Where to Buy Assassin Creed Shadows
Assassin Creed Shadows Gameplay Video
Assassin Creed Shadows Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Latest version of Anvil engine |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, Open World, RPG, Stealth |
| Initial Release | 2025-03-20 |
| Developer | Ubisoft Quebec (Lead Studio) |
| Publisher | Ubisoft |
| Setting | Feudal Japan (Azuchi-Momoyama period, late 16th century) |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC (Ubisoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store), Amazon Luna, Macs (Apple silicon) |
| Multiplayer | Single-player Only |
| Unique Feature | Dual protagonists (Naoe - Shinobi, Yasuke - Samurai) with distinct playstyles, Feudal Japan setting, dynamic weather & seasons impacting gameplay, spy network, customizable hideout. |
Assassin Creed Shadows System Requirements
Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low
tune Minimum (Target: 1080p, 30 FPS, Low Preset) – Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.
Recommended_1080p_60FPS_Medium
tune Recommended (Target: 1080p, 60 FPS, Medium Preset) – Medium Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') likely needed.
RT_Minimum_1080p_30FPS_High
tune Ray Tracing Minimum (Target: 1080p, 30 FPS, High Preset with RT) – High Preset, Ray Tracing Low/Medium, DLSS/FSR Required (likely 'Performance' or 'Balanced')
Enthusiast_1440p_60FPS_High
tune Enthusiast (Target: 1440p, 60 FPS, High Preset) – High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') recommended.
RT_Recommended_1440p_60FPS_High
tune Ray Tracing Recommended (Target: 1440p, 60 FPS, High Preset with RT) – High Preset, Ray Tracing Medium/High, DLSS/FSR Required (likely 'Quality' or 'Balanced')
Enthusiast_4K_60FPS_High
tune Enthusiast (Target: 4K, 60 FPS, High Preset) – High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Performance' or 'Ultra Performance') essential.
Assassin Creed Shadows Laptop Recommendations
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $1689
Model: HP Omen 16 (RTX 5060 & Ryzen 9 8940HX)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor (Score: 2225)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA / FHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 140W
storage 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $799
Model: HP Victus 15 (RTX 4050 & Ryzen 7)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 105W
storage 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $1699
Model: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 with RTX 4050
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 105W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 7845HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
storage Up to 64GB DDR5
US $2799
Model: Dell Alienware M16 Gaming Laptop with RTX 4080
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7845HX (Score: 2078)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (Score: 12500)
storage RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5
save Storage: 4000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU 140W
storage 64GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
US $2999
Model: XMG Apex 16 Max (RTX 5070 Ti & Ryzen 9)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX (Score: 2362)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU (Score: 13756) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 64GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 / Windows 11 (64-bit versions only)
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 is mandatory.
- save_altStorage Note: 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory)
An SSD is required for installation and optimal performance due to the large open world and detailed assets. NVMe SSD recommended for faster load times.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Supports NVIDIA DLSS 3.7, AMD FSR 3.1, Intel XeSS 2. Frame Generation technologies are also supported. Essential for achieving target framerates at higher resolutions and settings, especially with Ray Tracing.
Key Settings: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Clutter Density, Volumetric Clouds, Water Quality, World Detail, and Ray Tracing options (Global Illumination, Reflections) have a significant impact on performance.
Assassin Creed Shadows: Map Size and Regions
The open world of Feudal Japan in Assassin's Creed Shadows is described as comparable in size to that of Assassin's Creed Origins (approximately 80km²). It features diverse regions including spectacular castle towns, bustling ports, peaceful shrines, and pastoral landscapes across central Japan. The world is designed with a more realistic scale for mountains and castles, and features dynamic weather systems and changing seasons that can affect gameplay (e.g., ponds freezing over).
Assassin Creed Shadows: Post-Launch Content / DLC
A Year 1 roadmap has been revealed, featuring free content like new story quests (e.g., 'The Works of Luis Frois'), parkour system enhancements, Photo Mode updates, and New Game+. A major paid expansion titled 'Claws of Awaji' is planned for late 2025, offering over 10 hours of new content on the island of Awaji with new enemies and a Bō staff weapon for Naoe. This expansion is included in the Gold and Ultimate Editions (via Season Pass) or can be purchased separately. Ubisoft is not using a traditional season pass model but focusing on standalone expansions and free updates.
Assassin Creed Shadows: Game Editions
Multiple editions are available: Standard Edition ($69.99 USD), Digital Deluxe Edition ($89.99 USD - includes Sekiryu Character Pack for Naoe and Yasuke, Sekiryu Hideout Pack, 5 skill points, and digital artbook/soundtrack filter in Photo Mode), Gold Edition (includes base game and Season Pass with two upcoming expansions), and Ultimate Edition (includes base game, Season Pass, Ultimate Pack with Sekiryu Character/Hideout Packs, and digital artbook/soundtrack filter). A Collector's Edition ($299.99 USD for PS5/Xbox) includes Ultimate Edition content, steelbook, Naoe & Yasuke diorama statue, artbook, Naoe's katana tsuba replica, world map, and creed wall scroll.
Assassin Creed Shadows: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
The game is single-player focused. Cross-progression is typically supported via Ubisoft Connect across platforms for save games and owned content. No cross-play multiplayer as there are no multiplayer modes.
