The wait is almost over for fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Ubisoft’s highly anticipated new title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, launches this Thursday, March 20, 2025. Players worldwide can begin their journey through feudal Japan at midnight in their local time zones on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, while PC gamers on Steam can access the game at midnight Eastern Time.
Excitement has been building for this newest entry that takes the series to a setting fans have requested for years. The game will be available across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. Mac users with Apple silicon processors can also join the adventure. For those subscribed to Ubisoft+ or Amazon Luna, the game will be included in those services at launch.
Pre-loading is available for those who’ve purchased digital editions, allowing players to download the game before release and jump in the moment it goes live. With only two days remaining until launch, the anticipation continues to build as gamers prepare to explore this new chapter in the Assassin’s Creed saga.
Everything You Need to Know About Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The wait is almost over. Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches this Thursday, March 20, 2025, and Ubisoft is promising one of the most ambitious Assassin’s Creed experiences to date. Set in feudal Japan, the game marks a long-awaited return to stealth and strategic gameplay while introducing an expansive open world teeming with life, conflict, and cultural richness.
Whether you’re a long-time Assassin’s Creed fan or a newcomer enticed by the stunning setting, here’s a breakdown of everything to expect when Shadows arrives.
Release Times and Preload Details
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will release globally on March 20, 2025. Console players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S can jump in at midnight local time. If you’re on PC, you’ll get access slightly earlier depending on your region—specifically at 12 AM Eastern Time (ET), which means 9 PM Pacific Time (PT) on March 19 for West Coast players.
Preloading is already live for those who pre-ordered. PC players on Ubisoft Connect and Steam can begin downloading starting March 17, ensuring you’re ready the moment the game goes live. Keep in mind, the download size hovers around 90 GB, so make sure you clear some space ahead of time.
A Dual-Protagonist Adventure: Naoe and Yasuke
For the first time in the franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces two protagonists with dramatically different playstyles and perspectives.
- Naoe is a skilled shinobi assassin. Her stealth-oriented gameplay leans heavily into traditional Assassin’s Creed mechanics—silent kills, parkour, and blending into crowds. She can scale walls with a grappling hook and utilize the environment for shadowy takedowns. If you miss the stealth roots of the franchise, Naoe delivers that classic experience with a deadly elegance.
- Yasuke, on the other hand, is a formidable samurai warrior. Inspired by the real-life African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga, Yasuke brings raw power and brutal combat to the table. His missions focus more on direct confrontations, armored duels, and heavy weaponry. He’s not about subtlety—he’s a tank on the battlefield.
Players can switch between these characters as they explore the richly detailed regions of 16th-century Japan. Their personal stories intertwine with major historical events, offering different perspectives on the same conflict.
The Setting: Feudal Japan in Unprecedented Detail
Ubisoft has spared no expense in recreating Azuchi-Momoyama period Japan—an era of war, political upheaval, and cultural fusion. The map is expansive, stretching from bustling castle towns and serene countryside villages to snowy mountain regions and dense bamboo forests.
Each region feels alive. Seasonal changes and dynamic weather affect gameplay—heavy rains might obscure your approach for stealth attacks, while strong winds can impact archery accuracy. You’ll see NPCs reacting to time of day, weather, and your actions. Assassin’s Creed Shadows pushes immersion further with real-time lighting, destructible environments, and advanced NPC AI that makes stealth and combat feel more tactical than ever.
Stealth and Combat: A Return to Classic Assassin’s Creed (With a Twist)
Assassin’s Creed Shadows doubles down on stealth, offering more tools and freedom than its predecessors. Naoe can hide in shadows, crawl through tall grass, or scale rooftops unnoticed. There’s a renewed focus on light and shadow mechanics—visibility depends on how well you manage the environment. You can even extinguish lanterns to create your own darkness.
Combat with Yasuke is visceral and grounded. His arsenal includes the katana, kanabo (spiked club), and matchlock firearms of the era. He can also parry and break enemy stances, forcing duels that feel tense and cinematic.
For those who love customization, both characters have deep skill trees, gear upgrades, and customizable armor that alters both appearance and abilities.
