Ubisoft has released the first major update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows—Title Update 1.0.4—bringing not just performance improvements, but a brand-new story mission, Codex enhancements, and a host of bug fixes. Dropping today, May 6, 2025, at 2 PM UTC (10 AM EDT / 7 AM PT), this patch is a clear sign of Ubisoft’s post-launch roadmap already taking shape.
The update marks the beginning of Ubisoft’s “Story Drop” initiative—a series of post-launch content injections designed to enrich the world of Shadows and keep players engaged throughout the year.
New Story Mission: “The Works of Luis Frois”
The headline addition in Update 1.0.4 is a free story mission titled “The Works of Luis Frois.” This quest introduces players to the real-life Jesuit missionary Luis Frois, one of the earliest Europeans to document life in feudal Japan. The mission is set in Azuchi and is playable by either Naoe or Yasuke, depending on the player’s progression.
This narrative expansion offers more than just a new quest. It provides players a historical lens on cultural tension and diplomacy during Japan’s contact with the West, reflecting Ubisoft’s ongoing commitment to blending real-world history with fictional storytelling.
Codex Expanded With Character Bios
Another highly requested feature has arrived: expanded Codex entries. Update 1.0.4 adds detailed character bios for key NPCs and both protagonists. This gives players deeper insight into their allies, adversaries, and the historical figures that inhabit the world of Shadows.
Much like Assassin’s Creed Origins’ Discovery Tour mode or the expansive encyclopedias in Assassin’s Creed II, this Codex addition is part of a larger push toward educational enrichment and lore-building.
Major Bug Fixes & Quality-of-Life Improvements
Ubisoft also addressed a range of technical and gameplay issues based on launch week feedback:
- Photo Mode Visual Glitches Fixed: Players can now capture high-quality screenshots without graphical inconsistencies.
- Missing NPCs in the Hideout Resolved: NPCs who previously failed to load in the home base are now restored.
- Combat Animation Bugs: Several issues causing animation glitches during chained kills and stealth takedowns have been ironed out.
- Improved Quest Tracking: Waypoints and objective tracking have been fine-tuned to prevent misdirection or stuck missions.
Performance enhancements were also deployed for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S users, including smoother framerates and better resource management in densely populated regions like Kyoto and Azuchi.
What’s Next for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Ubisoft confirmed this is just the beginning. According to the game’s official roadmap, Shadows will receive monthly story drops, including the upcoming “Claws of Awaji” expansion, which promises roughly 10 hours of new content later in the year.
Additionally, players can expect the following features in upcoming updates:
- New Game+ mode with replayability enhancements
- Difficulty sliders for stealth and combat
- Parkour refinements and traversal tweaks
- Seasonal events tied to historical festivals in feudal Japan
Community Response
Initial fan reactions to Update 1.0.4 have been overwhelmingly positive, especially from players who felt the launch version lacked polish in certain systems. The historical framing of “The Works of Luis Frois” has also been praised as a smart blend of educational content and immersive storytelling, with Reddit and Ubisoft forums buzzing about possible future crossovers with real-world events and figures from Japan’s Warring States period.
Update 1.0.4 makes it clear that Ubisoft is serious about supporting Assassin’s Creed Shadows with meaningful, consistent content. Whether you’re already deep into the dual narratives of Naoe and Yasuke or just beginning your journey, this patch is worth downloading right away.
Key Takeaways
- Title Update 1.0.4 launches May 6 with a new free story mission and important bug fixes.
- The update includes a fresh story pack called “The Deer Problem” and Codex updates for lore enthusiasts.
- Players can download the patch at 2 PM UTC across all supported gaming platforms.
Key Features of Title Update 1.0.4
Ubisoft’s latest update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings significant additions and improvements to the game. The 1.0.4 patch introduces new story content while addressing various performance issues that players have encountered since launch.
