Assassins' Creed: Shadows Expansion Unveiled

Assassin's Creed Shadows' First DLC, "Claws of Awaji," Leaks on Steam

Details regarding the upcoming "Claws of Awaji" expansion for Assassin's Creed Shadows have seemingly surfaced prematurely via a Steam leak, according to reports. This first DLC for the highly anticipated title will introduce a new region, weapon type, skills, gear, and more, extending gameplay by over 10 hours. The leak, originating from a since-removed Steam update, also suggests pre-ordering the game will grant access to both the "Claws of Awaji" DLC and a bonus mission.

Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in 16th-century feudal Japan, marks a significant milestone for the franchise, fulfilling a long-standing fan request. Players will assume the roles of dual protagonists: Yasuke, a Samurai, and Naoe, a Shinobi, navigating the era's turbulent landscape. The game's development has, however, been fraught with challenges, including negative reactions to character reveals and multiple release date postponements.

The latest delay, pushing the launch from February 14, 2025, to March 20, 2025, further underscores these difficulties. Ubisoft cited the need for additional polish and refinement. This news comes amidst wider uncertainty surrounding Ubisoft's future, fueled by ongoing rumors of a potential Tencent acquisition. The company has recently faced criticism for the underperformance of several high-profile releases.

This leak, coinciding with the recent delay announcement, adds another layer of complexity to the already turbulent journey of Assassin's Creed Shadows towards its release.