Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers beauty and immersion while sparking debates, making it Ubisoft’s most divisive game. Read more why.
Ubisoft finally did it. After years of fans screaming “Take us to Japan already!”, they delivered Assassin’s Creed Shadows in early 2025. And yes, it’s visually stunning, the combat is intense, with the seasonal cycles turning Japan into more than just a beautiful backdrop, but a living, breathing location. Yes, compared to previous titles, the world might feel more immersive and alive, but sometimes beauty always comes with baggage. In the last one year or more, Shadows had already sparked more arguments than a late-night Twitter thread, and some of the backlash is louder than the praise. From character choices to the same old revenge template, from repetitiveness to pricey DLC, this entry is both a dream come true and a familiar Ubisoft headache which it has been criticized for.
Yasuke controversy: Was the character actually real??
If you are wondeirng “Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows Is So Controversial?- Let’s start with the most heated debate of them all: Yasuke. Ubisoft put the real-life African samurai in the spotlight as one of the main protagonists. Although later some players did calm down after learning that he is not the main protagonist but the secondary one. Some players love it. They see it as bold, refreshing, and a step toward diversity in a franchise that’s known to be mostly Euro-centric. Others? Well, they’re sharpening their pitchforks. Hardcore history buffs argue that Ubisoft is twisting Japanese history for the sake of representation, and that Yasuke’s story doesn’t belong at the center of this setting.
So the community is split. On one side, fans shouting “finally, something different!” On the other, critics yelling that Ubisoft has abandoned authenticity. Like we said, after release, the furious debates started sounding more like background chatter because Yasuke was actually the secondary protagonist, the primary protagonist being Naoe. If nothing else, Yasuke has achieved one thing: turning Assassin’s Creed Shadows into the most debated game of the year. Ubisoft probably calls that a marketing win.
Regarding Yasuke, was the character real? Well, yes. Yasuke did exist, though records about him are scarce and often romanticized. We know he fought under Nobunaga, but Ubisoft has clearly taken creative liberties to turn him into a full-blown Assassin protagonist. Historians also debate whether he was ever officially a samurai at all, which makes Ubisoft’s portrayal more of a creative leap than a historical certainty.
Another revenge story, surprise surprise
If you’ve played Assassin’s Creed before, Shadows’ storyline will feel familiar enough to cause déjà vu. Naoe’s family tragedy pushes her down the classic revenge path. Haven’t we seen this movie already? Ezio lost his father and brothers, Connor lost his mother, Arno lost his father, Bayek lost his son, Eivor lost her parents along with her original clan… and now Naoe joins them all in the “revenge squad.”
We certainly hope Ubisoft doesn’t seem to have a Word file saved on their desktop titled “Insert tragic family death here.” It works, sure, but it’s about as fresh as reheated pizza. Still tasty, but you know exactly what you’re getting. So for those wondering “Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows Is So Controversial”, this is another reason why the story didn’t connect with some players.
Gameplay complaints: the Ubisoft checklist strikes again
Shadows introduces two very different playstyles with Yasuke’s brute force and Naoe’s stealth. On paper, it sounds great. In practice, the game is fun, but once you play 20-30 hours, the game starts to feel repetitive. Sneak, stab, loot, repeat. Yasuke bashes skulls while Naoe sneaks through the shadows, but after several hours, you realize you’re doing the same thing in different outfits.
Ubisoft is a master at creating giant maps filled with things to do, but most of it feels like busy work. The checklist fatigue is real. Some fans love it, calling it “immersive,” others call it “another Ubisoft open world where nothing really changes.”
Performance issues: Ubisoft’s favorite tradition
Here’s another Ubisoft classic: technical hiccups. Shadows looks incredible, no doubt. But on PC, especially, optimization can feel like a punishment. Frame drops, stutters, and bugs pop up like unwanted guests at a party.
Ubisoft games have a reputation: they’ll impress your eyes while tormenting your hardware. Shadows continues the legacy. The game is gorgeous, but don’t be shocked if your graphics card starts sounding like it’s preparing for liftoff.
The good news: visuals and seasons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Alright, enough roasting. Let’s give Ubisoft some credit. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is visually breathtaking. The way seasons change is pure art. Spring brings cherry blossoms, autumn paints the world in orange and red, and winter makes the landscape feel harsh and unforgiving. The detail is so good you might find yourself pausing for minutes just to watch leaves fall.
The immersion is on another level. Some might even compare it to Red Dead Redemption, which is considered by many as the most immersive game ever made. The dynamic weather and seasonal cycles actually make you feel like the world is alive. Sometimes it’s so pretty you almost forget to assassinate anyone. Almost.
The DLC problem: Claws of Awaji
And here’s where things get spicy again. Ubisoft already has a DLC lined up for Assassins Creed Shadows, called Claws of Awaji, set to release on September 16, 2025. The DLC adds a new region, Awaji Island, new weapons, and a rumored storyline which continues exploring the Assassin-Templar conflict.
Sounds great, right? The problem is many fans believe this content should have been in the main game. Especially since Shadows already comes with a hefty price tag. Players aren’t thrilled about paying extra to get to the core themes of the franchise. Ubisoft seems to be treating the Assassin-Templar conflict like bonus content when it should be obviously part of the main dish.
It feels less like an expansion and more like Ubisoft holding back pieces of the game to sell later. The fear is that Claws of Awaji won’t feel like a true expansion, but like a ransom note for your wallet. So if you have been wondering why Assassin’s Creed Shadows is so controversial, this is another reason.
So is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows worth playing?
If you have not played the game, let us tell you that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is definiteiy a fun game, but also a paradox. It’s one of the most beautiful, immersive, as well as ambitious Assassin’s Creed titles yet. But it’s also one of the most divisive. The Yasuke debate, the same old revenge formula, repetitive gameplay loops, and the looming DLC controversy all make it a lightning rod for criticism.
Ubisoft has given fans exactly what they wanted — feudal Japan — but also exactly what they feared: more of the same Ubisoft formula with a side of expensive add-ons. Shadows is both a dream come true and a reminder that nothing in the Assassin’s Creed series apparently come without arguments.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Claws of Awaji release date
The first DLC, Claws of Awaji, has a release date of September 16, 2025. The expansion promises a new island, new weapons, and possibly the long-awaited Assassin-Templar storyline. Many argue it should have been part of the main game considering the already steep base price. If you are already subscribed to Ubisoft premium, you need not pay extra for the DLC.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows system requirements
On PC, Shadows is a demanding beast. The minimum requirements for Assassin’s Creed Shadows include an Intel i7-8700K or Ryzen 5 3600, 16GB of RAM, and a GTX 1070 or equivalent. Recommended specs push it higher, with a modern RTX card needed if you want those stunning seasonal visuals to actually run smoothly. The game’s beauty comes at the cost of performance, and optimization complaints are already piling up.
How long to beat Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Players looking to play only through the main story will spend around 30 to 40 hours to beat the main story of Assasin’s Creed Shadows. On an average, you could say the main story takes around 35 hours. Completionists who want every collectible, every quest, and every seasonal screenshot are looking at closer to 70 to 80 hours. Ubisoft once again proves they can stretch a game out long enough for you to forget half the plot by the time you reach the end.
