Assassin's Creed Shadows' First DLC, "Claws of Awaji," Leaks on Steam

Details regarding the upcoming expansion for Assassin's Creed Shadows, titled "Claws of Awaji," have seemingly surfaced via a now-removed Steam update, as reported by Insider Gaming. This first DLC will introduce players to a new region, weapon type, skills, gear, and more, adding over 10 hours of gameplay to the already anticipated title. Pre-ordering the game will reportedly grant access to both the "Claws of Awaji" expansion and a bonus mission.

Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in 16th-century feudal Japan, marks a significant milestone for the franchise, fulfilling long-standing fan requests for a Japanese setting. Players will control dual protagonists: Yasuke, a Samurai, and Naoe, a Shinobi, as they navigate the era's tumultuous events. The game's development has, however, faced numerous setbacks, including negative reactions to character reveals and multiple delays.

The recent Steam leak follows another delay announcement, pushing the game's release from November 15, 2024, first to February 14, 2025, and then to its current March 20, 2025, launch date. Ubisoft cited the need for further polishing and refinement.

This latest setback comes amidst uncertainty surrounding Ubisoft's future, with ongoing speculation of a potential Tencent acquisition. The company has recently faced challenges with several high-profile releases, including XDefiant and Star Wars Outlaws, underperforming financially and receiving mixed critical reception.