Assassin’s Creed Roadmap Leak: Aztec Empire and Beyond

The Assassin’s Creed franchise, a titan of historical action gaming, is poised for a bold new era, if a recent leak is to be believed. A rumored roadmap, unveiled in May 2025, suggests Ubisoft plans to release nine Assassin’s Creed titles over the next six years, with one project, codenamed Scarlet, potentially taking players to the Aztec Empire. Fans are buzzing, with some proclaiming, “We’re finally going to Tenochtitlán!” as they envision scaling the pyramids of Mesoamerica. Yet, the leak, which also includes remakes, multiplayer games, and settings like India and the Mediterranean, has sparked debate, with skeptics questioning Ubisoft’s ability to deliver quality amidst such ambition. As Assassin’s Creed Shadows storms the charts and Jade looms, let’s unpack the roadmap, explore the Aztec hype, and dive into why this plan is dividing the gaming community.

The Leaked Roadmap

The roadmap, first reported by Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson, outlines a six-year strategy for Assassin’s Creed, featuring two mainline RPGs, two remakes, two smaller experiences, two multiplayer games, and one mobile title. Shared widely on platforms like X, the plan aims to release a major RPG every 2-3 years, with remakes and smaller projects filling the gaps. The projects, listed by codename and tentative order, include:

Jade: A mobile game set in ancient China, expected as the next release.

Invictus: A multiplayer title inspired by Fall Guys, featuring 16-player matches, with a five-year support plan.

Obsidian: A remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, rebuilt in the Anvil engine.

Hexe: A mainline RPG with a witch-themed setting, possibly medieval Germany, following Shadows’ two-year DLC cycle.

Scarlet: The next major RPG after Hexe, speculated to be Assassin’s Creed Nebula, set across India, the Mediterranean, and the Aztec Empire.

Stardust: A second remake, with the original title undisclosed.

Emerald: A multiplayer game, possibly the PvE-focused Raid or Echoes, planned for a five-year lifespan.

Two unnamed smaller experiences, potentially spin-offs or experimental titles.

The roadmap’s scope, covering diverse formats and settings, reflects Ubisoft’s push to maximize the franchise’s $2 billion brand value, especially after Shadows’ strong 2025 sales. However, the delay of Shadows due to marketing issues and Tencent’s new stake in Ubisoft’s subsidiary have raised concerns about timeline shifts, with some projects like Jade potentially slipping to 2026.

The Aztec Empire Hype

The highlight of the leak is Scarlet, rumored to be Nebula, a globetrotting RPG spanning India, the Mediterranean, and the Aztec Empire. The Aztec setting, centered on the Mesoamerican culture that thrived in central Mexico from 1300 to 1521, has long been a fan favorite. Posts on X erupted with excitement, envisioning a game set in Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital on Lake Texcoco, with its canals, floating gardens, and towering pyramids. The city, larger than London in its prime, could rival Assassin’s Creed’s most iconic locales, like Renaissance Florence or Victorian London.

The Aztec Empire offers rich storytelling potential. The Spanish conquest, led by Hernán Cortés in 1519-1521, provides a dramatic backdrop, with the Assassins potentially aiding the Aztecs against Templar-aligned conquistadors. The empire’s mythology, including gods like Quetzalcoatl and Huitzilopochtli, aligns with the series’ Isu narrative, where ancient deities are reimagined as precursors of a lost civilization. Unique weapons, like the macuahuitl (an obsidian-edged club) or the Aztec death whistle, could enhance stealth and combat, while the dense jungles and volcanic landscapes around Tenochtitlán promise stunning visuals. Fans on X speculated about climbing Popocatépetl or navigating canals like a “Venice of the New World,” drawing parallels to Origins’ Nile exploration.

Yet, Scarlet’s multi-setting approach raises questions. Unlike single-setting RPGs like Odyssey or Valhalla, Nebula’s three locales—India, the Mediterranean, and the Aztec Empire—could dilute focus. Historical accuracy is a concern, as Spain, not Portugal, colonized Mesoamerica, making India’s inclusion less cohesive. Some fans on X argued for a standalone Aztec game, fearing a split narrative might skimp on Tenochtitlán’s depth. The project’s tentative 2027-2028 release, following Hexe’s 2026 debut, means the Aztec adventure is years away, tempering immediate hype.

