Master The Blade With Everything We Know About ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’

If your favourite show of 2024 has been Shogun and you’ve been looking to scratch that katana-swinging itch, then Assassin’s Creed Shadows will likely be of interest. The latest instalment of Ubisoft’s popular action-stealth franchise is set to take place in feudal 16th century Japan, letting players assume the role of both samurai and shinobi.

While last year’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage adopted a smaller-scale “back-to-basics” approach, Shadows is set to return to the open-world vastness seen in previous entries in the series including Odyssey and Valhalla. Shadows also join the ranks of the lately popular sub-genre of samurai action games, including titles like Rise of the Ronin, Like a Dragon: Ishin! and Ghost of Tsushima.

Does Shadows have what it takes to stand in a now crowded field, especially when compared to the likes of Ghosts of Tsushima? The jury’s still out. Until then let’s take a look at what gamers can expect with Assassin’s Creed Shadows and everywhere you can preorder it in Australia.

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What Can We Expect In Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

As mentioned before, the biggest gameplay hook for Assassin’s Creed Shadows is that you’re able to alternate between two different characters in-game.

Whoever you choose will influence your play style and how you approach missions. There’s Yasuke, the legendary African samurai (true story) who focuses on strength-based sword combat, and Naoe, a shinobi who favours speed and stealth.

The ability to swap between characters can be a fun and exhilarating mechanic when executed well, like in GTA 5 or Spider-Man 2. Unlike those two games, which feature dedicated missions for specific characters, Shadows will let you approach every quest as either Yasuke or Naoe.

Alongside the return to the open-world RPG mechanics of previous entries, Shadows also includes dynamic seasonality and weather conditions that will change as you progress through the game.

Shadows is one of the games set to benefit from an enhancement update when played on Sony’s recently announced PS5 Pro.

Where Can You Preorder Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Where To Preorder The Standard Edition

The standard copy of the game is set to retail for $109.95, but depending on where you look it can be picked up with a $20 discount. All preorder versions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows are accompanied by a bonus quest, entitled Thrown to the Dogs.

For those who want even more bonus perks, JB Hi-Fi and EB Games are offering copies of the game that come with exclusive character packs. JB Hi-Fi’s “Limited Edition” comes with a Sekiryu character pack for Naoe, while EB Game’s Special Edition includes the Sekiryu character pack for Yasuke.

Here’s where you can preorder Assassin’s Creed Shadows in Australia:

• Amazon Australia: $89 (PS5 | Xbox)
• Big W: $89 (PS5 | Xbox)
• EB Games: $109.95 (PS5 | Xbox)
• EB Games (Special Edition): $109.95 (PS5 | Xbox)
• The Gamesmen: $89.95 (PS5 | Xbox)
• Harvey Norman: $88 (PS5 | Xbox)
• JB Hi-Fi: $89 (PS5 | Xbox)
• JB Hi-Fi (Limited Edition): $99 (PS5 | Xbox)
• Microsoft Store: $109.95
• Mighty Ape: $79 (PS5 | Xbox)
• PlayStation Store: $109.95

If you prefer to do your gaming on PC rather than home consoles, here’s where you can preorder Assassin’s Creed Shadows:

• Epic Store: $99.95 (Standard) | $159.95 (Gold) | $189.95 (Ultimate)
• Green Man Gaming: $99.95 (Standard) | $159.95 (Gold) | $189.95 (Ultimate)
• Mac App Store: $99.99

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Where To Preorder The Gold, Ultimate, And Collector’s Editions

Since Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a Ubisoft game, it’s all but obliged to have a dizzying array of special editions. The Gold Edition (RRP $159.95) includes the base game and the Thrown to the Dogs bonus quest, along with a season pass that includes two upcoming expansions and another bonus quest. The Gold Edition will also let you access the game three days before official launch.

Here’s where you can preorder the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gold Edition in Australia:

• Amazon Australia: $139 (PS5 | Xbox)
• Big W: $139 (PS5 | Xbox)
• EB Games: $159.95 (PS5 | Xbox)
• The Gamesmen: $159.95 (PS5 | Xbox)
• Harvey Norman: $138 (PS5 | Xbox)
• JB Hi-Fi: $149 (PS5 | Xbox)
• Microsoft Store: $158.95
• PlayStation Store: $159.95

If that isn’t enough for you, there’s also the Ultimate Edition. This bundle is a digital-only exclusive and includes everything in the Gold Edition. You’ll also get the Sekiryu Character Pack, the Sekiryu Hideout Pack, five skill points and the Red Dragon filter in Photo mode

Here’s where you can buy the Ultimate Edition of Assassin’s Creed Shadows:

• Microsoft Store: $188.95
• PlayStation Store: $188.95

Last, but not least, there’s the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Collector’s Edition. This EB Games exclusive includes everything featured in the Ultimate Edition, along with a Naoe and Yasuke statue, a SteelBook case, an art book, a world map, a Creed wall scroll, two Sumi-e lithographs and a life-sized replica of Naoe’s katana tsuba.

Here’s where you can buy the Collector’s Edition of Assassin’s Creed Shadows:

• EB Games: $359.95 (PS5 | Xbox | PC)

What Is The Release Date For Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be released in Australia on November 15th, 2024, and will be available on the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac and Amazon Luna.

However, if you buy the Gold, Ultimate or Collector’s Edition of the game, you’ll be able to play it three days earlier on November 12th.