Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Date – When Can You Start Playing?

Ubisoft’s long-awaited Assassin’s Creed Shadows is nearly here, bringing the franchise to feudal Japan for the first time. With two protagonists, shinobi Naoe and Samurai Yasuke, and a massive open world, the hype for this entry is off the charts. But when exactly can you start playing? Well, that depends on where you are and what platform you’re on.

Official Release Date:

📅 Thursday, March 20, 2025

However, thanks to regional rollouts and time zone differences, some players will get access as early as March 19.

What Time Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release?

Console (PS5 & Xbox Series X/S) Release Time

For PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S players, the game unlocks at midnight local time on March 20.

But here’s a sneaky trick—Xbox players can switch their console region to New Zealand to get in early. Since New Zealand is one of the first time zones to hit midnight on March 20, players who change their location can start playing while the rest of the world waits.

To put it in perspective:

• New Zealand (NZDT) – March 20, 12:00 AM
• UK (GMT) – March 19, 11:00 AM
• Europe (CET) – March 19, 12:00 PM
• East Coast US (ET) – March 19, 7:00 AM
• West Coast US (PT) – March 19, 4:00 AM

So, if you’re on Xbox and feeling impatient, a quick settings change might just get you a head start.

PC (Steam & Ubisoft Connect) Release Time

The PC release works a little differently. Depending on whether you’re playing via Steam or Ubisoft Connect, your start time varies by region.

• Steam Release:
  • UK: March 20, 4:00 AM (GMT)
  • Europe: March 20, 5:00 AM (CET)
  • US West Coast: March 19, 9:00 PM (PT)
  • US East Coast: March 20, 12:00 AM (ET)
  • Japan: March 20, 1:00 PM (JST)
  • Australia: March 20, 3:00 PM (AET)
• Ubisoft Connect Release:
  • UK: March 19, 10:00 PM (GMT)
  • Europe: March 19, 11:00 PM (CET)
  • US West Coast: March 19, 9:00 PM (PT)
  • US East Coast: March 20, 12:00 AM (ET)
  • Japan: March 19, 9:00 PM (JST)
  • Australia: March 19, 11:00 PM (AET)

If you’re a PC player on Ubisoft Connect, you get a slightly earlier start than Steam users.

MacOS, Epic Games Store, GeForce Now, & Luna

For players using MacOS, the Epic Games Store, or cloud gaming services like GeForce Now and Luna, the global release time is set for March 20 at 4:00 AM (UTC).

Pre-Load Date & Install Size – Get Ready Early!

With an install size of around 107GB, you’re going to want to pre-load the game ahead of time.

• Xbox Series X/S: Pre-load available now!
• PS5: Pre-load starts March 18 at midnight local time
• PC: Pre-load begins March 17 at 4:00 PM (GMT)

If your storage is tight, now’s the time to clear some space because this game isn’t small.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Pre-Order Bonuses

If you’re considering pre-ordering, Ubisoft has bonus content depending on which edition you pick up.

Standard Edition ($69.99 / £59.99)

• Base game
• “Thrown to the Dogs” bonus quest
• Claws of Awaji expansion (releasing later in 2025)

Deluxe Edition ($89.99 / £74.99)

Includes everything in the Standard Edition, plus:

• Mastery Points
• Sekiryu Gear Set (for both Naoe & Yasuke)
• Eye of the Dragon Katana
• Claw of the Dragon Long Katana
• Sekiryu Beast Mount
• Sekiryu Wagasa (Umbrella)
• Sekiryu Mask & Trinket

If you’re a Ubisoft Connect player, you’ll get these bonuses too!

The Countdown Begins!

Whether you’re eagerly pre-loading or planning to use the New Zealand trick, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is just days away from launch. With massive open-world exploration, dual protagonists, and the long-awaited feudal Japan setting, Ubisoft looks set to deliver one of the most exciting entries in the franchise. So, get ready to step into the shadows—it’s almost time to assassinate in style.