Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally has an official release date and time! After two highly anticipated delays, Ubisoft has confirmed that the game will make its global debut on March 20, 2025. This latest entry plunges players into a beautifully detailed 16th-century Japan, immersing you in the turbulent and richly historical Azuchi-Momoyama period.
You can start pre-loading now on Xbox Series X/S, which will take up 107GB. If you’re on PC, pre-loading starts on March 17 at 8:00 AM Pacific Time (11:00 AM Eastern). The game “Shadows” will be available on March 19 at 9 PM PT in Los Angeles, which is midnight ET in New York on March 20.
Here’s the release time map for the game:
When Exactly Can You Start Playing?
Console players worldwide can dive into the shadowy world of assassins and samurai at midnight local time on March 20. Meanwhile, PC gamers playing via Steam, Epic Games Store, or Ubisoft Connect will gain simultaneous global access at 9 PM PT on March 19 (which translates to March 20 in many other regions). To help you get ready, here’s a breakdown of precise unlock times across key global cities:
| Location | Local Unlock Time |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles (PT) | March 19, 9:00 PM |
| New York (ET) | March 20, 12:00 AM |
| São Paulo (BRT) | March 20, 1:00 AM |
| London (GMT) | March 20, 4:00 AM |
| Paris (CET) | March 20, 5:00 AM |
| Johannesburg (SAST) | March 20, 6:00 AM |
| Dubai (GST) | March 20, 8:00 AM |
| Mumbai (IST) | March 20, 9:30 AM |
| Tokyo (JST) | March 20, 1:00 PM |
| Sydney (AEDT) | March 20, 3:00 PM |
Preload to Be Ready at Launch!
To avoid delays and jump straight into action, Ubisoft has enabled early downloads across platforms:
- Xbox Series X/S: Preloading is already live since March 4, 2025.
- PC (Steam, Epic, Ubisoft Connect): Preloading begins March 17, 2025, at 4 PM UTC (9 AM PT, 12 PM ET, 5 PM GMT).
- PlayStation 5: Available from March 18, 2025, at midnight local time.
This feature lets you download the complete game files in advance, ensuring you can immediately experience the adrenaline-filled adventures awaiting you.
Two Heroes, Two Perspectives, One Epic Journey
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a unique twist—two playable protagonists:
- Naoe, a skilled female shinobi whose stealth and agility offer traditional yet fresh Assassin’s Creed gameplay.
- Yasuke, inspired by the historically fascinating figure—the first recorded African samurai in Japanese history—offering a bold, powerful combat style.
Players can seamlessly switch between these characters, each bringing their distinct stories, abilities, and playstyles, enriching your exploration of Japan’s captivating feudal landscape.
Bonus Content and Future DLC Plans
Fans who pre-order Assassin’s Creed Shadows gain immediate access to the exclusive mission “Thrown to the Dogs.” Ubisoft has also promised an extensive post-launch experience with the confirmed DLC expansion titled “Claws of Awaji,” scheduled for release later in 2025. This new chapter promises additional hours of gameplay, deeper lore exploration, and fresh missions to expand your assassin’s legacy.
With a beautifully realized historical setting, diverse gameplay mechanics, and a narrative grounded in compelling characters, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Key Takeaways
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches globally on March 20, 2025, with console versions unlocking at midnight local time.
- Xbox Series X/S players can preload the game now to prepare for immediate play upon release.
- Steam users worldwide will gain access simultaneously on March 17 at 9 pm PT, ahead of the console release.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Date
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will officially launch on March 20, 2025, after experiencing two delays from its original release window. Ubisoft has confirmed this date is final as they work to deliver a high-quality gaming experience.
Global Launch Times
Ubisoft has published the exact global release times for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, allowing players to know precisely when they can begin their journey. The game will follow a simultaneous global launch strategy rather than a rolling release.
Pre-loading has already begun for Xbox Series X/S owners, giving them a head start in downloading the game files before launch day. This early access to downloading helps players with slower internet connections ensure they can play immediately when the game unlocks.
For PlayStation 5 and PC players, pre-loading options will also be available closer to the release date. This staggered pre-load approach is common for major game releases across multiple platforms.
