Major DLC for Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Ubisoft has provided more details on the upcoming Claws of Awaji, the first major DLC for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, promising to resolve the loose ends left in the base game. While Shadows impressed fans with its technical achievements and rich portrayal of classical Japan, some players felt protagonist Naoe’s story was left incomplete.

Claws of Awaji Focuses on Naoe

Worry not, then, as the DLC centres almost entirely on Naoe, the Shinobi protagonist, exploring her family ties and the fate of her mother — a thread teased but unresolved in the original campaign. Yasuke, the game’s other lead character, will appear only in a supporting role, with the spotlight firmly on the female character.

The DLC is being developed by Ubisoft Bordeaux, the studio behind Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Valhalla’s Curse of the Druids expansion. The developers say separating Naoe’s family-focused narrative into DLC allows for a more personal and intimate storytelling approach, which will be good news for fans hoping to learn more.

What to Expect

The expansion promises around 10 hours of new gameplay content, including a new explorable location on Awaji Island. In addition to delivering closure for Naoe’s personal arc, the DLC will be free for all players who pre-ordered the base game. Ubisoft advises finishing the Shadows main story first, ensuring players experience the full emotional weight of Naoe’s journey.

Claws of Awaji launches on September 16 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. With a narrative focus on resolution and character depth, it aims to give fans the closure they felt was missing from the base game.