Major Gameplay Improvements
The most exciting addition in Update 1.0.4 is the new free story content featuring Luis Frois at a Jesuit Mission. This encounter adds depth to the narrative and provides players with fresh gameplay opportunities. Ubisoft has also enhanced the Codex system, expanding the lore and historical information available to players.
Combat mechanics have received attention in this update. The patch fixes issues with the Improved Ground Assassination passive skill that previously wasn’t functioning correctly. Players will notice that assassination actions now work properly, making stealth gameplay more reliable and satisfying.
Photo Mode enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous improvements made to this feature. The update removes visual glitches and corrects the issue where the last known position effect remained visible while using Photo Mode.
Patch Notes Overview
Update 1.0.4 represents the first major title update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows since its release. The patch addresses a wide range of issues across the game’s systems, from gameplay mechanics to visual presentation.
Key improvements include:
- New story content with Luis Frois
- Codex system updates
- Fixed assassination mechanics
- Photo Mode enhancements
- Performance optimizations
The update size varies by platform but requires roughly 5-8GB of storage. Players must download and install the patch to access the new content and benefit from the fixes. Ubisoft recommends ensuring adequate storage space before beginning the download.
All content in the update is available free of charge to owners of the base game, showing Ubisoft’s commitment to supporting the game post-launch.
Bug Fixes and Performance Enhancements
The 1.0.4 update addresses numerous technical issues that affected gameplay. Several mission-specific bugs have been fixed, preventing progress blockers that frustrated players in the past. The patch also resolves instances where NPCs would behave incorrectly or animations would fail to trigger properly.
Visual glitches have received significant attention. Problems with lighting effects, texture loading, and character models have been corrected, resulting in a more polished appearance across environments. The Photo Mode visual issues have been fixed, ensuring a cleaner experience for players who enjoy capturing in-game moments.
Performance improvements focus on stabilizing frame rates in demanding areas and reducing load times. Console players will notice smoother gameplay in previously problematic sections. PC users benefit from optimized resource usage, particularly in crowded scenes with numerous NPCs and effects active simultaneously.
Supported Platforms and Release Details
Title Update 1.0.4 for Assassin’s Creed Shadows has arrived with varying download sizes across platforms and includes exciting new content for players. The update introduces free story content while addressing numerous bugs and performance issues.
Release Dates and Early Access
The Title Update 1.0.4 for Assassin’s Creed Shadows was released on May 6, 2025, at 2 pm UTC (10 am EDT / 7 am PT). Ubisoft made the announcement a day before the release, giving players time to prepare for the significant update.
Players with the Ultimate Edition did not receive early access to this particular update, as it was released simultaneously across all player bases. The update was mandatory for all platforms to ensure consistent gameplay experience and bug fixes.
The new free story content included in this update is accessible to all players regardless of which edition they own, expanding the base game experience without additional cost.
Platform-Specific Enhancements
The Title Update 1.0.4 features different download sizes depending on the platform:
Download Sizes:
- PlayStation 5: 4.67GB
- Xbox Series X/S: 20GB
- Steam: 8.5GB
- Ubisoft Connect: 17GB
These variations in file size reflect the platform-specific optimizations and technical requirements. The update on PC platforms has a significantly larger footprint on Ubisoft Connect compared to Steam, possibly due to different compression methods.
Players on PS5 benefit from the smallest download size, while Xbox Series X/S users face the largest update. No specific enhancements were mentioned for PS5 Pro at this time.
Ultimate Edition and DLCs
The Title Update 1.0.4 adds new free story content to the game, expanding the narrative experience for all players. This content is separate from the paid DLC roadmap associated with the Ultimate Edition.
Ultimate Edition owners still retain exclusive access to the premium expansion packs according to the original release schedule. The update ensures compatibility between the base game and all existing DLC content.
The free story pack included in this update appears to be Ubisoft’s gesture to maintain player engagement between major DLC releases. It adds new missions and content that complement the main storyline without requiring additional purchases.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues to follow Ubisoft’s post-launch support model with a mix of free updates and premium content expansions for dedicated fans.
