The Assassin’s Creed franchise is no stranger to exploring the world’s most captivating historical periods, but the latest report about Ubisoft’s upcoming project, codenamed Nebula, has fans buzzing with unprecedented excitement. According to leaks, Ubisoft is developing an Assassin’s Creed game set in the vibrant and complex Aztec Empire, a long-requested setting that promises to deliver a visually spectacular, narratively rich, and gameplay-defining experience. Slated to be a major RPG release, potentially launching around 2027 or 2028, this Aztec-themed adventure is shaping up to be one of the franchise’s most ambitious entries yet. Here’s everything we know about this thrilling project, why it’s generating such hype, and how it could redefine Assassin’s Creed for a new generation.
A Mesoamerican Masterpiece in the Making
The report, first detailed by Insider Gaming in 2023, reveals that Assassin’s Creed Nebula is being developed by Ubisoft Sofia, a studio known for its work on Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation and Rogue. Unlike traditional single-setting Assassin’s Creed titles, Nebula is rumored to feature three distinct historical periods: the Aztec Empire, India, and the Mediterranean. The Aztec segment, however, is stealing the spotlight, as fans have clamored for a Mesoamerican adventure for years. The game is expected to take place during the early 16th century, likely around the time of the Spanish conquest (1519–1521), when Hernán Cortés and his conquistadors toppled the Aztec Empire, marking a pivotal and tragic moment in history.
The Aztec Empire, centered in what is now central Mexico, was a sophisticated civilization known for its grand capital, Tenochtitlán, a city of canals and towering pyramids that rivaled Europe’s greatest capitals. The setting offers Ubisoft a chance to craft a visually stunning world, with bustling markets, lush jungles, and sacred temples bathed in golden sunlight. The clash between the Aztecs and the Spanish conquistadors provides a perfect narrative framework for Assassin’s Creed’s core conflict between the Assassins, who fight for freedom, and the Templars, who seek control. Fans speculate that the Spanish, led by a Templar-aligned Cortés, could serve as antagonists, while the Aztec protagonist—an assassin wielding native weapons—fights to protect their people from colonization.
Gameplay: A Blend of RPG Scale and Aztec Flair
Nebula is being positioned as a major RPG, following the mold of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Valhalla, and Odyssey. This suggests a vast open world where players can explore Tenochtitlán’s intricate urban sprawl, navigate dense jungles, and scale stepped pyramids. The RPG format allows for deep character customization, branching dialogue, and a robust skill tree, letting players tailor their assassin to favor stealth, combat, or exploration. Recent posts on X indicate that Nebula was initially conceived as a smaller title but has evolved into a flagship RPG, aiming for a Holiday 2027 or early 2028 release, giving Ubisoft Sofia ample time to polish its ambitious vision.
The Aztec setting opens up unique gameplay opportunities. Players might wield iconic Mesoamerican weapons like the macuahuitl, a wooden club embedded with obsidian blades, or the atlatl, a spear-throwing device, contrasting with the firearms and steel swords of the Spanish. Stealth could be enhanced by the Aztec death whistle, a chilling instrument that could disorient enemies, or by blending into crowded festivals to evade pursuers. The dense jungles and urban labyrinths of Tenochtitlán offer perfect environments for parkour and guerrilla tactics, allowing players to strike from the shadows or rooftops. Fans on X are particularly excited about the potential for jaguar encounters or night-time jungle missions, which could add a thrilling survival element.
The game’s narrative could also incorporate Aztec mythology, tying into Assassin’s Creed’s sci-fi lore. The Aztec creation myth of the Five Suns, which describes cycles of cosmic destruction, aligns seamlessly with the series’ Isu civilization, a precursor race whose artifacts drive the franchise’s modern-day storyline. Deities like Quetzalcoatl or Huitzilopochtli could be reimagined as Isu figures, offering opportunities for mythical boss battles or lore-rich side quests. This blend of history and fantasy would cater to fans who loved the mythological elements in Odyssey and Valhalla.
Why Fans Are Losing It
The prospect of an Aztec-themed Assassin’s Creed has ignited a firestorm of excitement, with fans on X and gaming forums proclaiming it a dream come true. Several factors are driving the hype:
A Long-Awaited Setting: The Aztec Empire has been a fan-favorite request for years, with its rich culture, dramatic history, and untapped potential in gaming. Posts on X highlight the community’s enthusiasm, with users like @mexican88gamer imagining climbing “atalayas infinitas” alongside Moctezuma and Cuauhtémoc. The setting’s rarity in video games adds to its allure, promising a fresh experience unlike any previous Assassin’s Creed title.
