Fans of the popular Assassin's Creed franchise have been eagerly anticipating the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, which is set to officially launch on March 20, 2025, after facing multiple delays.
Ubisoft, the game's developer, recently revealed the global launch timing, generating buzz among players. According to the company, the game will be available on various platforms, including Steam, Ubisoft Connect, and consoles. Notably, the release times vary by location: it will be available at 12 AM EDT on March 20th for New York, at 10 PM GMT on March 19th for London on Ubisoft Connect, and at 11 PM AEDT on March 19th for Sydney on Ubisoft Connect as well.
The excitement among players reflects the innovative gameplay set against the backdrop of Feudal Japan. The game features dual protagonists, continuing the franchise’s tradition of rich storytelling and diverse character backgrounds. "I haven’t really stopped thinking about it," stated one preview author, praising Ubisoft for creating stunning visuals and scenarios within the game. The author elaborated, saying, "I can’t wait to see more; even if this game doesn’t reinvent the wheel, we could still very well be looking at the best Assassin's Creed since Origins." Such sentiments echo the high expectations fans place on this next installment.
To ramp up anticipation, Ubisoft partnered with Red Bull to offer players exclusive promotional items. Fans can collect unique trinkets by participating in quizzes offered through this collaboration. One such item is the Red Bull Medalion Trinket, which grants players using the character Naoe +3% affliction buildup on enemies with more than half health. Meanwhile, Yasuke can utilize the Red Bull Wooden Plaque Trinket to restore 2% health upon dodging attacks.
Despite the excitement surrounding the promotional item opportunity, not all fans have had smooth experiences. Some players expressed frustrations on the Assassin's Creed Shadows subreddit, voicing concerns over not receiving email confirmations from Red Bull after completing the quiz multiple times. One fan shared, "I haven’t gotten any form of email from Red Bull and I’ve completed this quiz multiple times..." Such comments indicate the community's anticipation intertwined with current confusion.
Ubisoft's reveal on March 9, 2025, not only cleared up the timeline but also illustrated their marketing approach, blending gameplay excitement with real-world engagement through Red Bull. Players are urged to keep their emails close for updates as it’s likely codes for the trinkets will be sent closer to the game's release.
Assassin's Creed Shadows promises not only immersive storytelling and character development but also impressive performance features. The game has been optimized for the Xbox Series X with various performance modes. On this console, players can enjoy Performance mode at 2160p via upscaling at 60 FPS with selective ray-tracing, Fidelity mode at 2160p at 30 FPS with standard ray-tracing, and Balanced mode at 2160p at 40 FPS, though this requires either 120hz or 240hz displays. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S version offers Fidelity mode at 1620p at 30 FPS with selective ray-tracing.
This focus on performance underlines Ubisoft's commitment to providing gamers with cutting-edge gameplay experiences, particularly for next-generation consoles.
With the clock ticking down to launch, fans are preparing for what adventures await them within the beautifully crafted world of Assassin's Creed Shadows. While some uncertainties surrounding promotional items may need clarification, the overall enthusiasm for the game continues to build.
For fans yearning for their next adventure, get ready to explore the intriguing landscapes and narratives lined up for the March 20 release. The anticipation is palpable, and with it, the potential for another landmark title within the illustrious Assassin's Creed series.