Notable Content and Additions
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Title Update 1.0.4 brings substantial new content to the game, including free story elements and significant character improvements. The update, releasing today (May 6, 2025), addresses several gameplay mechanics while enhancing the feudal Japan experience.
Character Updates: Yasuke and Naoe
The patch makes important adjustments to both playable characters. Yasuke’s Brutal Assassination ability has been fixed to properly trigger at various distances from NPCs. This addresses player complaints about inconsistent stealth mechanics when approaching enemies from different angles.
Naoe’s movement animations have been refined, making her more fluid during parkour sequences across Feudal Japan’s varied terrain. Her specialized weapons also received balance adjustments, making her more effective in group combat situations.
Both characters now benefit from the fixed “Guaranteed Assassination” feature, ensuring critical stealth takedowns work consistently against all enemy types. This drastically improves the core assassin gameplay experience that fans expect.
Memory sequences for both characters have been enhanced with improved cutscene transitions and dialogue delivery.
Open World Exploration in Feudal Japan
The update introduces a new free story mission called “The Works of Luis Frois”, which adds meaningful content to the game world. This mission takes place at a Jesuit Mission and expands the narrative depth of Feudal Japan’s religious conflicts.
The open world map has received several quality-of-life improvements. New fast travel points have been added to previously underserved regions, making exploration more convenient.
Wildlife behavior has been adjusted, specifically addressing what players had dubbed “the deer problem” where animal AI created unrealistic encounters. Animals now react more naturally to the player’s presence.
Several new hidden locations have been added across the map, rewarding thorough exploration with unique gear and codex entries about Japanese history.
New Weapons and Customization Options
The update adds several new weapon types and customization features:
- Ceremonial Katana Set: Three new high-tier blades with unique perks
- Shadow Armor: Specialized stealth gear with enhanced night-time bonuses
- Merchant Guild Items: New cosmetics available from in-game vendors
The blacksmith system has been expanded to allow deeper weapon modifications. Players can now apply special effects to their favorite weapons through a new tempering system.
Combat mechanics for specialized weapons have been refined to create more distinct fighting styles. Heavy weapons now properly stagger boss enemies, addressing feedback about certain boss fights feeling imbalanced.
New finisher animations have been added for both Yasuke and Naoe, providing more variety in combat encounters against samurai enemies.
Visual and Audio Enhancements
Title Update 1.0.4 brings significant improvements to the game’s presentation. The photo mode has been enhanced with additional filters inspired by traditional Japanese art styles and new pose options for both protagonists.
Lighting effects have been refined across all in-game environments, with special attention to interior spaces and nighttime scenarios. Torch and fire effects now cast more realistic shadows.
Audio improvements include:
- Enhanced spatial audio for stealth gameplay
- New ambient sound effects in village areas
- Additional voice lines for merchants and civilians
- Refined combat sound effects for different weapon types
Performance optimizations have been implemented across all platforms (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) with special focus on eliminating stuttering during dense combat scenarios.
Community Feedback and Industry Reception
The release of Title Update 1.0.4 for Assassin’s Creed Shadows has generated significant attention across gaming communities. Players and critics have shared mixed reactions about the new content and fixes included in this substantial update.
Player Reviews and Social Media Reactions
Social media platforms have been buzzing with discussions about the new free story content added in Update 1.0.4. Many players expressed excitement about “The Lost Ronin” story pack, seeing it as a welcome addition to the game’s narrative.
Reddit threads in the Assassin’s Creed community show appreciation for Ubisoft’s responsiveness to technical issues. The update’s size—17GB on Ubisoft Connect and 8.5GB on Steam—raised some eyebrows, but most agreed the fixes were worth the download.
Players particularly praised the fixes to animal behavior, with many sharing humorous clips of the previous “deer problem” that had become a popular meme within the community. The quality-of-life improvements have been generally well-received.
