Overview of Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows is emerging as a top-selling video game of 2025, second only to Monster Hunter Wilds.
- The game has garnered positive initial sales and feedback, despite not achieving the highest review scores in the franchise.
- A downloadable content (DLC) expansion titled Claws of Awaji is planned for release soon.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands out as a significant accomplishment in the gaming landscape of 2025. This latest installment in the stalwart franchise ventures into the intriguing setting of feudal Japan, featuring the young shinobi Naoe and the samurai Yasuke. Together, they embark on a quest for vengeance against those responsible for Naoe’s father’s death. Prior to its much-anticipated launch on March 20, 2025, Assassin’s Creed Shadows faced various delays and controversies. However, the official release has yielded positive reviews.
While it may not surpass some earlier franchise titles in review ratings, many gamers appreciate Assassin’s Creed Shadows as a fulfilling addition to the series. Its stunning graphics and distinct gameplay mechanics cater to the unique skill sets of its main characters, contributing to its initial sales success. Following its launch, the game dominated the UK’s physical sales charts for two weeks consecutively, solidifying its position as one of Ubisoft’s most successful game launches to date.
In the United States, Assassin’s Creed Shadows recently claimed the top spot as the best-selling game of the week, according to the Circana Retail Tracking Service, as shared by gaming analyst Mat Piscatella. Currently, it is set to be one of the best-selling games of 2025, only overshadowed by Monster Hunter Wilds, which had a record-breaking launch week in February.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Sets Sales Milestones
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows was the best-selling game of the week in the US and already ranks among the top 5 best-selling games YTD (dollars, w/e Mar 22, 2025). Only Monster Hunter: Wilds reached higher week 1 dollar sales in 2025 so far. Source: Circana Retail Tracking Service
— Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) 2025-03-31T14:49:02.545Z
The gaming community has recognized Assassin’s Creed Shadows for its engaging gameplay. Notable industry figures, like Baldur’s Gate 3’s publishing director Michael “Cromwelp” Douse, praised the combat mechanics as some of the finest the series has produced. Additionally, Hideki Kamiya, creator of acclaimed titles such as Okami and Bayonetta, has defended the game against initial criticisms, labeling them as exaggerated.
Following the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the Ubisoft Quebec development team expressed gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support and teased forthcoming content. The DLC expansion, titled Claws of Awaji, aims to enhance the gaming experience by introducing a new region filled with thrilling challenges and spooky elements, promising around ten hours of engaging content expected later this year. As it stands, the base game is enjoying both critical acclaim and commercial success, paving the way for Assassin’s Creed Shadows to be one of the standout games of 2025.