The latest addition to the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, plunges players into the captivating world of feudal Japan. This 14th main installment introduces an innovative mechanic enabling players to control two distinct protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke. Ahead of the game’s launch, Ubisoft has announced an eagerly awaited expansion titled Claws of Awaji, set to be released in 2025, further enriching the game’s narrative.
What to Anticipate in Claws of Awaji
The upcoming expansion will transport players to the island of Awaji, located beyond the shores of Osaka Bay. This new open-world area brims with peril, showcasing a formidable faction known as the Sanzoku Ippa, infamous for their cunning traps and ambush tactics. Survival will rely heavily on players’ ability to employ stealth and strategic thinking.
In Claws of Awaji, Naoe and Yasuke embark on a quest for an enigmatic local treasure, which inevitably leads them into conflict with the Sanzoku Ippa. This confrontation will necessitate not only the evolution of their combat techniques but also the exploration of fresh tactical strategies. With a dynamic environment and the omnipresent threat of ambushes, even veteran players will face formidable challenges.
New Features in Claws of Awaji
Ubisoft has shared exciting details regarding the content of the Claws of Awaji expansion, which will include:
- A new, expansive open-world region to navigate.
- A challenging new faction, the Sanzoku Ippa.
- Over 10 hours of additional gameplay, featuring engaging side quests.
- New abilities and skills for both leading characters.
- Unique gear and weapons, including the exclusive Bō weapon for Naoe.
Naoe’s Bō weapon will introduce a distinctive combat style, enhancing gameplay dynamics, while Yasuke’s existing arsenal will remain unchanged for the time being. However, there are hints that future expansions may expand his weapon choices.
Accessing Claws of Awaji
Set to launch in late 2025, Claws of Awaji will not be part of the base game’s initial offering. However, players who pre-order Assassin’s Creed Shadows will receive the expansion at no extra cost upon its release. This offer applies to all versions of the game, including the Digital Deluxe edition.
In addition to this expansion, pre-ordering grants access to the exclusive bonus quest Thrown to the Dogs, available as soon as players start the game. Originally intended for a seasonal pass, Ubisoft opted to include it as a pre-order incentive after discontinuing their season pass model.
Claws of Awaji promises to enhance the gaming experience with over 10 hours of enriching gameplay and side quests that dive deeper into the lore of feudal Japan. With the introduction of the Bō, Naoe will broaden her combat repertoire, making the journey through this beautifully crafted world even more engaging.
While Ubisoft has not yet finalized a specific release date for Claws of Awaji, a launch later in 2025 has been indicated. This expansion illustrates Ubisoft’s dedication to providing substantial post-launch content for its community of players.