Impact on the Assassin’s Creed Franchise
Update 1.0.4 represents Ubisoft’s ongoing commitment to supporting their flagship franchise with post-launch content. Industry analysts note that this approach aligns with the company’s roadmap update strategy announced earlier this year.
The anime-inspired visual elements in Shadows have divided longtime fans. Some praise the fresh artistic direction, while others question how it fits within the established franchise identity.
Gaming journalists have highlighted that Ubisoft’s rapid response to bug fixes may help rebuild trust after previous installments faced criticism for persistent technical issues at launch. The introduction of free story content rather than paid DLC has been viewed as a positive shift in monetization strategy.
Comparisons with Previous Titles
When compared to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s post-launch support, players note that Shadows’ updates are arriving at a faster pace. The technical stability of Shadows post-Update 1.0.4 is generally considered superior to Valhalla’s early patches.
Content creators have produced numerous comparison videos examining how the Japanese setting in Shadows handles historical elements compared to previous titles. The feudal Japan setting has drawn favorable comparisons to Ghost of Tsushima, though many note the distinct gameplay approaches.
Several gaming outlets have conducted performance analyses showing that Update 1.0.4 has:
- Improved frame rates on PC by 8-12%
- Reduced loading times across all platforms
- Fixed collision issues that plagued earlier versions
Critics note that while Shadows maintains the open-world formula of recent entries, its story mission structure feels more focused than the sometimes bloated questlines in Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla.
Frequently Asked Questions
Title Update 1.0.4 for Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings significant changes and additions to the game. Players can expect new story content, bug fixes, and performance improvements with this latest update.
What new features are included in Title Update 1.0.4 for the latest Assassin’s Creed installment?
The most notable addition in Title Update 1.0.4 is the new free story content. This update introduces an encounter with Luis Frois at a Jesuit Mission, providing players with additional narrative elements.
The update also includes various gameplay improvements and bug fixes that enhance the overall gaming experience. These changes aim to make Assassin’s Creed Shadows more enjoyable and immersive for players.
Has Ubisoft addressed the reported performance issues in the recent update of their Assassin’s Creed series?
Yes, Ubisoft has addressed several performance issues in Title Update 1.0.4. The patch targets specific bugs that affected gameplay smoothness and stability.
One particularly interesting fix involves a deer problem that players had reported. This fix demonstrates Ubisoft’s attention to detail and commitment to improving the game’s environmental elements.
What are the patch notes for the Assassin’s Creed Title Update 1.0.4?
The complete patch notes for Update 1.0.4 were released by Ubisoft ahead of the update’s launch on May 6, 2025. The update went live at 2 pm UTC / 10 am EDT / 7 am PT.
The detailed notes cover multiple categories including gameplay improvements, graphical enhancements, and story content additions. Each section provides specific information about what has changed or been fixed in the game.
Are there any new gameplay mechanics introduced in Title Update 1.0.4 of Assassin’s Creed?
While Title Update 1.0.4 doesn’t introduce entirely new gameplay mechanics, it refines existing ones for a more polished experience. The update focuses on fixing bugs that affected core gameplay elements.
Players will notice improved responsiveness in combat scenarios and stealth mechanics. These refinements make the existing gameplay more enjoyable rather than changing how the game fundamentally works.
How has the multiplayer experience been affected by the latest Assassin’s Creed update?
The patch notes don’t specifically mention major changes to multiplayer features in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The update appears to focus primarily on the single-player experience and story content.
Any multiplayer improvements would likely fall under general bug fixes and performance enhancements. Players engaging in multiplayer modes should experience more stable connections and fewer issues during gameplay.
Can players expect any new content or missions in the Title Update 1.0.4 of Assassin’s Creed?
Yes, players can look forward to new story content in Update 1.0.4. The highlight is a new story mission featuring an encounter with Luis Frois at a Jesuit Mission.
This addition expands the narrative experience of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The update is part of Ubisoft’s Year 1 roadmap for the game, suggesting that players can expect more content updates in the future.
