The Assassin’s Creed franchise is no stranger to leaks, but the latest revelation about its 2026 release, codenamed Hexe, has sent gamers into a frenzy. Early details suggest this title, developed by Ubisoft Montreal, will break new ground for the series with a dark, witchcraft-themed setting, a female protagonist with supernatural abilities, and a more linear gameplay experience. Set to launch on Ubisoft’s Animus Hub platform, Hexe promises to be one of the most unique entries in the nearly two-decade-old series. Here’s everything we know so far about Assassin’s Creed 2026, why it’s generating so much buzz, and what it could mean for the franchise’s future.

A Dark and Witchy Departure

The first whispers of Assassin’s Creed Hexe emerged in 2022, when Ubisoft teased it as part of a broader roadmap for the franchise. Unlike the sprawling RPGs of recent years, such as Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla, and Shadows, Hexe is shaping up to be a “very different type of Assassin’s Creed game,” according to Ubisoft’s Vice President and Executive Producer, Marc-Alexis Côté. The game is set in 16th-century Central Europe, likely during the Holy Roman Empire’s infamous witch trials, a period when up to 80,000 suspected witches were executed between 1500 and 1660. This grim historical backdrop sets the stage for a darker, more atmospheric experience that leans into horror and suspense.

The leak, credited to industry insider Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming, reveals that Hexe will feature a single female protagonist named Elsa, marking a bold choice for the series. Elsa is described as possessing supernatural abilities, a first for an Assassin’s Creed main character. One leaked scene reportedly shows her using magic to take over the body of a cat to distract soldiers, hinting at creative gameplay mechanics that blend stealth with otherworldly powers. This supernatural element is a significant departure from the series’ traditional focus on historical accuracy and sci-fi Animus technology, though it aligns with recent entries’ growing embrace of mythology, as seen in Valhalla’s Norse gods or Shadows’ Japanese folklore.

Gameplay: A Return to Roots with a Twist

Hexe is said to offer a more linear experience compared to the open-world behemoths of recent years, drawing inspiration from earlier Assassin’s Creed titles like the original 2007 game or Brotherhood. However, it won’t abandon exploration entirely, incorporating “some elements of open-world exploration” to balance accessibility with depth. This shift could appeal to longtime fans who miss the tighter, stealth-driven missions of the series’ early days, while still offering enough freedom to satisfy players accustomed to the RPG era.

A standout feature of Hexe is its “Fear System,” inspired by the Jack the Ripper DLC from Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. While exact details remain unclear, the system is likely tied to the witch trial setting, where fear and paranoia dominated society. Players might manipulate fear to control enemies, create distractions, or enhance stealth, adding a psychological layer to the gameplay. Given the historical context—where accusations of witchcraft could lead to brutal executions—this system could make Hexe one of the most immersive and emotionally intense entries in the series.

The game is being built on Ubisoft’s Anvil Engine, the same technology powering recent titles like Shadows. This suggests Hexe will boast high-fidelity visuals, with eerie forests, fog-shrouded villages, and gothic architecture bringing 16th-century Europe to life. The darker tone and supernatural elements could also allow Ubisoft to experiment with lighting, sound design, and atmospheric effects, creating a hauntingly beautiful world.

Why Fans Are Buzzing

The Hexe leak has sparked a wave of excitement across gaming communities, particularly on platforms like X, where fans are dissecting every detail. Several factors are driving the hype:

A Fresh Setting: The 16th-century witch trials are a relatively unexplored period in gaming, offering a rich tapestry of historical and cultural elements. Fans are eager to see how Ubisoft portrays this era, from the tension of religious persecution to the clash between superstition and reason. The setting also taps into a growing interest in witch-themed media, seen in shows like The Witcher or His Dark Materials.

Supernatural Innovation: Elsa’s magical abilities are a game-changer for Assassin’s Creed, which has traditionally grounded its protagonists in physical skills like parkour and combat. The introduction of supernatural powers could open up new gameplay possibilities, from mind control to shape-shifting, while still fitting within the series’ Animus framework, where historical memories can be distorted or enhanced.

A Female Lead: Elsa as the sole protagonist is a significant move, especially after Shadows faced criticism over its dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. A female-led story in a setting dominated by the persecution of women could deliver a powerful narrative, exploring themes of resilience and defiance. Fans are hopeful Ubisoft will craft a compelling character to rival iconic assassins like Ezio or Kassandra.

