Ubisoft is preparing to expand Assassin’s Creed: Shadows with its first major downloadable content, Claws of Awaji, scheduled for release in September 2025. The news comes from a recent report by Insider Gaming, which details the publisher’s ongoing support for its latest entry in the long-running franchise.
Since its release in March, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has received a steady stream of post-launch content. Earlier this month, on May 6, a free story quest titled The Works of Luis Frois was introduced, adding a fresh chapter for players to explore. Ubisoft’s content roadmap also indicates that another quest, along with a new ally character, will be added in June as part of a free update. Both the May and upcoming June updates continue Ubisoft’s recent approach of offering early content at no additional cost.
Claws of Awaji, however, marks the first piece of paid DLC for Shadows. According to the report, players can expect around 10 hours of new gameplay content. The DLC will introduce a new region to explore and bring new weapons into the mix. Specifics on the story or characters involved in the DLC have not yet been shared, but the setting of Awaji Island suggests a continued focus on feudal Japan’s historical and cultural themes.
Insider Gaming also provided an update on the rumored co-op mode for Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. The mode is reportedly planned for release in 2026 and appears to go beyond simply allowing players to control the game’s two main protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. According to a source, the co-op feature will tie into a broader narrative and may involve other members of the in-game assassin league.
One of Shadow’s core gameplay features is the ability to summon league members during missions. This system, which allows players to call on allies for assistance, may serve as the foundation for the co-op mode. If the upcoming multiplayer experience builds on this mechanic, it could allow players to step into the roles of various league characters, expanding the gameplay in a new direction.
Despite challenges within Ubisoft as a company, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has proven to be a strong performer. It is currently the second-best-selling video game in the United States for 2025, maintaining high engagement levels months after its release. With more story content arriving in June, the launch of Claws of Awaji in September, and a co-op mode reportedly on the horizon, Shadows looks set to remain in the spotlight well into next year.
