UbisoftAssassin’s Creed Shadows is almost upon us, bringing the highly anticipated characters Yasuke and Naoe into the franchise. If you’re looking to dive in on release, then you’ll need to know exactly when the game comes out.
This is the first time we’ve seen an Assassin’s Creed game set in Japan, which is rather impressive given the demand for it has easily spanned a decade. As such, Shadows has plenty to live up to, especially given its dual protagonists (which we explored in our preview).
So, if you’re preparing to dive into Feudal Japan with Yasuke and Naoe, you’ll need to know exactly what Assassin’s Creed Shadows releases in your region, and how you can preload the game, to ensure you’re among the first to play.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows release times in all regions
UbisoftAssassin’s Creed Shadows will be available on either March 19 or March 20, depending on your region and platform.
Console release time
For those playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows on PlayStation and Xbox, the game will be released on March 20 at exactly midnight no matter your timezone.
PC Ubisoft Connect release time
March 19
- Shanghai: 8 PM CST
- Los Angeles: 9 PM PDT
- Seoul: 9 PM KST
- Tokyo: 9 PM JST
- Mexico City: 10 PM CST
- London: 10 PM GMT
- Paris/Warsaw: 11 PM CET
- Sydney: 11 PM AEDT
March 20
- New York/Montreal: Midnight EDT
- Johannesburg: Midnight SAST
- São Paulo: 1 AM BRT
- Abu Dhabi: 2 AM GST
PC Steam release time
March 19
- Los Angeles: 9 PM PDT
- Mexico City: 10 PM CST
March 20
- New York/Montreal: Midnight EDT
- Shanghai: Midnight CST
- São Paulo: 1 AM BRT
- London: 4 AM GMT
- Paris/Warsaw: 5 AM CET
- Johannesburg: 6 AM SAST
- Abu Dhabi: 8 AM GST
- Seoul: 1 PM KST
- Tokyo: 1 PM JST
- Sydney: 3 PM AEDT
UbisoftHow to preload Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Thankfully, regardless of how you intend to play Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you can preload the game now, meaning you’ll be able to dive in as soon as it releases.
How to pre-load on Xbox
To pre-load Assassin’s Creed Shadows on your Xbox, head to ‘My Games & Apps‘ and find the game. Then, simply select the option to ‘pre-install’ or ‘download’ and it’ll begin installing Shadows in anticipation of its release.
How to pre-load on PlayStation
The method is much the same on PlayStation. Once you’ve preordered the game, head to the Assassin’s Creed Shadows game page and search for the option to download. If you’ve got auto-downloads activated, then it’ll pre-load for you automatically.
Related
How to pre-load on Steam / Ubisoft connect
If you’re playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Steam, then you can preload by heading to either the game’s store page or your library. Once you’re there click the ‘Preload’ button and it’ll begin installing.
As for Ubisoft Connect, the process is much the same. Head to your library, click on AC Shadows, press the ‘Preload,’ option and the game will begin downloading.
Download file size
UbisoftWe recommend preloading Assassin’s Creed Shadows if you can, as it’s got a whopping 123.24 GB install size, making it the largest Assassin’s Creed game to date.
Thankfully, you can pre-load the game, giving those with even the slowest internet time to get Shadows ready.
While waiting for Assassin’s Creed Shadows to release, be sure to check out everything we know about the DLC roadmap, including an upcoming free quest, and exactly when it takes place in the AC timeline.