A Return to Stealth: The promise of a more linear, stealth-focused experience has thrilled fans who felt recent RPGs prioritized scale over precision. Assassin’s Creed Mirage (2023) successfully returned to a tighter, stealth-driven format, and Hexe could build on that momentum while adding its own supernatural twist.

A Darker Tone: The witch trial setting and Fear System suggest Hexe will be the “darkest Assassin’s Creed game ever,” as rumored on X. This aligns with Ubisoft’s push to diversify the series, offering experiences that range from epic RPGs to compact, story-driven adventures. Fans are excited for a game that leans into horror and suspense, a genre Assassin’s Creed has rarely explored.

Challenges and Skepticism

Despite the excitement, some fans are approaching Hexe with caution. Ubisoft’s recent struggles, including the delays and controversies surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows, have raised concerns about execution. Shadows, released in March 2025, faced backlash over historical inaccuracies and a major leak when physical copies surfaced early, spoiling key plot points. Hexe’s leak, while less extensive, could similarly disrupt Ubisoft’s plans, setting unrealistic expectations for a game still in early development.

The supernatural elements are also divisive. While some fans welcome the innovation, others worry it strays too far from Assassin’s Creed’s historical roots. The series has always balanced realism with sci-fi, using the Animus to justify anachronisms, but magical abilities might push that balance to its limits. Ubisoft will need to ground Elsa’s powers in the series’ lore—perhaps tying them to Isu artifacts or Animus glitches—to avoid alienating purists.

There’s also the question of Ubisoft’s ambitious release schedule. With nine Assassin’s Creed games reportedly planned over the next six years, including Jade, Invictus, and a Black Flag remake, some fans fear oversaturation. Hexe’s unique premise could help it stand out, but Ubisoft must ensure it doesn’t feel rushed or overshadowed by other projects.

Ubisoft’s Broader Strategy

Hexe is part of Ubisoft’s push to diversify Assassin’s Creed through the Animus Hub, a platform designed to unify the franchise’s experiences. Launched alongside Shadows, the Hub allows players to access multiple Assassin’s Creed titles, from RPGs to smaller adventures, in one place. Hexe’s release on this platform in 2026 suggests it will be a flagship title, potentially alongside Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag’s remake, which is also slated for 2026.

The game’s development by Ubisoft Montreal, the studio behind Valhalla and Origins, is a promising sign. The involvement of Clint Hocking, former creative director of Watch Dogs Legion, adds further intrigue, as his experience with experimental gameplay could shape Hexe’s unique mechanics. However, Ubisoft faces pressure to deliver after a rocky 2024, with underperforming titles like Star Wars Outlaws and financial challenges fueling rumors of a potential buyout by Tencent.

What’s Next for Hexe?

As Hexe is still in early development, fans can expect more details to emerge over the next year, likely through Ubisoft Forward events or official trailers. A world premiere trailer is rumored for mid-2025, with gameplay showcases potentially following in early 2026. The game’s release window aligns with Ubisoft’s plan to space out major Assassin’s Creed releases, with Jade (mobile) and Invictus (multiplayer) expected to precede it.

The leak also hints at Hexe’s narrative potential. Elsa’s story could explore the intersection of gender, power, and persecution, with the witch trials serving as a backdrop for a personal tale of survival. The series’ modern-day storyline, revitalized in Shadows with new Animus anomalies, might also tie into Hexe, perhaps introducing a dystopian future as teased in recent posts on X. Fans are eager to see how Ubisoft connects these threads while maintaining the series’ signature blend of history and sci-fi.

Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed 2026, codenamed Hexe, is shaping up to be a bold and haunting addition to the franchise. With its witchcraft-themed setting, supernatural protagonist, and linear gameplay, it promises to deliver a fresh experience that honors the series’ roots while pushing its boundaries. The leak has ignited excitement and debate, with fans eager to explore Elsa’s world and see how Ubisoft tackles this dark chapter of history. Despite challenges like leaks and Ubisoft’s broader struggles, Hexe has the potential to redefine what an Assassin’s Creed game can be. As the gaming world awaits more details, one thing is clear: the hidden blade is about to cast a spell like never before.