Assassin’s Creed Shadows took the gaming world by storm, achieving over one million players on its launch day, exceeding the debut success of its predecessors. This impressive start could be a game-changer for Ubisoft, especially after several of its past releases failed to hit the mark.
Landing on March 20, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has finally delivered the long-anticipated Feudal Japan setting that fans have been clamoring for. The game introduces players to a captivating narrative through the eyes of two diverse protagonists: Yasuke, a skilled samurai, and Naoe, a cunning shinobi. Their intertwined stories have been well-received, as reflected by the game’s solid 81 average score on OpenCritic. But the acclaim doesn’t stop with critics; players around the world are jumping in to experience it for themselves.
A tweet from the official Assassin’s Creed Shadows account proudly shared how the player base skyrocketed to one million shortly after launch, barely 15 hours into its availability. This surge was bolstered by its rapid climb to the top of Steam’s sales charts, quickly surpassing other popular titles such as Monster Hunter Wilds and Split Fiction. Concurrent players on Steam reached over 41,000, a testament to the game’s widespread appeal and interest.
So far, the player response to Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been overwhelmingly positive, putting it on a promising trajectory. The fact that its peak player count on Steam surpassed those of past releases like Mirage and Valhalla combined speaks volumes. With a slightly higher critical reception than its immediate predecessor and nearly matching Valhalla, Shadows has set a new benchmark for the series.
For Ubisoft, the game’s early success offers some much-needed optimism after a challenging 2024, where major titles like Star Wars Outlaws and XDefiant didn’t quite meet expectations. Should Shadows maintain this momentum, it might not only bolster the Assassin’s Creed franchise but also play a pivotal role for Ubisoft’s future, which is currently shadowed by speculation of potential takeovers.
This title invites players to immerse themselves in a beautifully crafted world set in turbulent times. Playing as Yasuke and Naoe, they’ll navigate Japan’s stunning landscapes, engage in dynamic weather conditions, and adapt to a reactive environment. Players will leverage stealth, precision, and strategy to overcome their foes and recruit allies with unique skills to aid in their missions. With opportunities to customize a hideout and train a crew of shinobi, Assassin’s Creed Shadows provides a rich, engaging experience that challenges and delights in equal measure.
