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Yes. Assassin’s Creed Shadows no longer offered early access: Ubisoft removed the advertised three-day head start, so buying the Gold, Ultimate, or Collector’s Edition—or subscribing to Ubisoft+ Premium—did not let players start before everyone else. The game’s final release date was March 20, 2025.
What happened to Assassin’s Creed Shadows early access?
Ubisoft first announced that players who bought the Gold, Ultimate, or Collector’s Edition, or had a Ubisoft+ Premium subscription, could play three days early, beginning November 12, 2024. At the time, the planned general release was November 15. Ubisoft’s original announcement described the perk as an edition or subscription benefit, not a separate version of the game.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Limited Edition (Amazon Exclusive), PlayStation 5 | $61.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Assassin's Creed Shadows [PlayStation 5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cgBmgsqGL._SL160_.jpg)
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Assassin's Creed Shadows [PlayStation 5] | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Art of Assassin's Creed Shadows | $29.69 | Buy on Amazon |
On September 25, 2024, Ubisoft delayed the game to February 14, 2025. Its announcement said that all players would be able to enjoy the game at the same time and that pre-order customers would receive the first expansion at no extra cost. Ubisoft’s delay statement established the simultaneous-launch plan, but did not itself spell out every edition’s revised entitlement.
Contemporaneous GameSpot reporting on October 21, 2024 said the Collector’s Edition would no longer include early access. A community post reproducing a Discord Q&A quoted the answer: “No, there is no early access for AC Shadows anymore.” The specific cancellation detail is supported by that reporting and reproduced Q&A; the official delay statement supplies the simultaneous-launch context.
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- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content includes the base game and Sekiryu Character Pack
- Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles.
- Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
- Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
Did the Collector’s Edition or Ubisoft+ Premium still get early access?
No. The previously announced head start was removed rather than retained for one premium edition or subscription. A higher-priced edition could include other content, but the early-access perk was not a reason to expect an earlier start. The cancellation should not be confused with the first expansion offer: Ubisoft said pre-order customers would receive that expansion at no extra cost after the September delay.
What was the final release date?
Ubisoft delayed the game a second time, from February 14, 2025, to March 20, 2025. In its January 9, 2025 announcement, Marc-Alexis Coté, on behalf of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows teams, said: “Accordingly, the new release date is March 20, 2025.” Ubisoft’s January announcement confirms the final date. The November 2024 and February 2025 dates were superseded; the game is now released.
Rank #2
- Experience an epic, historical action adventure in feudal Japan and become a deadly Shinobi assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open game world in chaotic times
- Sneak as a Naoe to not be discovered, use your agility to confuse your opponents and stretch down your opponents with deadly precision and power as a Yasuke
- Use information as weapons and build your own spy network to have eyes and ears everywhere and find your targets easier and recruit new allies on the go with unique skills to help you with your missions
- Create a fully customizable hideaway for your growing Shinobi league, where you train recruits, craft new equipment and interact with important characters; set the room layout, decoration and accessories yourself
What should buyers check now?
Early access is a past release perk, not a current purchase benefit. Ubisoft’s store lists the game, editions, and paid add-ons, including Claws of Awaji and Helix Credits. Edition contents, prices, discounts, and stock can change, so check the live listing and the selected platform’s store before buying rather than relying on an old pre-order description. Ubisoft’s store page is the place to verify current product details.
Ubisoft’s current game page lists PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Ubisoft+, Amazon Luna, Mac through the Mac App Store, and Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store. The same page describes iPad as “coming,” so it does not establish that the iPad version has launched. The game follows Naoe and Yasuke in a late-Sengoku setting, with stealth-focused and combat-focused play styles. Check Ubisoft’s game page for its current platform and product information.
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What remains useful from the original premium offer?
The original offer is useful mainly as release-history context: Gold, Ultimate, Collector’s Edition, and Ubisoft+ Premium were once associated with a three-day head start, but the head start was removed. Those labels alone do not establish what is included in a current edition. Compare the live edition contents and platform requirements directly on the store page before choosing.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
