Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Now Available for Preorder

Ubisoft has officially opened pre-orders for “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” the latest chapter in the renowned Assassin’s Creed franchise. This highly anticipated installment transports players to the heart of 16th-century Japan, immersing them in a captivating narrative woven around the intertwined destinies of Naoe, a skilled shinobi Assassin from the Iga Province, and Yasuke, the legendary samurai.

“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is slated for worldwide release on March 20, 2025, and will be available across a range of platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna, and PC via the Ubisoft Store, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. Furthermore, Mac users with Apple silicon can experience the game through the Mac App Store.

Developed by the talented team at Ubisoft Québec, the game promises an unforgettable journey through a period of intense turmoil in Japanese history. As the nation grapples with the relentless ambition of Daimyo Oda Nobunaga and the growing threat of foreign influence, players will navigate a landscape fractured by war and witness the rise of a new Creed in this turbulent era.

A Tale of Two Heroes

The narrative of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” revolves around the distinct yet intertwined journeys of Naoe and Yasuke.

• Naoe: A master of stealth and shadow, Naoe embodies the traditional Iga ninja. Born and raised within the secretive Iga clan, she possesses exceptional agility, a keen understanding of the natural world, and a deep connection to the ancient art of ninjutsu. Her journey is one of personal growth, as she confronts her own inner demons while striving to protect her clan and uphold the Assassin’s Creed.

• Yasuke: A legendary figure in Japanese history, Yasuke is a powerful samurai of African descent. His journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, as he grapples with his unique identity in a society often defined by rigid social hierarchies. As he embarks on a quest for redemption and honor, Yasuke will forge unexpected bonds and confront the prejudices that have shaped his life.

Gameplay and Features

“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” builds upon the core gameplay mechanics of the franchise, offering a captivating blend of stealth, parkour, and combat.

• Fluid Combat System: Players will experience a refined combat system that seamlessly blends stealth, ranged attacks, and close-quarters combat. Utilize the unique skills of Naoe and Yasuke, such as swift assassinations, devastating swordplay, and the ability to manipulate the environment to gain an advantage in battle.

• Parkour and Exploration: Explore the breathtaking landscapes of feudal Japan, from bustling city streets to serene mountain temples. Utilize the parkour system to traverse the environment with grace and agility, scaling towering buildings, leaping across rooftops, and navigating treacherous terrain.

• Social Stealth: Engage in social stealth encounters, infiltrating enemy camps and blending seamlessly with the crowd. Utilize disguises, eavesdrop on conversations, and manipulate social dynamics to gather information and achieve your objectives.

• Narrative Choices: Experience a branching narrative where player choices have a significant impact on the story. Forge alliances, confront enemies, and make difficult decisions that will shape the destinies of Naoe, Yasuke, and the nation itself.

• Character Customization: Customize Naoe and Yasuke with a variety of armor sets, weapons, and gear. Unlock new skills and abilities through the skill tree, tailoring their playstyle to suit your preferred combat approach.

Pre-Order Editions and Bonuses

Ubisoft offers several pre-order editions to cater to different player preferences:

• Standard Edition: Includes the base game.

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Includes the base game, the “Sekiryu Dual Pack” containing exclusive gear and weapons for both Naoe and Yasuke, the “Sekiryu Hideout Pack” containing unique hideout cosmetics, and “Mastery Points” to accelerate character progression.

• Collector’s Edition: Includes all the content from the Digital Deluxe Edition, along with a range of exclusive physical collectibles. These include a Steelbook case, a detailed world map, a Naoe & Yasuke figurine, a life-sized Katana Tsuba (sword guard), a wall scroll featuring the Assassin’s Creed emblem, a 76-page collector’s artbook, and two sumi-e lithographs.

All pre-orders, regardless of edition, will grant players access to the following bonuses:

• “Claws of Awaji” Expansion: This post-launch expansion will introduce a brand-new open-world region, offering over 10 hours of additional gameplay. Explore the mysterious island of Awaji, encounter new factions, acquire unique skills and gear, and wield the powerful Bō, a new weapon for Naoe.

• “Thrown to the Dogs” Bonus Quest: This exclusive quest will be available at launch, providing players with a challenging new objective and rewarding them with unique rewards.

Recommended PC Specifications

Ubisoft has also released the recommended PC specifications for “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” ensuring a smooth and immersive gameplay experience.

• Minimum Specifications:

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290
  • RAM: 8GB RAM
  • Storage: 50GB available space
  • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later

• Recommended Specifications:

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-7700 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB
  • RAM: 16GB RAM
  • Storage: 50GB available space
  • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later

A New Era for the Assassin’s Creed Franchise

“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” promises to be a captivating and unforgettable entry in the beloved franchise. With its rich historical setting, compelling narrative, and engaging gameplay mechanics, it offers a unique and immersive experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

As the release date of March 20, 2025, draws closer, anticipation continues to build for this journey through feudal Japan. Prepare to embrace the shadows, master the art of ninjutsu, and shape the destiny of two extraordinary heroes as they navigate a world on the brink of change.