After years of anticipation and several delays, Assassin's Creed Shadows is finally ready to make its grand debut on March 20. As the first mainline entry in the franchise set in feudal Japan, Shadows is one of the most highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed games to date. With two playable protagonists, stunning visuals, and rich historical inspiration, fans are eager to step into the shoes of Yasuke and Naoe for a fresh spin on stealth-action gameplay.

Whether you're planning to play on Xbox, PlayStation, or PC, this guide provides all the essential information: global release times, preload details, performance expectations, and available editions. We also provide you with a trading service where you can buy and sell Cheap Assassin's Creed Shadows Accounts, so let's take a deeper look!

Assassin's Creed Shadows Global Release Times

Console (Xbox & PlayStation) Release Times

For console players, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch at midnight local time on March 20. This means as soon as the clock strikes 12:00 AM in your region, the game will unlock and be available to play.

PlayStation: Release time is tied to your PSN account region. For example, players using a North American account will unlock the game based on Eastern Time (ET).

Xbox: The game’s unlock time is linked to the internal clock of the console, meaning players can use the well-known New Zealand trick to access the game early by switching their system location.

If you're on console, you're getting the game as soon as midnight hits, with no additional delay.

Tip: Preload the game early to jump in right at midnight (see preload times below).

Xbox and PlayStation Release Times

Steam Release Times 

When Can You Start Preloading Assassin's Creed Shadows?

Preloading is supported across all platforms, so you can download the game ahead of launch to start playing instantly when it unlocks.

Xbox Series X|S – Preloading is available now.

PlayStation 5 – Preload begins Tuesday, March 18 at 12 AM (local time).

PC (Steam) – Preload begins Monday, March 17 at 4 PM GMT.

Supported Platforms

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a next-gen exclusive and will not be available on PS4 or Xbox One. Supported platforms include:

• PlayStation 5

• Xbox Series X|S

• PC (Steam, Ubisoft Connect)

• macOS (via Apple Silicon)

• iPadOS (on M1+ iPads)

What Are the Console Performance & PC Requirements?

Console players can look forward to impressive performance options:

Performance Mode: 60 FPS

Fidelity Mode: 30 FPS with enhanced visuals

Balanced Mode: 40 FPS (for smoother experience with visual fidelity)

Note: Xbox Series S is limited to 30 FPS only.

On PC, the game is demanding. While lower-end GPUs like the GTX 1070 can run the game with compromises, you'll need a modern GPU and 16 GB of dual-channel RAM for optimal performance, especially with ray tracing enabled.

What Versions Are Available for Editions & Preorder Bonuses?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows comes in three editions:

Standard Edition ($69.99)

Base game only

Includes preorder bonuses (if applicable)

Deluxe Edition ($89.99)

Includes everything in the Standard Edition plus:

Sekiryu Gear Set for both Naoe and Yasuke

Eye of the Dragon Katana & Claw of the Dragon Long Katana

Sekiryu Beast Mount

Sekiryu Hideout Customization Pack (Wagasa, Tapestry, Mask, Mizubachi)

5 Mastery Points

Dragon Tooth Trinket

Collector’s Edition

Includes all Deluxe content

Exclusive physical collectibles (statues, map, steelbook, etc.)

Pre-ordering any edition grants access to:

Bonus Quest: Thrown to the Dogs

Story Expansion: Claws of Awaji (coming in 2025)

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Campaign Length & Game Features

Assassin's Creed Shadows will offer a 30–40 hour main campaign, with full completion stretching up to 80 hours. There is no multiplayer or Discovery Tour mode, keeping the experience purely single-player and story-driven.

Final Thoughts

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be a major leap forward for the franchise, offering a detailed Japanese setting, dual protagonists, and deep customization. Whether you're a stealth veteran or just eager to experience a samurai assassin's journey, March 20 can't come soon enough.