Ubisoft has announced another delay for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, now set to launch on March 20, 2025. The game promises an epic journey through ancient Japan with Yasuke and Naoe, but fans will need to wait a little longer for a polished experience.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the next major installment in Ubisoft’s iconic series, has faced another unexpected delay. This is not the first time the game has encountered such setbacks. Initially slated for release in November 2024, it was later postponed to February 2025. Now, fans will have to wait another month, as the new release date is set for March 20, 2025. Players eagerly anticipating the journey of Yasuke and Naoe in the mysterious setting of ancient Japan will need to exercise a bit more patience.
Why Did Ubisoft Delay the Release?
In a social media post, Marc-Alexis Côté, the head of the Assassin’s Creed brand, shed light on the reason behind the delay:
“We’ve made significant progress but need a few more weeks to implement player feedback and ensure the launch experience is as polished and engaging as possible.”
Côté also expressed gratitude to fans and the development team for their unwavering support since the game was announced in September 2024. Ubisoft reaffirmed its commitment to fine-tuning and perfecting Assassin’s Creed Shadows, aiming to deliver an outstanding product.
Pressure from Previous Titles
The previous delay of Shadows was attributed to the underwhelming performance of Star Wars Outlaws, another major Ubisoft title released in 2024. To address this issue, the company decided to invest additional resources and time into Assassin’s Creed Shadows, hoping to reshape public perception of Ubisoft’s games.
Additionally, Ubisoft has made a significant shift in its distribution policy, abandoning exclusivity on its PC store. Moving forward, all Ubisoft games, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows, will be available on Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect on launch day.
What Lies Ahead for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
As the next chapter in the renowned franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows carries high expectations to reaffirm Ubisoft’s standing in the gaming industry. Set in ancient Japan, the game promises a deeply immersive experience with a historical stealth RPG style and unique protagonists like Yasuke and Naoe.
The game is now scheduled for release on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 on March 20, 2025. Will this extra time allow Ubisoft to achieve its ambitious goals? Fans remain patiently optimistic as they count down to the launch of this highly anticipated masterpiece.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Breakthrough in Ancient Japan
Storyline and Main Characters
Players will follow two protagonists:
- Yasuke: A fierce warrior inspired by the real-life historical figure, the first African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga.
- Naoe: A skilled ninja with a secret mission, torn between family loyalty and deeply personal secrets.
The narrative unfolds during the tumultuous Sengoku period, a time of political intrigue and warfare. Players will navigate through complex political plots while confronting shadowy forces manipulating history.
Gameplay: A Blend of RPG and Stealth
Assassin’s Creed Shadows adopts an RPG approach, blending the series’ hallmark stealth gameplay with new features:
- Freedom of Approach: Choose to tackle missions head-on as Yasuke or use stealth tactics as Naoe.
- Diverse Skill Trees: Unique skill sets for each character, enabling players to customize their combat styles.
- Highly Interactive Environment: Explore Japanese villages, castles, and bamboo forests, using the surroundings to your advantage.
Graphics and Soundtrack
Powered by AnvilNext 2.0, the game delivers stunning visuals, from vibrant cherry blossom fields to serene mountain temples. The soundtrack combines traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen and taiko drums with modern orchestral elements, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and dramatic.
New Features to Watch
- Companion System: Build unique relationships with key NPCs, where player choices in dialogue and actions influence relationships, unlocking side missions or alternate endings.
- Co-op Mode: For the first time, players can team up with friends for select missions, enhancing strategy and interaction.
Fan Expectations
Not just a game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows represents a pivotal moment for Ubisoft, with hopes of rebuilding community trust. Its fresh setting and polished gameplay could potentially make it one of the most acclaimed titles in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Will this delay lead to perfection? Fans are counting down the days to immerse themselves in the enigmatic world of ancient Japan.