Key Highlights:
- AC Shadows Claws of Awaji DLC launches on 16 September with over 10 hours of new content
- New Game Plus mode arrives 29 July, adding achievements and expanded progression.
- Ubisoft teases map clarity upgrades and possible Switch 2 support.
Ubisoft has confirmed a packed schedule of updates for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, detailing a major content expansion and long-awaited quality-of-life improvements. The highlight is Claws of Awaji, the game’s first story-driven DLC, which launches on 16 September and promises to extend the adventure significantly.
Those who pre-ordered Assassin’s Creed Shadows will receive the expansion at no additional cost. Players can expect a new region to explore, new bosses to face, and additional gear and outfits to collect. The DLC also introduces a fresh weapon type, new abilities, and a continuation of the main narrative, offering more than 10 hours of gameplay according to Ubisoft’s latest roadmap which was aired via YouTube and you can view below.
Before that, on 29 July, the anticipated New Game Plus mode will roll out.
This addition enhances replayability with a level cap increase, new knowledge ranks, forge level upgrades, and extra achievements and trophies.
It’s designed to give veteran players a reason to return and reforge their legend with retained progression.
The previous entry, AC Mirage, also got this feature, so it was always going to be an option for this latest entry.
The update path doesn’t stop there. A further patch due in early September will bring several fan-requested features. Console and PC players will gain the ability to fast-forward the time of day, while cutscenes on PC will no longer be locked to a set framerate. This comes off the back of the 1.0.5 update, which had a Dead by Daylight collab and Photo Mode overhaul.
Ubisoft is also adjusting world map mechanics: synchronising all viewpoints in a region will now fully lift the surrounding fog, giving players a clearer view of uncovered areas.
The Assassin’s Creed Shadows team also shared recent in-game stats to celebrate the game’s early success. Since its release in March, the title has attracted five million players. In that time, assassins have performed over two billion stealth kills, travelled more than one billion kilometres, and petted nearly 40 million animals – an emerging tradition in the series.
While unconfirmed, Ubisoft has hinted at expanding the title’s platform availability. References to a potential Switch 2 version have surfaced, aligning with the company’s plans to bring other ambitious open-world titles, such as Star Wars Outlaws, to Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
The developers are certainly keeping busy when it comes to the AC franchise. Reports of a AC Black Flag remake are rampant, and it’s strongly indicated that will be the next mainline entry in the series.
With its strong post-launch support, steady content delivery, and possible cross-platform expansion, Assassin’s Creed Shadows looks set to maintain momentum well into 2025.
Players itching for more feudal Japan adventures or simply seeking new reasons to return will find plenty to look forward to in the coming months.