Assassin Creed Shadows Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Assassin's Creed Shadows is a single-player experience. It does not feature any co-op or competitive multiplayer modes at launch. Ubisoft is developing a separate standalone multiplayer Assassin's Creed experience codenamed 'Project Invictus'.
- labelUser Interface
The UI is an evolution of modern Assassin's Creed games, providing clear information on quests, character status, abilities, and world interactions. Features an 'Immersive Mode' for reduced UI. Supports multilingual voice acting and subtitles. Includes a Photo Mode with various filters and customization options.
- labelSound and Music
Features an original score that blends traditional Japanese instrumentation with orchestral arrangements to evoke the atmosphere of Feudal Japan. Sound design emphasizes environmental realism, weather effects, and distinct combat sounds for each weapon and character.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Powered by an updated version of the Anvil engine, Assassin's Creed Shadows aims for a visually stunning depiction of Feudal Japan. Features include detailed environments, realistic character models, dynamic weather systems, changing seasons impacting the world, and advanced lighting. Supports Ray Traced Global Illumination and Reflections, ultra-wide resolutions, uncapped framerate, and various upscalers (DLSS 3.7, FSR 3.1, XeSS 2).
- labelAccessibility Features
Ubisoft typically includes a range of accessibility options in their titles, such as customizable controls, subtitle and caption adjustments, audio cues, gameplay assists (e.g., aim assist, navigation aids), and visual filters. Specific details for Shadows include extensive customization options in the settings menu.
- labelStory and Setting
Set in late 16th-century Feudal Japan (Azuchi-Momoyama period, 1573-1600), a time of intense political upheaval and warring states. Players experience the intertwined destinies of Naoe, a kunoichi from Iga seeking revenge after the destruction of her clan by Oda Nobunaga's forces, and Yasuke, a historical African samurai who served Nobunaga. The narrative explores themes of honor, duty, cultural clashes, the unification of Japan, and the hidden war between the Assassins and Templars, featuring historical figures like Oda Nobunaga and likely others such as Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Dual Protagonists)
Players can switch between Naoe and Yasuke, each possessing unique skill trees, stats, gear, and abilities. Naoe excels in stealth, parkour, and assassination, utilizing tools like a hidden blade, kunai, shuriken, smoke bombs, and a grappling hook. Her skills include 'Melee Expert', 'Shadow Piercer', 'Smoke Bomb', 'Vault', and 'Igan Roll'. Yasuke is focused on direct, brutal combat, mastering weapons like katana, kanabo, bows, and naginata. His skills include 'Brutal Assassination', 'Sheathed Attack', 'Regeneration', 'Riposte', and 'Crescent Strike'. Players can build a customizable hideout for their growing shinobi league, train crew, and craft gear.
- labelTop 5 Weapons/Tools (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Naoe's Hidden Blade & Tanto: For classic stealth assassinations. 2. Yasuke's Katana & Kanabo: Representing powerful samurai combat. 3. Naoe's Grappling Hook & Shinobi Tools (Kunai, Shuriken, Smoke Bombs): For infiltration and tactical evasion. 4. Yasuke's Naginata & Bows: For versatile ranged and sweeping melee attacks. 5. Customizable Hideout & Spy Network: Strategic tools for information gathering and resource management.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Dual Protagonist System: The ability to switch between Naoe (stealth, parkour, assassination tools) and Yasuke (direct combat, heavy weapons, samurai skills), each with unique progression and approaches to missions. 2. Dynamic World & Seasons: A reactive open world with changing weather and seasons that impact gameplay (e.g., frozen ponds, different enemy patrols, visual cover). 3. Spy Network & Hideout Management: Building and utilizing a network of spies for intel gathering and target marking, along with developing a customizable hideout for your assassin league.
Assassin Creed Shadows Frequently Asked Questions
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help_outline When will Assassin's Creed Shadows be released?Assassin's Creed Shadows was released on March 20, 2025.
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help_outline What is the setting of Assassin's Creed Shadows?The game is set in Feudal Japan during the late 16th century, specifically the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
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help_outline Who are the main playable characters in Assassin's Creed Shadows?There are two protagonists: Naoe, a female shinobi from Iga, and Yasuke, an African samurai based on a historical figure. Players can switch between them.
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help_outline How do Naoe and Yasuke play differently?Naoe focuses on stealth, agility, parkour, and assassination using tools like the hidden blade, kusarigama, and shinobi gadgets. Yasuke excels in direct, powerful samurai combat with weapons like katanas, kanabo, and naginatas.
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help_outline Is Assassin's Creed Shadows an open-world game?Yes, it features a large open world of Feudal Japan, comparable in size to Assassin's Creed Origins, with dynamic weather and changing seasons.
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help_outline Does Assassin's Creed Shadows have multiplayer?No, Assassin's Creed Shadows is a single-player experience. Ubisoft is developing a separate standalone multiplayer Assassin's Creed title.
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help_outline What historical figures appear in the game?Oda Nobunaga is a central historical figure. Others from the period are likely to appear, influencing the story and the protagonists.
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help_outline Will there be DLC or post-launch content?Yes, Ubisoft has announced a Year 1 roadmap including free story updates, gameplay enhancements, and a major paid expansion titled 'Claws of Awaji' set for late 2025.