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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Ubisoft delayed Assassin’s Creed Shadows from November 15, 2024, to February 14, 2025, saying the game was feature complete but needed more polishing time informed by lessons from Star Wars Outlaws. February was not the final date: Ubisoft later moved the launch again, and its store lists March 20, 2025.
What was the Assassin’s Creed Shadows release timeline?
| Milestone | Date | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Original announced release | November 15, 2024 | Ubisoft’s initial launch date for the game. |
| First revised date announced | February 14, 2025 | Ubisoft announced this change on September 25, 2024. |
| Actual release date | March 20, 2025 | Ubisoft’s current store listing records this as the release date. |
That distinction matters: the February date was the first delay’s replacement date, not the date the game ultimately launched. Ubisoft’s current store listing gives March 20, 2025 as the release date.
Why did Ubisoft delay the game?
In its September 25, 2024 announcement, Ubisoft said Assassin’s Creed Shadows was feature complete and that “the learnings from the Star Wars Outlaws release led us to provide additional time to further polish the title.” In other words, Ubisoft presented the extra time as an opportunity for further polish, drawing on lessons from the launch of another game.
That is Ubisoft’s stated rationale, not independent proof that polishing was the sole factor behind the schedule change. The same announcement included company-wide comments from CEO Yves Guillemot about performance falling short of expectations and a renewed focus on a player-centric, gameplay-first approach. Those remarks describe Ubisoft’s broader priorities; they are not a separate, game-specific explanation of every development decision.
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#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.
What else changed in the September announcement?
Alongside the February 14 plan, Ubisoft announced changes to the release and preorder arrangements. These were the plans stated for that revised date; the date itself later changed to March 20, 2025.
- Season Pass: Ubisoft said it was departing from its traditional Season Pass model.
- Simultaneous access: The company said all players would be able to enjoy the game at the same time on February 14.
- Preorder bonus: Players who preordered would receive the first expansion for free.
- Steam: Ubisoft said the game would mark the return of its releases on Steam on Day 1.
What game and platforms did Ubisoft originally announce?
Ubisoft’s original announcement described a feudal-Japan setting and two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, with distinct gameplay styles. For the initially planned November 15, 2024 launch, it listed PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna, Macs with Apple silicon through the Mac App Store, and Windows PC through Ubisoft Store and Epic Games Store.
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.
That original platform list is separate from the later store listing, which names PC, PS5, Xbox, Steam, and Switch 2 digital availability alongside the March 20, 2025 release date. Storefront and platform availability can vary by format and may change; the two lists reflect different announcements at different points in the release timeline.
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.
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.
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