Whispers from the Vatican echo through time… is the Brotherhood calling you back to where it all began?

A groundbreaking rumor hits: a new Assassin’s Creed game poised to reclaim Italy’s ancient streets, with a fierce female assassin leading the charge into forgotten secrets and deadly intrigue. Leaks tease a return to iconic cities shrouded in mystery—could this be the revival fans have been craving? Shadows of the past are stirring… Peek into the rumors and see if Italy’s fate is sealed—tap now!

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has traversed eras from ancient Egypt to feudal Japan, but few settings evoke as much passion as Renaissance Italy, the backdrop for Ezio Auditore’s legendary trilogy. As of August 31, 2025, fresh rumors suggest Ubisoft is poised to return to this iconic locale with a new game, potentially spinning off from Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Leaked details point to a female-led adventure emphasizing classic stealth and parkour, set against the historic splendor of Rome, Florence, and the Vatican. This article dives into the leaks, exploring the rumored setting, protagonist, gameplay, and broader implications for the series, drawing from insider reports and fan speculation.

The Origins of the Rumor: From Shadows to Italy The buzz began in early 2025 with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the series’ foray into feudal Japan, which launched amid delays and mixed reviews but topped European sales charts. A YouTube video from April 10, 2025, titled “New Assassin’s Creed Game Returns to Italy! | AC Shadows DLC,” ignited speculation by claiming Ubisoft’s post-launch plans for Shadows include DLC introducing a new female assassin, whose story could lead to a standalone game set in Italy. This aligns with Ubisoft’s pattern of teasing future protagonists in expansions, as seen with Basim from Valhalla to Mirage.

Insiders suggest the DLC will explore the female assassin’s origins, setting the stage for her full game, which revives the spirit of Ezio’s era. While Shadows focused on massive open worlds and dual protagonists, this rumored title shifts toward a more contained, narrative-driven experience. Additional leaks from Reddit and gaming forums hint at ties to ancient Rome, blending Renaissance intrigue with echoes of the Roman Empire, a long-requested setting. Ubisoft’s 2025 roadmap, including multiplayer title Invictus and a Black Flag remake, leaves room for this Italy-focused project, potentially as a 2026 or 2027 release.

The Setting: Renaissance Italy Revisited with a Twist Italy’s return would capitalize on the franchise’s roots, where Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations immortalized cities like Florence and Rome. Leaks describe a game set in a reimagined Renaissance Italy, featuring detailed recreations of historic landmarks: the bustling streets of Florence, the grandeur of Rome’s Colosseum, and the shadowy corridors of the Vatican. This isn’t a mere remake; rumors suggest integrations of ancient Roman elements, perhaps through flashbacks or Isu artifacts linking to the empire’s fall, addressing fan demands for a Roman Empire game.

The setting could explore untapped historical events, such as the Borgia family’s machinations or the height of the Italian Renaissance, with political intrigue involving Templars and Assassins. Speculation ties it to Amunet (Aya from Origins), whose story in Rome post-Hidden Ones DLC remains unexplored. This hybrid approach—Renaissance with Roman undertones—could bridge eras, offering vertical parkour across ancient ruins and modern (for the time) architecture. Ubisoft’s experience with historical accuracy, as in Anno 117: Pax Romana (a 2025 city-builder set in ancient Rome), suggests they could deliver a visually stunning, lore-rich environment.

The Female Protagonist: A New Assassin Emerges Central to the rumor is a new female assassin, introduced in Shadows DLC as a mysterious figure with a personal vendetta against Templar forces. Described as agile and tactical, she embodies Ezio’s elegance but with a “modern twist,” focusing on stealth over brute force. Her backstory might involve ties to Italian nobility or ancient lineages, echoing Kassandra or Eivor’s depth but rooted in Italy’s cultural heritage.

Fans speculate she could be a descendant or ally of Ezio, uncovering hidden Brotherhood secrets. This shift to a sole female lead follows Odyssey‘s Kassandra and Shadows‘ Naoe, promoting diversity amid Ubisoft’s evolving narratives. Her abilities might include enhanced parkour, poison daggers, and Isu-enhanced senses, tailored to Italy’s narrow alleys and rooftops.

Gameplay: Back to Basics with Classic Mechanics Leakers claim a departure from recent RPG-heavy entries like Valhalla, favoring a “classic” style: tight stealth, fluid parkour, and precise assassinations. The open world would be smaller but denser, emphasizing city exploration over vast landscapes, with secret passages, temples, and crowd-blending mechanics reminiscent of AC II.

Combat could feature elegant swordplay and gadgets, with a narrative focus reducing grindy elements. Integration with Assassin’s Creed Infinity hub might add live-service features like cosmetics, but core gameplay remains single-player. This return to roots addresses fan fatigue with bloated worlds, potentially revitalizing the series post-Shadows.

Connections to the Broader Franchise This game could tie loose ends, linking to Ezio’s legacy and ancient Rome’s Assassin origins. Speculation includes crossovers with Reverse: 1999, where Ezio appears in 2025 content. Amid other 2025 releases like Jade (mobile) and Invictus, this Italy title positions as a flagship single-player entry.

Release Date and Development Speculation No official date, but leaks point to 2026-2027, post-Shadows DLC in late 2025. Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, possibly PS6. Development rumors note Ubisoft’s challenges, but success of Shadows could greenlight it.

Fan Reactions and Critical Perspective Fans on Reddit and forums are ecstatic, uniting over a Roman/Italian setting. However, risks include repetition if too similar to Ezio’s games. Ubisoft’s DEI focus draws mixed views, but a strong female lead could innovate.

Conclusion: A Promising Leap of Faith The rumored return to Italy could be Assassin’s Creed‘s renaissance, blending nostalgia with fresh elements. With a female protagonist, classic gameplay, and historic depth, it promises to captivate. As leaks evolve, fans await confirmation—will Ubisoft deliver?