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Assassin's Creed Shadows release date: Prepare for your journey to feudal Japan as the iconic game franchise returns in March 2025

Two new protagonists and a brand new time period that is ripe for adventure await fans of the Assassin's Creed series when it launches on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox consoles.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Screenshots — Image credit: Ubisoft

Guides by Trent Cannon, Senior Contributing writer

Published on Tue Jan 21 2025

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One of the most successful gaming franchises in modern history has been Assassin’s Creed. The series has become a pillar of the action-adventure genre and continues to be a huge hit for developer Ubisoft. So it isn’t surprising that another game in the historical fantasy series is on its way. The release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows is fast approaching and plugging us all back into the Animus with it.

In a first for the series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in feudal Japan, embracing the contrast between the honorable and powerful samurai and the elusive and nimbler ninja. Players will be able to control one of two protagonists – Yasuke, based on the real-life African samurai of the same name, and the ninja Naoe – when Assassin’s Creed Shadows releases on March 20, 2025.

The two different protagonists were developed by Ubisoft to allow players to approach Assassin’s Creed Shadows in different ways. Those wanting to focus on combat can control Yasuke, whose martial prowess has become the stuff of legends. However, if stealth is what you’re after, Naoe is reportedly the fastest assassin in franchise history. She even has a unique running animation that will look very familiar to fans of the Naruto anime.

The game will also feature different seasons, which will reportedly impact gameplay. A frozen lake in winter can provide a new avenue to the target while long grass provides cover in spring and summer.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is out on March 20, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox consoles.

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