An accidental Steam page update has unveiled Ubisoft’s ambitious plans for Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ first major expansion, “Claws of Awaji,” promising players more than 10 hours of fresh content set in a completely new region. The revelation comes amid news of the game’s second delay, pushing its release date to March 20, 2025.
The leaked information suggests that the expansion will transport players to Awaji Island, a location steeped in Japanese mythology as the legendary first island created by the deities Izanagi and Izanami according to Shinto beliefs. This setting choice aligns with the franchise’s recent trend of incorporating mythological elements alongside historical narratives, potentially offering players a unique blend of real-world history and Japanese folklore.
According to the briefly visible Steam page details, “Claws of Awaji” will introduce several new elements to enhance the gameplay experience, including an unprecedented weapon type, additional skills, fresh gear options, and expanded abilities. The expansion’s setting corresponds to a mysterious blank area on the game’s world map, previously glimpsed in the Collector’s Edition trailer, which showcased nine detailed regions alongside an unmarked island.
This DLC announcement arrives during a period of significant change for Ubisoft’s downloadable content strategy. Following the underwhelming performance of Star Wars Outlaws, the publisher has abandoned its traditional Season Pass model, which typically offered players access to two major expansions for approximately $30. The company has also reversed its controversial decision to charge premium prices for launch-day access, suggesting that expansions like “Claws of Awaji” might be offered free to all players.
The timing of this leak coincides with mounting pressure on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, as Ubisoft faces challenges on multiple fronts. The game’s development has been marked by controversy, including public apologies for inaccurate representations of Japanese culture and unauthorized use of a historical recreation group’s flag. Further complications arose when collectible manufacturer PureArts withdrew an Assassin’s Creed Shadows statue from sale due to concerns over its “insensitive” design.
As the first full-scale Assassin’s Creed title since 2020 and the franchise’s long-anticipated venture into feudal Japan, Shadows carries significant expectations. The game’s importance is magnified by Ubisoft’s recent struggles, with investors growing increasingly concerned about the company’s performance following several unsuccessful releases.
The Steam listing has created some confusion regarding access to the “Claws of Awaji” expansion. The wording suggests it might be a pre-purchase exclusive, similar to the bonus mission “Thrown to the Dogs.” However, industry observers note this would represent an unusual departure from traditional DLC distribution practices, particularly for content of this scale.
Despite these challenges and uncertainties, the expansion’s focus on Awaji Island presents intriguing possibilities for storytelling and gameplay. The island’s rich mythological significance could provide a compelling backdrop for the series’ signature blend of historical fiction and supernatural elements, potentially offering players a unique perspective on Japanese cultural heritage.
The revelation of this substantial DLC package, despite coming through an unintended leak, may help maintain player interest through the game’s extended development period. However, with the main game’s release now scheduled for March 20, following delays from its original November 12 launch date and subsequent February 14 target, players will need to exercise patience before exploring either the main campaign or its mythological expansion.
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