Ubisoft has opened pre-orders for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the next installment in the popular action-adventure series. The game is set to launch on March 20, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Players who pre-order now will receive the “Thrown to the Dogs” bonus quest at launch and access to the “Claws of Awaji” expansion, which will be released later in 2025.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to deliver an immersive experience set in feudal Japan. The game features two main characters: Naoe, a skilled shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a powerful African samurai. Their intertwined stories will take players on a journey through a rich historical setting filled with intrigue and danger.
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The standard edition of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is priced at $69.99, while the Digital Deluxe Edition costs $89.99. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game and additional content, making it an attractive option for fans looking for an enhanced gameplay experience.
For console and physical media you can pre-order on Amazon here:
How To Order Assassin’s Creed Shadows
You can pre-order the game at major retailers like Amazon and on Steam for PC. Here’s how:
Assassin’s Creed Shadows For PS5
Game + Strategy Guide (PS5)
Gold Edition (PS5)
Assassin’s Creed Shadows For Xbox
Gold Edition (Xbox)
Pre-Order For PC (Steam)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3159330/Assassins_Creed_Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Pre-Orders and What to Expect
Pre-Orders Now Live
Ubisoft has opened pre-orders for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The game is set to launch in March for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This new entry takes players to feudal Japan during the Sengoku period. It offers a fresh take on the series with dual protagonists and an emphasis on exploration.
Dual Protagonists: Yasuke and Naoe
Shadows lets you play as two distinct characters: Yasuke, a historical African samurai, and Naoe, a female shinobi. Yasuke focuses on combat, using his strength and weapons in direct confrontations. Naoe uses stealth and agility for assassinations. This dual protagonist system offers different gameplay experiences, letting players choose how they approach missions. Some previews suggest this is a strong point, while others have expressed some doubt about how well these two playstyles will blend together in the full game.
Exploration and Combat
Shadows changes how players explore the open world. It moves away from map icons, encouraging players to discover locations and information on their own. This makes exploration feel more rewarding. The combat is also more challenging, requiring players to use parrying, dodging, and different attack types strategically. Naoe, in particular, is designed to be weaker in direct combat, pushing players to use stealth. This adds a layer of strategy to each encounter.
What the Critics Are Saying
Early previews have been mostly positive. Many sources think Shadows could bring back fans who have been critical of recent games. The setting, the dual protagonists, and changes to exploration and combat are seen as big improvements. Some have even suggested that this game could satisfy a broad range of fans, which is a big task. However, some critics are not convinced, and are concerned about how well the dual protagonists will work in the full game.
Technical Details and Pre-Order Bonuses
The PC version of Shadows will be graphically demanding, with an RTX 4090 recommended for 4K resolution at 60fps with maximum ray tracing. This shows the graphical detail Ubisoft is aiming for. Pre-ordering the game will give players access to bonus content. Exact details about the pre-order bonuses are available on the official website.
Game Editions and Pricing
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available in multiple editions. Each edition offers different digital and physical bonuses. Here’s a quick overview:
| Edition | Content | Price (USD Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | Base Game | $70 |
| Gold Edition | Base Game, Season Pass | $100 |
| Ultimate Edition | Base Game, Season Pass, Ultimate Pack | $120 |
Key Takeaways
- Pre-orders for Assassin’s Creed Shadows are now open for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
- The game launches on March 20, 2025, with bonus content for early buyers.
- Two editions are available: Standard ($69.99) and Digital Deluxe ($89.99).
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Overview and Pre-Order Details
Ubisoft’s latest game in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, titled Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is set in Feudal Japan and features two main characters, Yasuke and Naoe. The game will be released in March for current-gen consoles and PC, with pre-orders available now. Early previews are positive, indicating a potential return to form for the series, focusing on player-driven exploration and challenging combat. The PC version requires high-end hardware. For those seeking a more linear experience, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is recommended.
Game Synopsis and Setting
Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to the late Sengoku period of Feudal Japan. The game features two main characters: Naoe, a skilled shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a powerful African samurai. Players will navigate the complex political landscape of the era while uncovering ancient secrets.
The game’s world promises to be rich with historical detail. Players can expect to explore bustling cities, serene temples, and treacherous mountain passes. The dual protagonist system allows for diverse gameplay styles, blending stealth and open combat.
