# **Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Release Pushed to February 2025 – Key Information Revealed**
Ubisoft has recently disclosed a notable postponement for its eagerly awaited game, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, moving the launch date from November 2024 to February 14, 2025. This entry into the *Assassin’s Creed* series represents a remarkable deviation from the franchise’s usual punctuality, which has previously seen only minor setbacks. This announcement comes during a tough phase for Ubisoft, grappling with disappointing sales for *Star Wars Outlaws* and rising unease regarding the development of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.
## **The Delay: What Led to It?**
Ubisoft officially communicated the delay through a statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on September 25, 2024. The statement, translated from Ubisoft’s announcement, states:
> “Assassin’s Creed Shadows will now launch on February 14, 2025.”
The choice to postpone the release by several months has drawn attention, particularly as previous *Assassin’s Creed* games have generally adhered to their release timelines, occasionally debuting ahead of schedule. For example, *Assassin’s Creed Mirage* was released before its anticipated date, and the sole earlier delay in the series occurred with *Assassin’s Creed Unity*, which was delayed by just two weeks back in 2014.
### **Reason for the Delay?**
As indicated in Ubisoft’s official communication, the delay is mainly attributed to the ambitious nature of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, which will take players to feudal Japan for the first time in the series’ history. The game is set to introduce various new features, such as an upgraded parkour system, an overhauled stealth mechanic, and cutting-edge technology designed to enrich the game world in groundbreaking ways.
The statement elaborates:
> “Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a dream project for us; bringing the series to feudal Japan for the first time with numerous innovative features we are crafting with our audience in mind, such as parkour or the improved stealth system, facilitated by new technology, firmly placed in a stunning and immersive environment.”
Ubisoft highlighted the necessity for the development team to have more time to ensure the final product aligns with the high expectations of both fans and developers alike. The company aims to deliver a refined, immersive experience that does justice to the rich historical backdrop and the dual protagonists who will drive the narrative.
### **Effect on Pre-orders and DLC**
To mitigate the impact of the delay, Ubisoft has declared that all pre-orders for *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be reimbursed. Moreover, players who pre-order the game following the announcement of the new release date will receive the first DLC expansion at no charge. This gesture mirrors what Ubisoft offered nearly a decade ago when *Assassin’s Creed Unity* experienced a short delay, although this time, the complimentary DLC is exclusive to pre-orders.
### **Cancellations and Speculations**
The delay comes on the heels of a series of worrisome developments related to *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. Insider reports indicate that early gameplay testing events were canceled, and Ubisoft also withdrew the game from its anticipated showcase at the Tokyo Game Show 2024. These cancellations intensified speculation about significant challenges in the game’s development, with the delay announcement confirming that additional time is required to tackle these concerns.
## **What Does This Mean for Ubisoft?**
Ubisoft is navigating a challenging landscape at present. The company recently disclosed unsatisfactory sales figures for *Star Wars Outlaws*, another key title within its lineup. The delay of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, a title expected to be a significant hit for the company in late 2024, adds more pressure to Ubisoft’s financial outlook.
This postponement also signifies that Ubisoft will miss the profitable holiday season, a crucial period when numerous major game releases typically achieve robust sales. Instead, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will now arrive in February 2025, a month already looking highly competitive. Other prominent titles, such as *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* and *Civilization 7*, are also set to release around the same timeframe, possibly making it challenging for *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* to distinguish itself in a saturated market.
## **What to Anticipate from Assassin’s Creed Shadows**
Despite the setback, anticipation for *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* remains high. The game will mark the franchise’s inaugural venture into feudal Japan, a locale that fans have long desired. Ubisoft has promised a deeply engaging world, featuring a revamped parkour system and a more advanced stealth mechanic, both designed to capitalize on the capabilities of modern gaming technology.
One of the most captivating elements of the game is the introduction of two central characters, a first for the series. While information about these protagonists is currently limited, it’s evident that Ubisoft is working to ensure a unique and compelling experience for players.