Despite its early promise, Assassin's Creed Shadows has failed to resonate with many players following its release on March 20, 2025. The game, developed by Ubisoft Quebec and published by Ubisoft, received mixed reactions, managing a top critic average of 81/100 on OpenCritic, with an overall recommendation rate of 82%.
While the dual-protagonist system and the depiction of feudal Japan attracted initial interest, some players found the RPG elements uninspiring. After completing the main storyline in roughly a week, one player expressed a lack of desire to engage further, even opting not to pursue the Claws of Awaji DLC. The visuals impressed, but the game ultimately did not leave a lasting impact.
As 2025 unfolded, numerous highly anticipated titles emerged, yet Shadows remained unfinished for many, indicating a shift in player engagement and expectations within the franchise.