How to Enable and Master Manual Jump in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Update 1.1.8

The long‑awaited Manual Jump mechanic is finally here in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows with Update 1.1.8 — giving players unprecedented control over movement and traversal. This feature enhances exploration and combat and makes parkour more expressive and fun.

Most players don’t realize that Manual Jump needs to be enabled manually in the settings to work, which can lead to confusion. This guide walks you through how to enable it, master its use in combat and traversal, and make the most of the #ACShadowsParkourChallenge.

For a broader look at how this update compares with 1.1.7 and 1.1.6, check out our full patch comparison post: AC Shadows Update 1.1.8 vs 1.1.7 & 1.1.6: Is the Manual Jump a Game Changer?


What is Manual Jump in AC Shadows 1.1.8?

Manual Jump gives players the ability to jump on command whenever they want — not just in context‑sensitive situations. With Advanced Parkour enabled, Naoe and Yasuke can leap into action with a dedicated button press, making movement feel more fluid and under player control.

This change lets you:

  • Control elevation more precisely in combat and exploration.

  • Reach new paths and shortcuts previously inaccessible.

  • Stack movement and combat combos with greater finesse.


How to Enable Manual Jump (Advanced Parkour Settings)

Follow these steps to activate Manual Jump:

  1. Pause the game and open the Settings Menu.

  2. Navigate to Gameplay Settings.

  3. Find the option labeled Advanced Parkour.

  4. Toggle ON Advanced Parkour to enable Manual Jump.

  5. Confirm button bindings for your platform (see next section).

  6. Test Manual Jump in a safe area before trying advanced combos.

💡 Pro Tip: Some players report that Manual Jump may not fire if you’re standing still — try moving slightly before jumping for more consistent results.

Guide to Enable and Master Manual Jump in AC Shadows Update 1.1.8


Manual Jump Button Mappings by Platform

PlatformDefault “Parkour Up” Button
PC                    Spacebar
PlayStationX
XboxA

📌 Early reports suggest that Manual Jump may sometimes behave inconsistently, especially on certain controller bindings — if you find it “not triggering,” try double‑tapping or adjusting your custom control mapping.


Manual Jump in Combat and Traversal

Combat Tips

  • Jump‑Back Sweep: Use Manual Jump to leap backward and immediately follow with a heavy attack for crowd control.

  • Reposition Quickly: Jump sideways to avoid projectiles or enemy crowd pressure.

  • Combo Integration: Combine Manual Jump with light/heavy strings to mix up attack patterns.

Traversal Tips

  • Reach High Ledges: Jump toward high platforms or chines that were tricky with only contextual parkour.

  • Create Fluid Runs: Chain wall runs, ledge grabs, and jumps to create parkour flows across rooftops.

  • Shortcuts: Use Manual Jump to skip parts of the environment without backtracking.

Many players are already praising how much smoother movement feels with Manual Jump — some even saying it almost rivaled previous franchise entries.


Manual Jump vs Contextual Jump: Pros and Cons

Feature                        Contextual JumpManual Jump
ControlLimited                        Full player control
PrecisionAuto, less precisePlayer‑initiated, high precision
Combo PotentialBasicAdvanced movement combos
Combat FlowOften rigidMore fluid & expressive

Example: With Manual Jump, you can leap backward while enemies approach, then quickly dash forward into a heavy attack — something contextual jump never offered reliably.


Mastering the #ACShadowsParkourChallenge

When Update 1.1.8 launched, Ubisoft also revealed a Parkour Challenge tied to the new mechanics. Players can record their best Manual Jump parkour runs and submit them with #ACShadowsParkourChallenge — often for prizes or social features.

Tips to Excel

  • Use Manual Jump to create creative combos through urban environments.

  • Try 45–60 second runs showcasing fluid movement and transitions.

  • Tag your clips before the challenge’s deadline for a chance to be featured or win prizes.

  • Use the game’s vertical space to show mastery — not just distance.

Participation gives you not just recognition, but a reason to keep returning to the game after finishing the main story.


Troubleshooting Common Manual Jump Issues

Manual Jump Not Triggering

  • Make sure Advanced Parkour is enabled in settings.

  • Try walking or running before jumping — some players find stationary jumps unreliable.

Controller Input Issues

  • Some control bindings behave inconsistently, especially if remapped. Try switching back to default or adjust the mapping manually.

Animation or Surface Limitations

  • Manual Jump may not always work from certain surfaces or flat ground positions. Try jumping in combination with a slight movement direction.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why doesn’t Manual Jump work until I enable Advanced Parkour?

A: Because Ubisoft separated the feature from the default controls. Enabling Advanced Parkour lets you use Manual Jump freely instead of relying on context‑sensitive movement.


Q: Can I remap the Parkour Up button?

A: Yes — in the controls settings you can remap parkour actions. Some players find that remapping to other unused buttons improves consistency.


Q: Is Manual Jump useful for combat or just exploration?

A: Both. In combat, Manual Jump helps with spacing and evasion. In traversal, it opens new movement options and speeds up navigation.


Q: Does Manual Jump affect stealth gameplay?

A: Yes — Controlled jumping lets you reposition silently or reach rooftops to avoid detection, enriching stealth strategies.


Conclusion

Manual Jump in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows Update 1.1.8 truly adds freedom and precision to movement, whether you’re in the middle of combat or lacing together parkour runs. Turning on Advanced Parkour unlocks this feature so you can create expressive routes, evade danger, and master the #ACShadowsParkourChallenge.

For deeper combat implications and build‑specific meta analysis — including how Naginata and other weapons benefit from these movement changes — read: Mini‑Guide: Is the Naginata Still Viable in AC Shadows 1.1.8?

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