The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →No. Assassin’s Creed Shadows launched on March 20, 2025, so there is no pre-launch early-access period to join now. Ubisoft did announce a three-day early-access offer under the game’s original November 2024 release plan, but that schedule was later replaced.
What was the original early-access offer?
In November 2024, Ubisoft said buyers of the then-planned Gold, Ultimate, or Collector’s Edition—and Ubisoft+ Premium subscribers—could start playing three days before the scheduled November 15, 2024 launch, on November 12. That was an offer tied to the original release schedule, not a current way to get into the game early. Ubisoft’s original announcement describes those terms.
When did Assassin’s Creed Shadows actually launch?
Ubisoft moved the launch to March 20, 2025. In its January 9, 2025 announcement, Ubisoft stated: “Accordingly, the new release date is March 20, 2025.” The date change superseded the November 2024 schedule associated with the early-access announcement. Ubisoft’s release-date announcement confirms the final launch date.
Do any editions or Ubisoft+ Premium offer early access now?
No. The Ubisoft Store lists the Standard and Digital Deluxe editions as released March 20, 2025, and the Premium Edition as released September 16, 2025. These are edition release dates, not early-access windows. Buying an edition or subscribing now cannot provide access before the game’s launch. Ubisoft Store’s listing shows the edition dates.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
The original announcement named Ubisoft+ Premium as eligible for the planned November 2024 offer. The available official information does not establish that those early-access terms carried over to the final March 2025 launch, so that historical offer should not be treated as a current subscription benefit.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 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.
Rank #2
- ENTER FEUDAL JAPAN - 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.
- MASTER COMPLEMENTARY PLAYSTYLES - Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.
- MAKE INFORMATION YOUR WEAPON - Travel 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
- BUILD A PLACE TO CALL HOME - 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 buildings layout, decorations, and accessories.
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