After years of speculation and fan requests, Ubisoft is finally bringing the Assassin’s Creed franchise to feudal Japan with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set to launch on March 20, 2025, on Steam and other major platforms. The game introduces a dual protagonist system, allowing players to experience two vastly different playstyles through Naoe, a skilled shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai warrior.
With a brand-new CGI trailer dropping ahead of release, Ubisoft has given fans a deeper glimpse into the ambitious open world, dynamic weather, and intense combat systems that make Shadows stand out from previous entries in the series. Alongside the trailer, the publisher has detailed pre-purchase bonuses, including an exclusive mission and an upcoming expansion later this year.
A Visceral Journey Through 16th-Century Japan
Ubisoft has spared no effort in recreating the Edo-period setting, offering players an expansive and historically rich world to explore. From the towering castles of warlords to bustling trade ports and hidden shrines, Assassin’s Creed Shadows embraces the beauty and turmoil of Japan during an era of political upheaval and brutal warfare.
Adding to the immersion, Ubisoft has implemented a dynamic weather and seasonal system, meaning that players will experience changing environments as they progress. Harsh winters, torrential rain, and dense fog will affect visibility and gameplay, pushing players to adapt their strategies based on real-time environmental changes.
The two protagonists offer unique ways to navigate this treacherous world:
- Naoe, the Shinobi Assassin – Masters the art of stealth, deception, and assassination. Her abilities allow her to scale buildings, blend into shadows, and silently eliminate enemies using traditional shinobi weapons like kunai, shuriken, and the iconic hidden blade.
- Yasuke, the Samurai Warrior – A formidable force in direct combat, Yasuke wields heavy katana strikes, precise counterattacks, and brute strength to overpower his foes. Inspired by the real-life historical figure who served under Oda Nobunaga, his story provides a fresh perspective to the franchise.
Ubisoft promises seamless transitions between the two characters, allowing players to switch between stealth and combat-oriented approaches based on the mission at hand.
Building a Legacy: Spy Networks, Hideouts, and Customization
Beyond the open-world exploration and combat, Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a new espionage system that lets players recruit spies and build an information network. By leveraging informants across Japan, players can gather critical intelligence on enemy movements, assassination targets, and political intrigue.
Additionally, the game offers a fully customizable hideout, where players can:
- Train and recruit assassins to expand their ranks.
- Forge and upgrade weapons to enhance combat abilities.
- Decorate and modify their hideout’s layout based on personal preferences.
This system adds RPG elements, allowing players to shape their shinobi league and influence the game world in meaningful ways.
Pre-Purchase Bonuses and Steam Features
For those eager to secure their copy before launch, Ubisoft is offering exclusive pre-purchase rewards:
- Thrown to the Dogs Quest – A day-one bonus mission.
- Claws of Awaji Expansion – An upcoming DLC included with pre-orders.
Additionally, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch with Steam achievements, trading cards, and badges, giving PC players extra incentives to dive into the game on release day.
A New Chapter for the Assassin’s Creed Franchise
With its vast open-world setting, dual protagonist gameplay, and new espionage mechanics, Assassin’s Creed Shadows aims to be one of the most innovative and ambitious entries in the franchise. By finally venturing into Japan’s rich history, Ubisoft is fulfilling a long-standing request from fans while pushing the series forward with fresh mechanics and a deeply immersive world.
With March 20 fast approaching, anticipation is at an all-time high. Will you be stepping into the shadows of feudal Japan? Let us know what you think!
