Assassin’s Creed Shadows made quite the splash on launch day, drawing in over a million players eager to dive into its new adventure. This remarkable debut stands out, even surpassing the launches of previous titles in the beloved franchise. For Ubisoft, especially after a few lukewarm launches in the past, this enthusiastic reception represents a promising new chapter.
Released on March 20, 2025, the long-awaited Assassin’s Creed Shadows arrived on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC with much fanfare. Setting the game in the often-requested environment of Feudal Japan was a strategic choice, drawing interest from both loyal fans and newcomers who are fascinated by the era. Players have already been captivated by the unique storyline featuring a samurai named Yasuke and a stealthy shinobi named Naoe. Their divergent paths and shared destiny offer a compelling narrative that has earned an impressive average score of 81 on OpenCritic, and it’s not just critics who are raving. The word of mouth among players is just as strong, with many diving in to experience the rich gameplay firsthand.
Just hours after its release, news spread via Twitter that Assassin’s Creed Shadows had crossed the one million players mark. The game’s popularity skyrocketed, climbing to the top of Steam’s Top Sellers chart in record time, pushing aside other popular games like Monster Hunter Wilds and Split Fiction. Currently, the game boasts over 41,000 players concurrently, according to SteamDB, underscoring its successful reception.
With such a promising start, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is already making a mark as a standout entry in the series. The game’s concurrent player count on Steam alone eclipses the combined totals of previous installments, Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Valhalla. Not only has it outperformed these games in numbers, but the critical acclaim it has received adds to its early success. While it doesn’t quite surpass the 83 score of Valhalla, its innovative gameplay and engaging story have certainly set a high bar for future releases.
For Ubisoft, the booming success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is likely a breath of fresh air. The company had faced a tough year in 2024 with high-profile games like Star Wars Outlaws and XDefiant not hitting the desired mark. The promising performance of Shadows might just be the boost Ubisoft needs to reignite its standing in the gaming world amidst swirling rumors of potential takeovers.
Assassin’s Creed fans can now immerse themselves in the lush, vibrant landscapes of 16th century Japan, taking on the roles of Naoe and Yasuke. Players will navigate a world filled with dramatic weather shifts and dynamic environments, forging alliances, honing unique skills, and crafting their own path through this enthralling narrative. With such exciting content and high player engagement right off the bat, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the gaming community.