New Gameplay Features That Change Everything
Dynamic World Building
Shadows incorporates a living world system—castles can be built and upgraded, villages change based on your choices, and NPC factions may ally with or oppose you depending on how you handle conflicts. The spy network allows you to gather intel and set up strategic assassinations, a nod to the franchise’s early days.
Evolving Settlements
As you complete missions and side quests, you’ll influence the regions you visit. Bring prosperity to a village by protecting it from bandits, or leave it in ruins through neglect. This mechanic adds weight to your decisions and gives real consequence to your actions.
Naval Exploration
While not the core focus, naval travel is back. Small boats let you traverse rivers and coastal areas. You can fish, hunt, or discover hidden locations accessible only by water.
Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available in multiple editions:
- Standard Edition: Base game.
- Gold Edition: Includes the Season Pass and three days early access (starting March 17).
- Ultimate Edition: All of the above, plus an exclusive character pack, skill points, and a unique hideout customization pack.
Pre-ordering any edition unlocks an exclusive mission, “Thrown to the Dogs”, offering a deeper look at Yasuke’s backstory.
Platforms and System Requirements
Shadows is a current-gen exclusive, so it’s only available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Ubisoft is pushing the graphical envelope here—ray tracing, 4K resolution, and high frame rates are standard on supported hardware.
For PC players, the recommended specs are demanding:
- Processor: Intel i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3080 / AMD RX 6800 XT
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: SSD with 100 GB free space
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
The Verdict So Far
Early hands-on impressions suggest Assassin’s Creed Shadows may be the boldest and most polished entry since Origins. With its breathtaking setting, return to stealth gameplay, and deep narrative, Ubisoft appears to have crafted a world that’s worth getting lost in.
If you’ve been waiting for Assassin’s Creed to deliver the ultimate ninja and samurai experience, your time has come. Thursday can’t get here fast enough.
Key Takeaways
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows releases worldwide on March 20, 2025, at midnight in local time zones for consoles and midnight ET for Steam.
- The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac with Apple silicon, Ubisoft+, and Amazon Luna services.
- Pre-loading is currently available for digital editions so players can start their adventure immediately at launch.
Game Overview and Features
Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings players to feudal Japan with dual protagonists, innovative combat mechanics, and stunning visuals. The game launches this Thursday, March 20, 2025, across multiple platforms.
Setting and Historical Background
Set in 16th century Japan during the tumultuous Sengoku period, Assassin’s Creed Shadows explores one of the most requested time periods in franchise history. Players will navigate a politically complex landscape filled with warring daimyo, shifting alliances, and cultural transformation.
The game features two playable protagonists: the African samurai Yasuke and the female shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe. Each character brings unique perspectives to the ongoing conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and their enemies.
Unlike previous entries like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla or Odyssey, Shadows deeply immerses players in Japanese culture, architecture, and military traditions. Players can explore authentic castles, temples, villages, and natural landscapes that accurately reflect this fascinating historical period.
The developers have conducted extensive research to create a believable representation of feudal Japan that balances historical accuracy with the series’ signature conspiracy-laden alternate history.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Assassin’s Creed Shadows features distinctive gameplay styles for each protagonist. Yasuke emphasizes direct combat with samurai weapons and techniques, while Naoe excels at stealth, utilizing shinobi tools and tactics. This dual-character approach offers more gameplay variety than Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
The combat system has been completely overhauled with inspiration from Japanese martial arts. Players can master different weapon types including katanas, bows, and specialized ninja equipment. Each character has unique skill trees and abilities to unlock.
Exploration remains a core element with parkour across Japanese architecture and lush landscapes. Hidden temples, secret training grounds, and parkour trails reward curious players with valuable items and lore.
Customization options are extensive, allowing players to modify weapons, armor, and abilities. The game includes deeper stealth mechanics than recent entries, with improved AI detection systems and environmental interaction.
Technical Specifications
Assassin’s Creed Shadows pushes technical boundaries with raytraced global illumination that creates stunning lighting across its Japanese landscapes. The game supports ultra-wide resolution and HDR for an immersive visual experience.