Time Zone Considerations
Players should carefully check their local launch times based on their specific time zones to avoid confusion. What might be evening in one region could be early morning in another.
The global simultaneous release means some regions will gain access during regular working hours, while others might need to stay up late or wake up early to play at the moment of release.
Ubisoft’s published schedule includes all major time zones, making it easy for players worldwide to plan accordingly. This consideration helps global communities coordinate their gaming sessions.
For those unsure about their specific region’s launch time, checking Ubisoft’s official social media channels or website will provide the most accurate information as the release date approaches.
Availability and Platforms
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available across multiple platforms when it launches on March 19-20, 2025. Players can access the game through various digital storefronts and physical retailers depending on their preferred gaming system.
Console and PC Support
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will release on major gaming platforms. The game will be available on PC through both Ubisoft Connect and Steam digital stores. Console players can access the title on current generation systems.
PC gamers have multiple options for purchasing and playing the game. The release timing varies slightly between Ubisoft Connect and Steam versions.
Console versions will unlock at midnight local time on March 20, 2025, in most regions. This follows the standard release pattern for major Ubisoft titles.
PC players should note that the Steam version will have a synchronized global release time of 9 PM PDT on March 19, which translates to 4 AM GMT on March 20 for European players.
Digital and Physical Editions
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available in both digital and physical formats for most platforms. Digital versions can be pre-ordered through platform-specific stores including Ubisoft Connect, Steam, and console marketplaces.
Digital editions offer the advantage of pre-loading. Players who purchase digitally can download the game before release day to begin playing immediately when it unlocks.
Physical editions will be available at major retailers. These versions typically include the game disc for console users, while PC physical editions often contain a code for digital activation.
Pre-loading for digital editions will be available before the release date. This feature allows players to install the game in advance, ensuring they can jump in the moment Assassin’s Creed Shadows officially launches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players worldwide are eagerly awaiting the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows release. The game has faced delays but now has firm launch details across different regions and platforms.
When is the release date for the latest Assassin’s Creed title?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will officially release on March 20, 2025. This date comes after multiple delays, with Ubisoft emphasizing their commitment to delivering a high-quality experience.
The development team indicated they needed additional time to ensure the game meets player expectations. This extra development period allowed for further refinement based on player feedback.
What are the official release times for the new Assassin’s Creed game across different time zones?
Ubisoft has announced specific global launch times for different regions. In Los Angeles, PC players (both on Ubisoft Connect and Steam) can access the game at 9 PM PDT on March 19, while console players gain access at 12 AM PDT on March 20.
Players in Mexico can start playing on PC via Ubisoft Connect at 10 PM CST. New York players will get access on March 20, 2025, though the exact time wasn’t specified in the search results.
Different regions will see varied release times based on their time zones. Ubisoft has provided a comprehensive breakdown on their official social media channels.
Has Ubisoft announced any special editions for the upcoming Assassin’s Creed launch?
While the search results don’t specifically mention special editions, Ubisoft typically offers various versions of their major releases. Standard information about special editions hasn’t been clearly outlined in the provided information.
Players should check Ubisoft’s official website or authorized retailers for the most current information on any collector’s or deluxe editions that may be available for purchase.
Will there be early access available for Assassin’s Creed: Shadows?
The search results don’t explicitly mention early access options for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. However, pre-loading has already begun on some platforms.
Xbox Series X/S owners can already pre-load the game, allowing them to download it ahead of release. This ensures players can jump into the game immediately when it launches.
Are there specific platforms that will receive an earlier release of the new Assassin’s Creed game?
Based on the launch times provided, PC players on both Ubisoft Connect and Steam in certain regions will get access slightly earlier than console players. For example, in Los Angeles, PC players can start at 9 PM on March 19, while console players must wait until midnight.
This staggered release approach is common for major game launches. It helps distribute server load and provides a smoother experience across all platforms.
What are the pre-order bonuses for Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, if any?
The search results don’t provide specific information about pre-order bonuses for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Ubisoft typically offers in-game items or early access to certain content as incentives.
Players interested in pre-order bonuses should check official Ubisoft channels or authorized retailers for the most up-to-date information on what extras might come with early purchases.
