The trailer drop for Assassin’s Creed Shadows has created buzz among the community, with the need for online connection being a hot talking point. Following a confusing listing on the PlayStation Store that indicated an internet connection prerequisite, Ubisoft has confirmed that the Japan-set game will be fully playable offline.
Online connection, however, is required to install it, following a wider trend where even disc versions have to run on internet connection before play. “We wanted to share some early information on the upcoming launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, following some questions we’ve noticed in the community,” reads the publisher’s clarification on X/Twitter.
“Assassin’s Creed Shadows will not require a mandatory connection at all times. An online connection will be needed to install the game, but you will be able to play the entire journey offline, and explore Japan without any online connection.”
The PlayStation Store listing has since been changed, with online play now changed to “optional”. It spells an optimistic start for the upcoming adventure, which launches 15 November on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna, PC, and Macs with Apple silicon.
Set in 16th-century Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows follows the intertwined stories of Naoe, a stealthy shinobi from the Iga Province, and Yasuke, the powerful samurai of historical legend. It will mark the first time in the series that players take control of a real figure from history, with each character featuring their own progression paths, skills, weapons, and stats.
Alongside the cinematic trailer, Ubisoft also announced three different game versions — the Gold Edition (US$109.99), the digital-only Ultimate Edition (US$129.99), and the Collector’s Edition (US$279.99).
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Gerald