PC players will benefit from AMD FSR technology and dynamic resolution support to balance performance and visual quality. The game requires DirectX 12 and is optimized for various AMD Radeon graphics cards.
Recommended specifications vary by resolution:
- 1080p gaming: Mid-range graphics card with 8GB RAM
- 1440p gaming: High-performance card with 16GB RAM
- 4K gaming: Premium graphics hardware with 32GB RAM
Console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S feature performance modes prioritizing frame rate or visual fidelity. The game also supports Apple silicon Macs through the Mac App Store, expanding platform availability beyond previous Assassin’s Creed titles.
Editions, Availability, and Purchase Options
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch with multiple editions across several platforms, giving players various ways to experience this feudal Japan adventure.
Standard Edition and Special Editions
The Standard Edition of Assassin’s Creed Shadows includes the base game with no additional content. Players looking for extra items may prefer the Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes exclusive cosmetic items and early access to certain content.
Pre-ordering any edition provides special bonuses like unique weapons or outfit skins. The Deluxe Edition is currently available at a $15 discount at select retailers like Newegg for Xbox platforms.
Ubisoft+ subscribers will have day-one access to the Digital Deluxe Edition as part of their membership, offering a cost-effective option for players who subscribe to the service.
Collector’s editions with physical items like statues and art books may also be available through the Ubisoft Store, though specific details vary by region.
Supported Platforms and Stores
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles, providing next-generation gameplay experiences with enhanced graphics and performance.
PC players can purchase the game through multiple digital storefronts including Ubisoft Connect, Epic Games Store, and potentially Steam. The game will support various PC configurations, though specific requirements haven’t been fully detailed.
Apple users have reason to celebrate as Shadows will be available on Macs with Apple silicon via the Mac App Store. In a surprising move, the game will also support iPadOS, expanding its reach to tablet gamers.
Cloud gaming options include Amazon Luna, allowing players to stream the game without high-end hardware. Windows PC users can take advantage of AMD Eyefinity technology for multi-monitor setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
As Assassin’s Creed Shadows prepares for its March 20 launch, players have many questions about availability, editions, and access options. The game offers various purchasing choices with different bonuses across multiple gaming platforms.
What platforms will Assassin’s Creed Shadows be available on at launch?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game has been optimized for current-generation consoles to take advantage of their enhanced capabilities.
Players on PC will need to check the recommended specifications to ensure their system can run the game properly. Ubisoft has published detailed PC specs on their support website.
Will there be a special Collector’s Edition for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and what will it include?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will offer a Collector’s Edition with exclusive physical and digital items. This premium package includes the base game, a season pass for future DLC, and collectible items themed around feudal Japan.
Physical items likely include a detailed figurine, art book, and exclusive packaging. Digital bonuses typically feature special in-game outfits, weapons, and early access to certain content.
Can players access Assassin’s Creed Shadows earlier than the official release date?
Console players cannot access the game before its release on March 20, 2025, at 12 a.m. local time. However, some editions may offer early access periods as part of their premium packages.
Preloading will be available before the release date. This allows players to download the game in advance so they can play immediately when it launches.
What is the price point for Assassin’s Creed Shadows across different editions?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available in multiple editions at different price points. The standard edition contains the base game at the typical AAA game price.
Deluxe and Gold editions cost more but include additional content such as the season pass and exclusive in-game items. The Collector’s Edition will be the most expensive option with its physical collectibles.
Are there any pre-order bonuses for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Yes, pre-ordering Assassin’s Creed Shadows will grant players special in-game bonuses. These typically include exclusive missions, character outfits, or weapons that match the game’s feudal Japan setting.
Different retailers may offer unique pre-order incentives. Players should check with their preferred game store to see what specific bonuses they provide with pre-orders.
Will Assassin’s Creed Shadows be included in Game Pass upon release?
No, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. As a major Ubisoft title, it will require a separate purchase regardless of Game Pass subscription status.
Ubisoft typically releases its games through its own subscription service, Ubisoft+. Players interested in subscription access should check if the game will be available through this service instead.
