Ubisoft confirmed that Claws of Awaji, the first DLC for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, will release on September 16 for those who pre-ordered. The expansion continues Naoi’s story and introduces new enemy types, including tree-based ambush units and trap hazards. A staff-based ability appears to launch enemies mid-air, hinting at new gameplay mechanics. To access the expansion, players must complete the base game’s main story. Ubisoft plans to share additional details about upcoming expansions in the near future.
New Game Plus, Knowledge Rank, and Forge System Overhaul
On July 29, Assassin’s Creed Shadows receives a significant update. This includes the arrival of New Game Plus with major carryovers: player level, gear, hideout upgrades, and knowledge rank progress. Players can begin NG+ from the start or resume at the hideout unlock point. An exclusive outfit and katana for Naoi will serve as NG+ rewards. However, the objective board and explored map regions will reset, so players are encouraged to complete activities and target boards beforehand to gain mastery points.
The knowledge rank cap increases from 8 to 10, with two new passive effect trees. Bonuses include stronger combo finishers, improved ability follow-up damage, and enhanced attacks after kills. These upgrades are not NG+ exclusive.
The level cap will also rise from 60 to 80, alongside new hideout building improvements and achievements. The forge receives its first upgrade on July 29, followed by another in early September. This second upgrade will allow gear upgrades from legendary to artifact tier, unlocking new stat bonuses or potential engraving slots. These higher-tier items may mirror Valhalla’s divine gear rarity, offering increased upgrades and unique enhancements.
Cosmetic Rewards, Projects, and Gameplay Tweaks
A new project featuring Yasuke’s legendary armor reskin and additional rewards like canniba weapons, gold, keys, and lore items arrives July 29. Another outfit for Naoi is expected within this project as well. Ubisoft is targeting a new project every two months moving forward. The Sun and Moon Pack and a new hideout bundle will also be available in the store on the same day.
The next patch in early September introduces long-requested features such as time-of-day switching, letting players choose between dusk and dawn. A map unfog option will be enabled upon completing all view points in a region. Hideout enhancements continue, along with a PC-exclusive unlocked framerate for cutscenes. While not confirmed, legacy outfits are teased for both protagonists, possibly including iconic gear from previous Assassin’s Creed entries.
Data Fragment Changes and Weekly Mission Rework
Weekly missions will now refresh twice per week, doubling the total to eight. However, the cost of the final key reward per project increases from 2,500 to 10,000 data fragments. Ubisoft acknowledged this trade-off and is exploring additional methods to earn fragments, with updates expected soon.
A Reddit AMA on August 12 will offer players an opportunity to ask questions about future content. While Ubisoft has packed this summer with substantial updates, some concerns remain around grind balance and cosmetic exclusivity. More clarity should arrive in the coming weeks. With more updates and surprises on the horizon, Assassin’s Creed Shadows looks set to evolve steadily through the rest of the year.