A History of Aztec Rumors

The Aztec Empire has been a rumored Assassin’s Creed setting since 2022, when leaker Jeremy Penter (ACG) claimed it was next, only for Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier to debunk it, confirming Assassin’s Creed Rift (later Mirage) was set in Baghdad. Schreier also noted that Assassin’s Creed Infinity, a live-service platform, wouldn’t feature Aztecs, casting doubt on near-term plans. Earlier leaks about Infinity suggested multiple settings, but none materialized as Aztec-focused. The 2022 rumors, fueled by Reddit discussions, praised Tenochtitlán’s potential but were overshadowed by Rift’s reveal.

The Scarlet/Nebula leak revives the Aztec dream, but its speculative nature echoes past false starts. Henderson’s report, while detailed, lacks Ubisoft’s confirmation, and his admission that Scarlet’s settings are “speculation” based on Nebula rumors adds uncertainty. Posts on X reflect this skepticism, with some users wary of leakers after Shadows’ rocky launch. The franchise’s history of scrapped projects, like a live-service God of War or the canceled Assassin’s Creed Mask for Netflix, suggests Scarlet could evolve or be shelved.

Ubisoft’s Ambitious Strategy

Ubisoft’s roadmap reflects a shift post-Shadows, which sold well despite a delayed February 2025 launch and cultural accuracy debates. The strategy balances mainline RPGs like Hexe and Scarlet with remakes (Obsidian, Stardust) and multiplayer titles (Invictus, Emerald). Jade, a mobile game set in China, is next, aiming to tap the Asian market, while Invictus’ Fall Guys-style gameplay targets casual players. The Black Flag remake, rebuilt in the Anvil engine, could modernize a fan favorite, addressing complaints about outdated mechanics.

The plan’s scale—nine games by 2031—has divided fans. On X, some praised the variety, with one user noting, “Aztecs, India, witches, pirates—this is Assassin’s Creed firing on all cylinders!” Others, echoing Reddit discussions, called it “creative bankruptcy,” fearing Ubisoft is flooding the market after Valhalla’s mixed DLC reception. The Tencent partnership, managing Ubisoft’s IPs, adds pressure to deliver quality, as Shadows’ $300 million budget and 3 million sales set a high bar. Fans want fewer “damage sponge” enemies, better parkour, and impactful choices, as seen in Odyssey, especially for Scarlet’s Aztec arc.

Challenges and Opportunities

A Scarlet/Nebula set in the Aztec Empire faces hurdles. The multi-setting format risks fragmenting the narrative, unlike Origins’ cohesive Egypt. Historical accuracy is critical, given Shadows’ backlash over Japanese cultural depictions. The Aztecs’ complex society—marked by human sacrifice, advanced agriculture, and urban planning—demands nuanced portrayal to avoid stereotypes. Gameplay must balance stealth, parkour, and combat, with fans on X calling for a return of the “climb anything” mechanic and less clunky interfaces.

Opportunities abound, however. The Aztec setting, untouched by major games, could redefine Assassin’s Creed’s visual and narrative scope, with Tenochtitlán’s canals and pyramids rivaling Unity’s Paris. The Spanish conquest offers a rich Assassin-Templar conflict, with Cortés as a potential antagonist. Mythological elements, like the Five Suns creation story, could deepen the Isu lore, while obsidian weapons and death whistles add flair. A 2027-2028 release gives Ubisoft time to polish, leveraging Shadows’ tech for dynamic weather and dense crowds.

Fan Sentiment and the Road Ahead

The roadmap leak has galvanized fans, with X posts split between excitement for Aztecs and wariness of Ubisoft’s output. Some celebrate Scarlet’s ambition, envisioning a “massive” RPG, while others fear burnout, citing Valhalla’s bloated 100-hour runtime. The Black Flag remake and Hexe’s witchy vibe draw praise, but Invictus’ multiplayer pivot worries purists. Henderson’s credibility, bolstered by past leaks, lends weight, but Schreier’s 2022 debunking of Aztec rumors keeps skeptics cautious.

As Jade nears, likely in 2026, and Shadows’ DLC unfolds, Ubisoft’s challenge is quality over quantity. Scarlet’s Aztec Empire, if realized, could be a landmark, but its multi-setting gamble and distant release temper expectations. For now, Assassin’s Creed fans await official word, parsing leaks and dreaming of hidden blades in Tenochtitlán’s shadows. The franchise’s future is a high-stakes leap—will it soar or stumble? Dive into the roadmap, feel the fandom’s pulse, and see why this leak has everyone buzzing.