Assassin’s Creed Shadows FAQ: Preload Information, Preorder Rewards, Editions Overview & More

As the release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows approaches, excitement mounts alongside a variety of questions from players. Key inquiries revolve around early access, available platforms, and preorder incentives. To assist gamers in navigating these aspects, we’ve compiled essential information regarding the upcoming launch of AC Shadows.

Preload Timing for Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Assassin's Creed Shadows Release Times — Image via Ubisoft

The preload schedule for AC Shadows is somewhat unconventional, differing across platforms. Players on the Xbox Series X|S can preload the game starting March 4 at 2 PM UTC. For those on PC, preload access begins on March 17 at 4 PM UTC, while PS5 users will have to wait until midnight local time on March 18.

Release times also show variability depending on geographical location. Generally, players utilizing Ubisoft Connect will gain access hours earlier than those who do not. For instance, gamers in New York can expect synchronized access across all platforms.

East Coast US:
- March 20 at midnight EST for all platforms
Central US:
- Ubisoft Connect and Steam – March 19 at 10 PM CST
- Consoles – March 20 at midnight CST
West Coast US:
- Ubisoft Connect and Steam – March 19 at 9 PM PDT
UK:
- Ubisoft Connect – March 19 at 10 PM GMT
- Steam – March 20 at 4 AM GMT
- Consoles – March 20 at midnight GMT
Europe:
- Ubisoft Connect – March 19 at 11 PM CET
- Steam – March 20 at 5 AM CET
- Consoles – March 20 at midnight CET
Sydney:
- Ubisoft Connect – March 19 at 11 PM AEDT
- Steam – March 20 at 2 PM AEDT
- Consoles – March 20 at midnight AEDT

Install Size for AC Shadows by Platform

As gamers gear up for 2025’s wave of AAA titles, significant install sizes are to be expected. Currently, Xbox players, who have preloading access, can anticipate an install size of approximately 110 GB. While the size for the PS5 version remains unconfirmed, it’s advisable to prepare for a similar requirement.

PC specifications provide some insight, with Ubisoft noting a required size of about 106 GB of SSD storage for PC users as well, underscoring the demanding nature of this title.

Preorder Bonuses for Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Eager players who preorder Assassin’s Creed Shadows will receive exclusive benefits. One of the standout rewards is the Claws of Awaji expansion, set to introduce an additional 10 hours of content along with new abilities and weaponry upon release later this year.

Moreover, a bonus quest titled Thrown to the Dogs will be accessible at launch. This quest is particularly appealing for animal enthusiasts, as players will assist a devoted dog as it seeks revenge for its owner, providing a compelling incentive to preorder.

Available Editions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Assassin's Creed Shadows Editions — Image via Ubisoft

AC Shadows will be available in two editions: the Standard Edition priced at $69.99, which includes the Claws of Awaji expansion and bonus quest for preorders; and the Digital Deluxe Edition at $89.99, encompassing the same preorder benefits and an additional five in-game Mastery Points. Subscribers to Ubisoft+, priced at $17.99 per month, will automatically gain access to the Digital Deluxe Edition.

The Digital Deluxe Edition also includes the Deluxe Pack, offering additional in-game rewards:

Sekiryu Dual Pack:
- Sekiryu Gear Set for both Naoe and Yasuke
- Eye of the Dragon Katana
- Claw of the Dragon Long Katana
- Sekiryu Beast Mount
- Dragon Tooth Trinket
Sekiryu Hideout Pack:
- Sekiryu Wagasa
- Sekiryu Tapestry
- Sekiryu Mask
- Sekiryu Mizubachi

Will AC Shadows Be Available on Game Pass, Ubisoft Plus & PS Plus Extra?

While Game Pass frequently features prominent titles on day one, AC Shadows will not be available at launch. Currently, there are no announcements regarding a possible future inclusion on Game Pass, despite the presence of other Assassin’s Creed titles on the platform.

As for the PS Plus catalog, AC Shadows is not listed for any tier at present. There’s potential for future availability, but players can currently only purchase the game directly from the PlayStation Store.

Players subscribed to Ubisoft+ can look forward to immediate access to AC Shadows through their monthly fee, which includes the Digital Deluxe Edition as an added perk.

Will AC Shadows Be Released on Xbox One, PS4 & Nintendo Switch?

Unfortunately, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will not be launching on previous generation consoles or the Nintendo Switch. The game is confirmed exclusively for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, though a future port to the Nintendo Switch remains a possibility.

Should a version be developed, it’s likely that it would target the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 instead of the current hardware, given the enhanced capabilities anticipated with the new console.

Chronological Placement of AC Shadows

Yasuke fighting a masked enemy in a scene from AC Shadows — Image via Ubisoft

Set in Feudal Japan around 1579, AC Shadows falls between Assassin’s Creed Revelations (1511-1512) and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag (1715-1722).Although it occupies this timeline, crossover with characters from these titles is unlikely due to the period’s geographic isolation.

Still, there is room for connection, as characters from Revelations may eventually make their way to Japan alongside Yasuke, whose story begins at this time. Additionally, the influence of the Italian Brotherhood on events, similar to Ezio’s mentorship of the Chinese assassin Shao Jun, could resonate through AC Shadows.

DLC Expansion Plans for AC Shadows

Currently, only the Claws of Awaji expansion is announced for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, with no set release date, though it’s expected to launch sometime in 2025. This expansion promises over 10 hours of new content.

Set on a different island, the expansion allows further exploration and utilization of the new weapon, the Bō. A fresh faction introduced in the DLC will challenge Naoe and Yasuke, providing a distinct shift in experience for players.

Performance Metrics for AC Shadows on Consoles

Anticipate significant performance demands from AC Shadows, as it pushes the limits of modern gaming technology. While console specs may show limited variability, players on the Xbox Series S may face less optimal performance than their counterparts, with the PS5 Pro potentially delivering superior performance.

Platform	Resolution	Frame Rate	Ray Tracing
Xbox Series S	1620p Upscaled	30 FPS	Selective
Xbox Series X	2160p Upscaled	Fidelity – 30 FPS / Performance – 60 FPS / Balanced – 40 FPS	Selective or Standard
PS5	2160p Upscaled	Fidelity – 30 FPS / Performance – 60 FPS / Balanced – 40 FPS	Selective or Standard
PS5 Pro	2160p Upscaled	Fidelity – 30 FPS / Performance – 60 FPS / Balanced – 40 FPS	Standard or Extended

These specifications highlight the Xbox Series S as the outlier, while the PS5 Pro shines with advanced ray tracing capabilities. The variations in ray tracing—Selective, Standard, and Extended—determine the extent of graphical enhancements throughout gameplay.

System Requirements & Specifications for Assassin’s Creed Shadows on PC

PC users need to be mindful of their hardware capabilities, with the following requirements outlined for various performance tiers.

Assassin's Creed Shadows PC specifications table — Image via Ubisoft

Minimum PC Requirements:
- CPU – Intel Core i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Graphics – Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 8GB / AMD Radeon RX 5700 8GB
- RAM – 16 GB Dual Channel
Recommended PC Requirements:
- CPU – Intel Core i5-11600K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Graphics – Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060TI 8GB / AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT 12GB
- RAM – 16 GB Dual Channel
Ultra PC Requirements:
- CPU – Intel Core i7 13700K / AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Graphics – Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 24GB
- RAM – 16 GB Dual Channel

These details provide a comprehensive overview for players gearing up for the March 20 launch. Without a pre-release period, fans can anticipate engaging with the game simultaneously. Prepare your gear and skills; the journey awaits!

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