Assassin’s Creed: Shadows Claws of Awaji DLC Release Date Announced

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Claws of Awaji DLC (Image Credit: Ubisoft)

Ubisoft has officially unveiled the Assassin’s Creed: Shadows Summer Roadmap, confirming the release date of its upcoming DLC Claws of Awaji, along with the arrival of New Game+, a level cap increase, and several community-requested quality-of-life improvements.

The Claws of Awaji paid expansion is set to launch on September 16 and will be free for players who pre-ordered the game. However, it’s important to note that access to the DLC will only unlock after completing the main campaign. The expansion will take players to Awaji Island, a lush region beyond Osaka Bay, where protagonists Naoe and Yasuke continue their journey to recover a powerful treasure while evading the ruthless Sanzoku Ippa faction. Ubisoft promises over 10 hours of fresh story content and side missions in this narrative-rich addition.

Before that, on July 29, players will receive the long-awaited New Game+ mode. Once the main story is completed and credits roll, players can opt in to reset their quest progress while retaining character level, gear, skills, and Hideout upgrades. The update allows players to either replay from the very beginning or skip directly to Naoe’s takeover of the Hideout. Tutorials will be removed for returning players, making for a smoother second run.

Alongside New Game+, a level cap increase from 60 to 80 will go live for all players, whether they start over or continue their journey. Additional features include new Knowledge Ranks, expanded Mastery Skills, and upgraded Hideout buildings, including Heiji’s Forge, which will now support crafting Mythic and Artifact-tier gear.

Ubisoft is also planning a quality-of-life update in early September, prior to the DLC release. This patch will bring long-requested features like regional map unfogging after viewpoint syncs, time-of-day skipping, Hideout enhancements, and uncapped framerates for PC cutscenes. More fixes and classic AC-style additions are also expected.

The game attracted over 5 million players globally, and Ubisoft said it was "on its expectations," though exact sales numbers remain undisclosed.

Players can also look forward to Project 3, launching on July 29, offering new resources, lore files, and Animus-themed rewards. Plus, an AMA with the development team is scheduled for August 12 on Reddit, where fans can ask about upcoming features and share feedback.