For years, fans of the Assassin’s Creed series have dreamed of a game set in Feudal Japan, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows promised to fulfil that wish. However, the game has faced criticism since its reveal, largely due to debates around Yasuke’s origins and Ubisoft’s familiar, and often criticized, open-world formula. Delays only added fuel to the fire, giving sceptics more reasons to doubt a title they’ve yet to experience.
Despite the rocky start, recent previews of Shadows have been surprisingly positive, sparking a renewed sense of hope among fans. In a timely move, Ubisoft has announced a free story DLC for those who pre-order the game, seemingly riding this wave of optimism. That said, Ubisoft’s history of aggressive monetization looms large.
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Free Expansion
The Assassin’s Creed franchise, despite being a single-player experience, has often locked desirable content—like visually impressive armour—behind paywalls. Perhaps the most controversial practice is the option to buy permanent double XP boosts, which effectively reduce the grind at an additional cost.
While the free DLC offer might appear generous, it’s hard not to see it as a calculated effort to win back goodwill and boost pre-orders. The timing, following positive previews, feels deliberate. Though it might seem cynical, Ubisoft’s reputation makes it difficult to interpret the move any other way.
The description of the expansion read, “In Claws of Awaji, feel the fear of being hunted and under threat on a mysterious island. Reclaim a lost treasure while avoiding the traps and ambushes of deadly new foes. Master the Bō, a new weapon type, unlock new skills, gear, abilities, and get over 10 hours of additional content.”
For those already planning to purchase Assassin’s Creed Shadows, this offer is worth considering. Getting a free expansion with over ten hours of additional gameplay is certainly appealing. That said, the DLC won’t be available until its release sometime in late 2025, so there’s still a bit of a wait ahead.
