Today is the day many gamers have been waiting for – Assassin’s Creed Shadows has officially launched! The latest entry in Ubisoft’s popular franchise is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac with Apple silicon, and Amazon Luna. This release marks the series’ return after a longer-than-usual development cycle, with the game arriving precisely on its promised March 20, 2025 release date.
Set in feudal Japan, this new open-world adventure introduces players to dual protagonists navigating a stunning historical setting. The game opens at midnight local time in most regions, allowing players around the world to jump in without delay. Ubisoft has promised a high-quality, immersive experience that builds on the feedback from fans throughout the development process.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3159330/Assassins_Creed_Shadows/
Dual Protagonists Offer Two Distinct Assassin Experiences
Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers on Ubisoft’s promise to take the franchise to feudal Japan, and it does so with style, ambition, and some controversy. At the heart of the game are two playable protagonists: Yasuke, an African samurai based on the real historical figure, and Naoe, a nimble shinobi trained in stealth and subterfuge. These two characters don’t just differ in appearance and backstory; they offer radically different gameplay styles. Yasuke is all about brute strength and power, charging into battle with heavy weapons and precise strikes. Naoe, by contrast, embodies the traditional assassin archetype—silent, swift, and deadly from the shadows.
The decision to include two vastly different characters gives players a fresh take on how to approach each mission. Whether you prefer an all-out samurai clash or sneaking through the rooftops and alleys of a Japanese castle town, Shadows makes both approaches viable and rewarding.
A Beautiful Yet Divisive Depiction of Feudal Japan
Ubisoft’s world-building in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is nothing short of breathtaking. The game captures 16th-century Japan with stunning landscapes, dynamic weather systems, and a vibrant open world that shifts through the seasons. From snowy mountain temples to bustling port towns, it’s clear the developers put a massive amount of effort into environmental detail and cultural authenticity—at least in terms of aesthetics.
But not all reactions have been positive. In Japan, some players and commentators have criticized the game for historical inaccuracies and cultural insensitivity. One particular point of controversy is a mission in which Yasuke is depicted desecrating a Shinto shrine, an act that has sparked public backlash and conversations about how historical fiction should navigate cultural respect.
Refined Open-World Gameplay and Improved Stealth
Fans of the franchise will recognize many of Shadows’ mechanics, but Ubisoft has worked hard to refine and innovate where it counts. Stealth has been overhauled to feel more organic, with a focus on environmental interaction. Players can extinguish lanterns to create pockets of darkness, hide in dense foliage, and use verticality to their advantage. The social stealth systems from older Assassin’s Creed titles make a return, allowing Naoe to blend into crowds, distract guards, and slip by unnoticed.
Combat, especially when playing as Yasuke, feels weighty and deliberate. Weapon types range from katanas to massive kanabō clubs, and each comes with its own distinct moveset. Parrying, dodging, and stamina management all play crucial roles in surviving duels against elite samurai and ruthless bandits alike.
A Game of Firsts and Fan Service
Assassin’s Creed Shadows breaks new ground for the series in several key areas. It’s the first game to feature a playable samurai and to set the story in Japan—something fans have been requesting for years. The game also introduces more RPG mechanics, including a dynamic reputation system where your actions affect how factions and NPCs react to you. Helping villagers may earn you valuable intel or discounts from merchants, while leaving a trail of chaos might lead to increased security and ambushes on the road.
For longtime fans, there’s no shortage of Easter eggs and callbacks to previous games. Hidden blades are back in full force, and Animus-related lore is subtly woven into the narrative without overpowering the historical storyline.
Steam Deck Support and Strong Early Sales
In a surprising and welcome move, Ubisoft confirmed Assassin’s Creed Shadows runs smoothly on the Steam Deck. Initial concerns about the game’s optimization on handheld PCs were laid to rest after extensive testing, and players are reporting solid performance on Valve’s portable powerhouse.
Pre-orders and day-one sales have been strong, matching figures previously seen with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, one of the franchise’s top-selling entries. Ubisoft is betting big on Shadows to revitalize the series and shore up its financial standing after a rocky few years. So far, the gamble seems to be paying off.
What Comes Next for Assassin’s Creed
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows is clearly the centerpiece of Ubisoft’s current lineup, it’s also setting the stage for what’s next. The game integrates seamlessly with the Assassin’s Creed Infinity hub, giving players a centralized platform to access future expansions, live events, and potential crossovers. Rumors are already swirling about possible DLC featuring iconic Japanese historical figures and new regions to explore, including Okinawa and Hokkaido.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is not without its flaws, but it marks a bold and exciting step forward for the franchise. It’s a game that embraces both the fantasy of being a legendary assassin and the complexities of historical storytelling, offering players a rich and varied experience that’s sure to spark conversation for months to come.
Key Takeaways
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows is now available across multiple platforms including PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Mac with Apple silicon.
- The game features an immersive open-world setting in feudal Japan with dual protagonists to experience the story from different perspectives.
- Ubisoft focused on delivering a polished experience, which explains the extended development time compared to previous entries in the franchise.
Overview and Release Details
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has finally arrived today, March 20, 2025, after several delays. The game transports players to Feudal Japan, featuring dual protagonists and an expansive open world set in one of the most requested historical periods in the franchise’s history.
