Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows is Ubisoft's Most Important Game of 2025

Patrick_Yu · 5:30AM

Ubisoft has been a pillar of the gaming industry for decades, delivering some of the most beloved franchises in gaming history. From the tactical brilliance of Rainbow Six Siege to the open-world exploration of Far Cry, and, of course, the iconic Assassin’s Creed series, the company has cemented itself as a dominant force in the industry.

But in recent years, Ubisoft has faced challenges. Some of its recent titles, like Skull and Bones and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, have struggled to meet fan expectations, either due to long development cycles, live-service concerns, or uninspired design. At the same time, the company has faced some financial woes, reporting a 31.4% drop in revenue and a 51.8% decline in net bookings in its latest financial results.

Now, Ubisoft finds itself at a crossroads. And the company’s biggest chance to turn things around? Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Ubisoft’s recent struggles and the need for a win

Ubisoft has had a tough run in recent years, with some of its most anticipated projects missing the mark.

Skull and Bones (2024): After an 11-year development cycle and a lot of sunk doubloons, Ubisoft’s pirate game finally launched in 2024, but it was met with lukewarm reception. Many players felt it lacked depth and excitement compared to past pirate-themed experiences like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (2023): Despite carrying the massive Avatar brand, this game failed to break into mainstream success. While it featured breathtaking visuals, some players found its gameplay formula too predictable, echoing familiar Ubisoft open-world mechanics.
Star Wars Outlaws (2024): This title was anticipated as the first open-world Star Wars game. However, it received mixed reviews, with critics noting that, despite its engaging protagonist and rich lore, the game suffered from repetitive activities and a lack of depth. Sales were also below expectations, leading Ubisoft to adjust its financial forecasts and delay other projects, including Assassin's Creed Shadows.
XDefiant (2024): Ubisoft’s attempt to enter the competitive shooter space with XDefiant ultimately ended in cancellation after multiple delays, leading to layoffs and internal restructuring.

Despite these challenges, Ubisoft remains a powerhouse in the industry, and not all of its recent games have struggled. Rainbow Six Siege continues to thrive, and The Crew Motorfest has shown strong player retention. The company now hopes Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be the game that not only restores fan confidence.

Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows Could Be Ubisoft’s Redemption

Naoe looking at a Japanese castle that she must infiltrate.jpg

Throughout Ubisoft’s history, Assassin’s Creed has been its most reliable and beloved franchise. From Black Flag to Origins, and from Odyssey to Valhalla, the series has consistently delivered some of Ubisoft’s biggest hits.

Now, with Shadows, Ubisoft is doubling down on what makes Assassin’s Creed great, while also pushing the franchise in bold new directions.

Early previews suggest this game has real potential. According to Morgan Park of IGN, who played a six-hour preview build, Shadows is shaping up to be one of the best Assassin’s Creed games in years. Park praises its stealth mechanics, dynamic lighting system, and dual protagonist gameplay, describing it as the strongest stealth package the series has seen in 18 years.

Some standout features include:

A true stealth experience: Dynamic lighting, a visibility meter similar to Splinter Cell, and realistic enemy AI create an immersive stealth system.
A smaller but denser open world: Unlike Valhalla’s massive map, Shadows focuses on a highly detailed, city-rich environment that encourages exploration and parkour.
Distinct character playstyles: Players switch between Naoe, a traditional shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai warrior with vastly different approaches to combat and traversal.
A living world with seasonal changes: The game will feature dynamic seasons, altering the way the world feels and plays over time.

These features signal that Ubisoft has taken past criticisms to heart, refining its open-world formula and emphasizing meaningful gameplay depth.

Why gamers should give Assassin’s Creed Shadows a chance

It’s easy to be skeptical after some of Ubisoft’s recent missteps. But the early impressions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows indicate that this game could mark a return to form for the company. Unlike past Ubisoft titles that leaned heavily into live-service mechanics, Shadows appears to be a carefully crafted single-player experience with a focus on narrative, immersive stealth, and action-packed samurai combat.

Ubisoft is taking risks, and from the looks of it, those risks are paying off. The combination of deep stealth mechanics, engaging combat, and historical storytelling set against Feudal Japan makes Shadows one of the most exciting Assassin’s Creed games in years.

A crucial moment for Ubisoft

Ubisoft needs Assassin’s Creed Shadows to succeed—not just for financial reasons, but to restore trust in the brand. Fortunately, the game is showing strong signs of delivering a truly great experience. If it lives up to the hype, it could be the game that puts Ubisoft back on top, proving that the company still has what it takes to create industry-defining titles.

The game releases on March 20, 2025, and based on early hands-on impressions, it might just be the redemption arc Ubisoft needs. If you’re a longtime Assassin’s Creed fan or a newcomer looking for an engaging open-world RPG, Shadows might be worth keeping an eye on.

Ubisoft has stumbled in recent years, but if Shadows delivers, it could be the game that reminds players why Assassin’s Creed became a household name in the first place.