Almost a month after hitting the shelves, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is making waves as one of 2025’s most sought-after games. Renowned industry analyst Mat Piscatella revealed that it has topped the U.S. sales charts for the past three weeks, becoming the second top-selling game of the year. While fans of Assassin’s Creed are likely celebrating this triumph, some eyes are already set on the franchise’s future, particularly the next main installment, Assassin’s Creed: Codename Hexe. Though details are scarce, a character shrouded in mystery from Shadows might forge an intriguing link between the two games: the Spanish Assassin, Alvaro Catarribera.
As you dive into Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the mysterious backstory of Fujibayashi Naoe’s lineage and their ties to the Assassins adds layers to the narrative. The puzzle starts coming together when Naoe and her ally Yasuke cross paths with historical figures like Tokugawa Ieyasu and revisit Hattori Hanzo. They stumble upon an ancient burial mound, once a hideout for Assassins, where they discover a journal belonging to the enigmatic foreigner, Alvaro Catarribera. Thanks to Yasuke, the journal’s secrets are unveiled to Naoe, bringing to life fragments of Catarribera’s memories and a glimpse into his time with the Assassins during the 16th century.
Catarribera, a fervent member of the Brotherhood, dedicated himself to liberating others, strictly adhering to the Assassin’s Creed ethos. However, a tragic incident that led to the unintended death of a young girl resulted in his expulsion from the Spanish Brotherhood. Haunted by his past, Catarribera embarked on a journey across Asia, making stops in Malaysia, Taiwan, and China. It was in Macao, China, that he uncovered a sinister plan by two Templars aiming to extend their influence to Japan. With renewed purpose, Catarribera set sail for Japan in 1549, ready to embrace the Creed once again.
In his early days near Nagasaki, Catarribera saved a young girl, Tsuyu, who would later become part of his new legacy in Japan and mother to Naoe. Together, they laid the groundwork for the Japanese Brotherhood of Assassins, also known as the Kakushiba ikki, with Tsuyu as his maiden recruit. Allying with legendary figures like Fujibayashi Nagato, Hattori Hanzo, and Momochi Sandayu, they stood as protectors against rising Templar threats. Eventually, Catarribera left the order in Tsuyu’s capable hands as he ventured into the unknown.
Today’s gamers and enthusiasts eagerly speculate about Catarribera’s possible role in Assassin’s Creed: Codename Hexe. The game is rumored to explore the witch trials within the Holy Roman Empire during the 16th or 17th century. With such a setting, Catarribera might emerge in various incarnations—either reflecting on his time before exile from the Spanish Brotherhood or during his endeavors post-Japanese Brotherhood. If fate decides, Codename Hexe could trace Catarribera’s journey to Europe, connecting the dots between the Kakushiba ikki and their European counterparts.
Though his journey might lead him back to Europe in upcoming narratives, we might still catch a glimpse of Catarribera in future Shadows DLCs. Fans are eagerly anticipating the Claws of Awaji Expansion slated for release in 2025. With Naoe and Yasuke on a quest to retrieve a formidable treasure, possibly a Piece of Eden, the stage might be set for Catarribera’s appearance, adding depth to his tale and possibly aligning with Codename Hexe’s storyline.
The appeal of Alvaro Catarribera lies not just in his historical significance but in the rich tapestry he weaves across timelines and locales, promising a saga that fans of Assassin’s Creed are undoubtedly keen to unravel.