Pre-Order Options and Editions
Ubisoft offers several editions for Assassin’s Creed Shadows:
- Standard Edition ($69.99): Base game
- Digital Deluxe Edition ($89.99): Base game + Deluxe Pack
- Gold Edition: Includes Season Pass
- Ultimate Edition: Includes all content from other editions
Pre-orders are available on multiple platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (Ubisoft Store, Epic Games Store)
- Amazon Luna
- iPad
- macOS
The game is not currently listed on Steam.
Pre-Order Bonuses and Early Access
Pre-ordering Assassin’s Creed Shadows grants players exclusive content:
- “Thrown to the Dogs” bonus quest
- Access to “Claws of Awaji” expansion (releasing later in 2025)
The “Claws of Awaji” expansion adds approximately 10 hours of gameplay. It introduces a new weapon type, skills, gear, and abilities. Players will face new foes and navigate traps on a mysterious island.
Some editions may offer early access to the game before its official March 20, 2025 release date. Exclusive gear sets themed around Feudal Japan are likely to be included as pre-order incentives.
Gameplay and Exclusive Content
Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers players a rich blend of stealth, combat, and exploration. The game introduces new mechanics and rewards pre-order customers with exclusive content.
Combat Mechanics and Open World Exploration
Players can master various weapon sets as they navigate the open world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The game features two main characters: Naoe, a shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, an African samurai. Each character has unique abilities and skills to unlock.
The world map includes the GI province, which players can explore freely. Stealth remains a key element, with new mechanics for sneaking and assassinating targets. Combat has been refined, offering more fluid transitions between attacks and defensive moves.
Mastery points allow players to customize their characters’ abilities. This system lets gamers tailor their playstyle to prefer stealth, open combat, or a mix of both approaches.
Special Edition Content
Pre-order bonuses and special editions offer extra content for fans. The “Thrown to the Dogs” bonus quest is available at launch for those who pre-order. This mission provides additional story content and rewards.
The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the Sekiryu character pack. This pack features:
- Unique ornaments
- The Sekiryu Hideout Pack
- The Sekiryu Dual Pack
- The Sekiryu Beast
A Season Pass will be available, promising future content updates and expansions. The “Claws of Awaji” expansion, set to release later in 2025, adds over 10 hours of gameplay.
Compatibility and Technical Specifications
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch on multiple platforms:
- Xbox Series X|S
- PlayStation 5
- Windows PC
- Amazon Luna
- Apple Silicon Macs
The PC version boasts several technical features:
- Ultra-wide resolution support
- HDR support
- AMD Eyefinity
- AMD FSR 3.1
- Uncapped framerate
- Raytraced global illumination
- In-game benchmark tool
Dynamic resolution support ensures smooth performance across different hardware configurations. Frame generation technology aims to boost framerates on compatible systems.
Mac users can purchase the game through the Mac App Store, with optimizations for Apple Silicon processors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-ordering Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers various bonuses and rewards. The game will launch on multiple platforms with different editions available.
What bonuses are included when you pre-order Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Pre-order bonuses for Assassin’s Creed Shadows include the “Thrown to the Dogs” bonus quest. This quest will be available at launch for players who pre-purchase the game.
The “Claws of Awaji” expansion is also included with pre-orders. This expansion will release later in 2025 and provides over 10 hours of additional content.
Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows an open-world game?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows follows the series’ tradition of open-world gameplay. Players can explore a vast environment set in feudal Japan.
The game features two main characters: Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, an African samurai. Their intertwined stories unfold across the open world.
What platforms will Assassin’s Creed Shadows be available on?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available on multiple platforms. The game is confirmed for release on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles.
Pre-orders are currently open for both console and PC versions of the game. Players can purchase digital copies through various online stores.
Why are some users experiencing issues with pre-ordering Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Some users may encounter technical difficulties when pre-ordering Assassin’s Creed Shadows. These issues can stem from high traffic on digital storefronts or temporary server problems.
Ubisoft and platform holders are working to resolve any pre-order issues. Players experiencing problems should contact customer support for assistance.
What are the contents of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Collector’s Edition?
The Collector’s Edition of Assassin’s Creed Shadows includes exclusive items for dedicated fans. Details about specific contents have not been fully revealed.
Collector’s Editions typically feature physical items like statues, artbooks, and soundtracks. More information about this edition is expected closer to the release date.
Does the new Assassin’s Creed Shadows game follow the series chronologically?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in feudal Japan, a new time period for the series. The game’s exact placement in the overall Assassin’s Creed timeline is not yet clear.
The story focuses on two new protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. Their adventures will likely connect to the broader Assassin’s Creed narrative in ways yet to be revealed.