Gameplay and Setting
Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes place in Feudal Japan, allowing players to control two distinct protagonists: the samurai Yasuke and the shinobi Naoe. Each character brings unique combat styles and abilities to the gameplay experience. Yasuke focuses on direct combat with powerful samurai techniques, while Naoe excels at stealth and assassination.
The open world recreation of Feudal Japan is filled with historically accurate locations to explore. Players can visit ornate shrines, ancient temples, and imposing castles throughout the Japanese landscape. The narrative weaves through this historical setting, combining fictional elements with real historical events and figures.
Combat has been refined to reflect authentic Japanese fighting styles. The game introduces new stealth mechanics that blend with traditional Assassin’s Creed gameplay elements. The world feels alive with dynamic events and side quests that immerse players in Japanese culture and history.
Platform Availability
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available on multiple platforms. Players can experience the game on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC through various storefronts.
PC players can purchase and play the game through Ubisoft Connect, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. The game is also included with Ubisoft+ subscription service, giving subscribers immediate access on launch day.
Additionally, Shadows supports cloud gaming through Amazon Luna. Apple users can play on Macs with Apple silicon and iPads, extending the reach of this major release beyond traditional gaming platforms.
Physical and digital editions are available for console players, with several special editions offering additional content and physical collectibles for dedicated fans.
Visual and Technical Features
Assassin’s Creed Shadows pushes technical boundaries with impressive visual fidelity across all platforms. The game supports 4K resolution and HDR, bringing the vibrant Japanese landscapes to life with stunning detail and color depth.
PC players benefit from additional features including raytraced global illumination for more realistic lighting effects. The game implements AMD FSR technology to help boost performance without sacrificing visual quality.
For different setups, Shadows includes dynamic resolution support to maintain smooth framerates during intense gameplay moments. Ultra-wide resolution support is available for PC players with compatible monitors.
On consoles, players can choose between quality and performance modes. Quality mode prioritizes visual fidelity with higher resolution and enhanced effects, while performance mode targets 60fps for smoother gameplay at a slightly reduced visual quality.
Technical Requirements and Enhancements
Assassin’s Creed Shadows demands specific hardware to run smoothly on PC, with options for players across different system capabilities. The game offers extensive customization to enhance both performance and accessibility.
System Specifications
Assassin’s Creed Shadows requires Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) to run. For basic 1080p gaming at 30 FPS on low settings, players need at least an Intel Core i7-8700k or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor, paired with 16GB RAM.
Graphics card requirements start with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 8GB or AMD Radeon RX 5700 8GB. For better performance at higher settings, Ubisoft recommends an Intel Core i5-11600K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X.
The game uses DirectX 12 and implements dynamic resolution scaling to help maintain framerate stability. Players with higher-end systems can enjoy uncapped framerates and support for ultra-wide resolutions.
For 1440p gaming, substantially more powerful hardware is needed, especially if aiming for 60 FPS on medium or high settings.
Customization and Accessibility
Assassin’s Creed Shadows includes robust customization options for graphics settings. Players can adjust texture quality, shadow detail, and environmental effects to balance visual quality against performance.
The game supports AMD Eyefinity for multi-monitor setups, providing an immersive experience for players with compatible hardware. PC users can fine-tune their experience with various presets or individual settings.
Accessibility features include customizable controls, subtitle options, and colorblind modes. The UI can be adjusted to different sizes and opacities.
Multiple language options are available for both text and audio. Players can choose from several voice-over languages while keeping UI text in their preferred language.
Audio settings include separate volume controls for dialogue, music, and effects, supporting players with hearing sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches today, March 20, 2025. Players have many questions about availability, pricing, and features of this highly anticipated game set in feudal Japan.
What platforms is Assassin’s Creed Shadows available on?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game is not available on previous generation consoles like PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.
Ubisoft has optimized the game specifically for current-generation hardware to deliver the best visual experience and performance.
How much does Assassin’s Creed Shadows cost?
The standard edition of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is priced at $69.99 USD. This is in line with the current pricing strategy for major AAA game releases.
Regional pricing may vary, and players should check their local digital storefronts or retailers for exact pricing in their currency.
Can you access Assassin’s Creed Shadows through Ubisoft Plus?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available through Ubisoft Plus subscription service at launch. Subscribers can play the game without purchasing it separately.
According to the search results, the game is not available on Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus subscription services at launch.
Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows support cross-platform play?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows does not support full cross-platform play between different systems. The game is primarily a single-player experience with some online features.
Players on different platforms cannot play together directly. However, some features like photo mode sharing may work across platforms.
What are the minimum system requirements for Assassin’s Creed Shadows on PC?
The minimum PC requirements for Assassin’s Creed Shadows include:
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i5-9600K
- RAM: 16 GB
- Graphics Card: AMD RX 5600 XT or NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti (6 GB VRAM)
- Storage: 100 GB available space (SSD recommended)
These specifications ensure the game runs at minimum settings with acceptable performance.
Are there any special editions or DLCs available for purchase for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Several editions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows are available beyond the standard release. The Deluxe Edition includes bonus in-game items and cosmetics.
The Gold Edition contains the season pass with access to future DLC expansions. The Ultimate Edition combines all content from other editions plus exclusive items.
All pre-order bonuses included a special mission and cosmetic item, regardless of which edition was purchased.
