Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Release Date and Key Features Unveiled

LOS ANGELES, California — Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20, 2025, after facing two previous delays from its original November 15, 2024, release date. The delay, according to Ubisoft, was intended to polish the game and meet player expectations.

This upcoming installment will not be available on previous-generation consoles, such as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Instead, it will be released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Mac with Apple Silicon. Ubisoft aims to deliver enhanced visuals that older hardware cannot support.

Gamers who pre-order Assassin’s Creed Shadows will receive the exclusive “Thrown to the Dogs” bonus quest upon launch, as well as complimentary access to the “Claws of Awaji” expansion, which promises over 10 hours of additional content. The game will come in several editions: the Standard Edition priced at $69.99, the Digital Deluxe Edition for $89.99, and a Collector’s Edition available for $280 at GameStop, which includes exclusive physical items like a dual-character statue and an art book.

The story centers on two protagonists: Naoe, a shinobi assassin skilled in stealth, and Yasuke, a formidable African samurai based on a real historical figure. Players can switch between the two characters, each possessing unique abilities. Naoe excels in parkour and silent eliminations, utilizing tools like a grappling hook, while Yasuke dominates in direct melee combat. This dual-protagonist system recalls gameplay elements seen in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.

The game is set during the late Sengoku period, with a focus on the events surrounding Japan’s unification under Oda Nobunaga. Players can explore a rich, open world designed to replicate historical areas of central Japan. Ubisoft promises seasonal changes, with varying weather conditions that will affect gameplay dynamics. For instance, different seasons will provide unique hiding spots and alter enemy behavior.

According to the developers, players will also have the opportunity to build and customize a shinobi hideout, serving as a base that can be upgraded with weapon crafting stations and aesthetic ornaments. Naoe and Yasuke’s hideout will play a key role in the game’s overarching story.

Combat in Assassin’s Creed Shadows will involve a multi-weapon system, parries, and signature moves for each character. Stealth remains a crucial element in gameplay, offering a creative yet non-historically precise representation of the time period. This installment aims to address issues of representation by featuring protagonists of diverse backgrounds.

Ubisoft plans to expand post-launch content for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, including the Claws of Awaji expansion, and potentially introducing a cooperative mode. The game will integrate with the new Animus Hub, which is designed to provide ongoing content updates and community challenges.

As the launch date approaches, excitement builds for this title, which promises substantial improvements and engaging gameplay experiences that have been well-received by early previews.