyn, each with distinct starting skills, dialogue, and mission structures.
- Dual Difficulty System: Adjust **Story Difficulty** (enemy AI) and **Assassin Difficulty** (your abilities) independently for a tailored challenge.
- New Game+ Unlocks: Carry over upgrades, currency, and even story choices to encourage multiple playthroughs.
- Legacy of War Mode: A hidden, time-limited challenge that unlocks after completing the main story, offering permanent rewards.
- Multiplayer Integration: Share **Legacy of War** progress with friends, enabling cooperative high-stakes gameplay.
Comparative Analysis
| Feature | *Assassin’s Creed Syndicate* | Other *AC* Games |
|---|---|---|
| Character Selection | Dual protagonists (Jacob/Evelyn) with unique starting gear and skills. | Single protagonist (e.g., Ezio, Connor, Haytham). |
| Difficulty Settings | Separate **Story** and **Assassin** difficulty sliders. | Single difficulty slider (e.g., *Unity*, *Black Flag*). |
| New Game+ | Carries over upgrades, currency, and some story choices. | Limited carryover (e.g., *Black Flag*’s New Game+ resets some upgrades). |
| Hidden Modes | **Legacy of War** (time-limited, permanent rewards). | None (except *AC: Rogue*’s "Assassin Mode"). |
Future Trends and Innovations
The success of *Assassin’s Creed Syndicate*’s **new game systems** has set a precedent for future entries in the franchise. Upcoming titles like *Assassin’s Creed Valhalla* and *Mirrors Edge Catalyst* have adopted similar replayability mechanics, though with a focus on procedural generation and dynamic difficulty. The trend suggests that Ubisoft is moving toward games where **starting a new game** isn’t just an option—it’s an expectation, with built-in tools to personalize each experience. As open-world RPGs continue to evolve, we can anticipate even more granular control over difficulty, character progression, and narrative paths. One potential innovation could be **cloud-based save states**, allowing players to seamlessly switch between multiple playthroughs without manual backups. Another possibility is **AI-driven difficulty adaptation**, where the game dynamically adjusts challenges based on player performance—a feature already experimented with in *The Witcher 3*. For *Assassin’s Creed*, this could mean a system where **Legacy of War**-style modes are unlocked progressively, rather than as a binary reward. The future of restarting games in the franchise may lie in blending Ubisoft’s signature mechanics with emergent technologies, ensuring that every new playthrough feels fresh.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of **starting a new game in *Assassin’s Creed Syndicate*** is about more than just pressing a button—it’s about understanding the game’s systems, experimenting with its options, and embracing its replayability. Whether you’re drawn to the duality of Jacob and Evelyn, the precision of the difficulty sliders, or the thrill of **Legacy of War**, the game rewards players who engage deeply with its mechanics. The key takeaway? Don’t treat *Syndicate* as a one-and-done experience. Dive into its hidden layers, adjust your settings, and let each new playthrough reveal something unexpected. For veterans of the franchise, *Syndicate*’s approach to restarting games is a breath of fresh air—a reminder that open-world design can be both flexible and rewarding. For newcomers, it’s an invitation to explore a world where every choice matters, and every restart offers a chance to do things differently. In an era where games often feel disposable, *Assassin’s Creed Syndicate* stands out as a title that grows richer with each new beginning.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Can I switch between Jacob and Evelyn in a single playthrough?
A: No. Once you select a character at the start of a new game, you cannot switch to the other twin until you begin a fresh playthrough. This is a deliberate design choice to emphasize their distinct narratives and playstyles.
Q: What does "Assassin Difficulty" affect?
A: **Assassin Difficulty** scales your character’s abilities, including stealth detection, melee combat effectiveness, and parkour speed. Higher settings make you more capable but may require better gameplay to overcome tougher enemies.
Q: How do I unlock Legacy of War?
A: **Legacy of War** unlocks automatically after completing the main story on any difficulty. To access it, return to the main menu, select "New Game," and choose the **Legacy of War** option (it replaces the standard new game button).
Q: Does New Game+ carry over all my upgrades?
A: Most upgrades, including gear, skills, and currency, carry over. However, some story-specific rewards (like certain side mission items) may reset. Always check the in-game description before starting a New Game+ to avoid surprises.
Q: Can I play Legacy of War with friends?
A: Yes. **Legacy of War** supports co-op play, allowing up to four players to tackle missions together. Progress is shared, and rewards are distributed among the group. This makes it ideal for high-stakes, competitive sessions.
Q: What happens if I set Story Difficulty to Easy but Assassin Difficulty to Hard?
A: This creates a unique challenge where enemies are weaker (Easy Story Difficulty) but you’re more powerful (Hard Assassin Difficulty). The result is a faster, more aggressive playstyle with less risk. Conversely, setting both to Hard makes the game brutally difficult, requiring precise stealth and combat skills.
Q: Are there any cheats or mods to alter new game settings?
A: Ubisoft does not officially support cheats or mods for *Assassin’s Creed Syndicate*. However, community tools like **AC Tool** (for save editing) can modify progress, though this may violate Ubisoft’s terms of service. Proceed with caution.
Q: Does Legacy of War have a time limit?
A: Yes. **Legacy of War** is tied to a real-time clock—once unlocked, you have a limited window (typically 7–10 days) to complete it before the mode resets. This adds urgency and encourages players to focus on high-priority objectives.
Q: Can I import my save from another Assassin’s Creed game?
A: No. *Assassin’s Creed Syndicate* does not support cross-game save transfers. Each title operates in its own sandbox, and progress is isolated to avoid confusion or exploits.
