Assassin’s Creed Shadows Unveils Claws of Awaji Expansion Launching in September, New Game+ Arrives Next Week
Ubisoft has announced the upcoming release of the first major story expansion for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, titled “Claws of Awaji,” set to launch on September 16. This expansion promises to deliver over 10 hours of new gameplay, introducing players to a new region, weapons, and story elements. Additionally, Ubisoft revealed a summer roadmap for the game, featuring free updates that include a New Game+ mode and various enhancements. The game has already attracted over five million players since its launch.
Claws of Awaji Expansion Details
The Claws of Awaji expansion will introduce players to a new area on the map, expanding the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Players will explore the mysterious Island of Awaji, located beyond Osaka Bay, as they follow the protagonists Naoe and Yasuke on a quest for lost treasure. This new chapter will feature a fresh enemy faction known as Sanzoku Ippa, which will actively pursue and ambush the players throughout their journey.
In addition to the new region, the expansion will offer a variety of new weapons, abilities, outfits, and legendary gear. Players who pre-ordered the base game will receive the expansion for free, but it will only unlock after they complete the main storyline. For those who did not pre-order, the expansion will be available for purchase starting on September 16.
Summer Roadmap and Free Updates
Before the release of Claws of Awaji, Ubisoft will implement two significant free updates for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The first update, known as the Progression Update, is scheduled for July 29 and will introduce the highly anticipated New Game+ mode. This feature allows players to restart their campaign while retaining their character’s level, gear, skill points, Knowledge rank, and hideout progression.
The Progression Update will also raise the level cap from 60 to 80, introduce new Knowledge Ranks, and provide additional upgrades for hideout buildings. Players can expect new achievements, trophies, and animus-themed rewards as part of this update. The second free update, set for early September, will focus on quality-of-life improvements, including the ability to fast forward time-of-day, enhancements to the world map, and performance upgrades for PC users.
Player Engagement and Future Developments
Ubisoft recently reported that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has surpassed five million players since its launch in March. During a recent earnings call, CEO Yves Guillemot hinted at the development of new versions of the game for additional platforms, suggesting a potential release for the Nintendo Switch 2. While specific sales figures were not disclosed, the company indicated that Shadows has met its expectations and is performing well in the market.
Market analytics firm Alinea Analytics noted that Shadows is the third best-selling game on PS5 in 2025, with two million units sold. The game has also seen significant sales on Steam and Xbox, further solidifying its popularity. Despite a production budget exceeding EUR 100 million, Guillemot mentioned that the game has likely broken even but has not yet generated substantial profit. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is currently available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X, and the upcoming updates and expansions are set to enhance the gaming experience for its growing player base.
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