Assassin’s Creed Shadows launched on March 20, 2025, and Ubisoft has rolled out a technical update. This update adds PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution 2.0 support and includes a free weapon drop. Still, it hasn’t eased the growing frustration within the community regarding the game’s DLC pricing.
PC Gamer reviewed the game after six hours of gameplay and highlighted ten key takeaways. They discussed Naoe’s stealth mechanics and Yasuke’s brute-force combat. The preview offered an encouraging look at the feudal Japan setting and the dynamic between the two characters. Ubisoft’s internal teams seem to have put significant effort into these areas, especially after facing years of criticism about open-world fatigue in the franchise.
The PSSR 2.0 integration is an important upgrade for PS5 Pro users. Sony’s second-generation upscaling algorithm aims to improve image clarity and lessen ghosting compared to the earlier version. Ubisoft is among the first major publishers to embrace this update. The free weapon included with the patch seems aimed at rewarding loyal players and attracting those who may have stepped away, a common strategy in live-service games.
Yet, Ubisoft’s approach to monetization is drawing considerable backlash. The game is currently priced at $0.49 on Steam, likely due to a regional pricing quirk or a promotional offer. Players aiming for 100% completion are reporting that they need to buy around $90 USD worth of DLC to unlock the final achievement. For a franchise that already has a high base price, this has sparked significant criticism from completionists and budget-conscious gamers alike.
The wider context of the Assassin’s Creed franchise adds depth to this situation. Ubisoft has postponed the AC Black Flag remake to July 9 and plans to incorporate RPG elements into what was initially marketed as a faithful remake, which has caused its own controversy. A reveal event for AC Black Flag: Resynced was also mentioned before this announcement. With Shadows still finding its footing after launch, Ubisoft is juggling multiple perceptions of the franchise at once.
| Release Date | March 20, 2025 |
| Developer | Ubisoft |
| Genres | Action, Adventure |
| Current Steam Price | $0.49 |
| Reported Full-Completion DLC Cost | ~$90 USD |
| New Technical Feature | PSSR 2.0 (PS5 Pro) |
Community sentiment is leaning negative. One Steam reviewer stated: “Avoid. If you hunt to get 100% completions, prepare to shell out $90 USD in DLC to get the last achievement for that hundo. Guess what game in my library is never getting fully completed.” This perspective has popped up across multiple reviews, indicating it’s a widespread concern, not just a single user’s frustration.
What To Watch
- DLC pricing response: Keep an eye on whether Ubisoft changes the achievement-gating structure or bundles DLC content in response to community backlash. A reversal or compromise here would show that the publisher is listening.
- PSSR 2.0 performance data: Look for independent technical analyses from outlets like Digital Foundry to see if the PS5 Pro upgrade offers real benefits or just minor improvements.
- Black Flag Resynced reveal impact: The AC Shadows preview coverage from PC Gamer and the upcoming Black Flag reveal will influence how players perceive Ubisoft’s direction for the franchise. Watch how the Resynced announcement is received, especially given the mixed signals around Shadows.
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is the Reviews and Guides Editor at Explosion.com. With a background in game design studies and 6 years of gaming journalism, Sarah brings technical insight to her reviews and creates comprehensive guides that help players get the most out of their games. She has reviewed over 200 titles across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms. Her current obsessions include FromSoftware titles and indie roguelikes.