Cultural Richness: The Aztecs’ vibrant society—complete with intricate religious practices, advanced architecture, and unique social structures—offers Ubisoft a chance to create a deeply immersive world. Fans are eager to explore Tenochtitlán’s canals, participate in ritual festivals, and uncover the empire’s mysteries, from human sacrifices to astronomical observatories.
Epic Historical Conflict: The Spanish conquest is one of history’s most dramatic clashes, pitting an indigenous empire against a technologically advanced invader. This backdrop is tailor-made for Assassin’s Creed’s Assassin-Templar feud, with the potential for a tragic yet heroic narrative where the protagonist fights against overwhelming odds.
Gameplay Innovation: The Aztec setting allows for unique mechanics, from native weapons to jungle stealth. Fans on X are buzzing about the idea of an assassin navigating a “sprawling and brutal world” on the brink of collapse, with posts like @HawksOwnTheWest celebrating the RPG format. The potential for mythical elements tied to Aztec gods adds further excitement.
Ubisoft’s Ambitious Roadmap: Nebula is part of a nine-game Assassin’s Creed slate over the next six years, including Hexe, Jade, and a Black Flag remake. The success of Shadows, which topped sales charts in 2025, has restored confidence in Ubisoft’s ability to deliver, and fans see Nebula as a cornerstone of this bold vision.
Challenges and Skepticism
While the hype is undeniable, Nebula faces challenges. Earlier rumors about an Aztec Assassin’s Creed game, such as a 2022 leak claiming the next title would be set in the Aztec Empire, were debunked by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, who confirmed the next game was Rift, set in Baghdad. This history of false starts has made some fans cautious, with posts on X urging others to “take it with a pinch of salt” until Ubisoft confirms details. The multi-setting nature of Nebula—spanning the Aztec Empire, India, and the Mediterranean—has also sparked debate, with some fans, like @LaPrincesaMX, arguing that each deserves its own dedicated game rather than being combined.
Ubisoft’s broader struggles add further complexity. The company faced financial difficulties in 2024, with underperforming titles like Star Wars Outlaws and delays for Shadows. Rumors of a potential Tencent buyout have raised concerns about the franchise’s future, though Shadows’ success has eased some fears. The ambitious nine-game roadmap risks oversaturation, and fans worry that Nebula’s Aztec segment could feel underdeveloped if split across three settings. Ubisoft Sofia’s relatively limited experience with mainline Assassin’s Creed titles also raises questions about their ability to deliver a flagship RPG.
Ubisoft’s Vision and Context
Nebula is part of Ubisoft’s Animus Hub, a platform launched with Shadows to unify Assassin’s Creed experiences. The game’s multi-setting approach may leverage the Hub’s ability to connect different historical periods, allowing players to switch between the Aztec Empire, India, and the Mediterranean seamlessly. This ambitious structure aligns with Ubisoft’s earlier concept for Assassin’s Creed Infinity, a live-service platform that evolved into the Animus Hub.
The Aztec setting could also tie into Assassin’s Creed’s modern-day storyline, revitalized in Shadows with new Animus anomalies. The Isu connection offers a narrative bridge, with Aztec deities potentially serving as Isu figures that link Nebula to other titles like Hexe or Scarlet. Ubisoft’s collaboration with cultural consultants, as seen in Shadows, suggests they’ll work to portray the Aztec Empire authentically, addressing concerns about representation raised by past controversies.
What’s Next for Nebula?
As Nebula is still in early development, official details are scarce, but Ubisoft is expected to share more in 2026, possibly through a Ubisoft Forward event or a dedicated trailer. The game’s Holiday 2027 or early 2028 target gives Ubisoft Sofia time to refine its vision, with the Aztec segment likely serving as the centerpiece of its marketing. Community feedback will be crucial, especially regarding the balance of historical accuracy and fantastical elements.
Fans are already speculating about the protagonist—a native Aztec assassin, perhaps a warrior-priest or a commoner rising to challenge the Spanish. The game’s soundtrack, potentially featuring traditional Mesoamerican instruments like flutes and drums, is another point of excitement. As Nebula takes shape, it’s poised to be a landmark release, proving Assassin’s Creed can conquer new frontiers while honoring its stealthy roots.
Conclusion
The report of an Aztec Empire-themed Assassin’s Creed game, codenamed Nebula, has set the gaming world ablaze, promising a vibrant, action-packed journey through one of history’s most fascinating civilizations. With its potential for stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and a tragic yet heroic narrative, Nebula could be a defining moment for the franchise. Despite challenges like Ubisoft’s busy slate and the risk of splitting focus across multiple settings, the hype surrounding this Mesoamerican adventure is undeniable. As fans dream of scaling Tenochtitlán’s pyramids and wielding obsidian blades, Assassin’s Creed is ready to leap into the heart of the Aztec Empire, proving that the hidden blade can shine even in the shadow of conquest.
