The countdown is on for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Ubisoft recently revealed global preload & unlock times for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, giving us plenty of notice to prepare. With just one week until launch on March 20, 2025, here is everything you need to know about getting your download ready and jumping into feudal Japan at your local time as soon as possible.
Preload, File Size Details, and Release Unlock Schedule
The release and pre-load timing for Assassin’s Creed Shadows varies depending on your platform. The file size, however, will be the same across all platforms, approximately 107GB.
- Xbox Series X|S: Preloads are live now (since March 6, 2025), with a 107GB download ready for the March 20 midnight unlock.
- PlayStation 5: Preloads become available March 18, 2025, also at 107GB, unlocking at midnight local time on March 20.
- PC (Steam and Ubisoft Connect): Preloads start March 19, 2025, but unlocks are staggered—Ubisoft Connect hits midnight March 20, while Steam follows on March 20 at 9 AM PDT (noon EDT, 5 PM GMT).
Depending on your region and platform, you may already be able to play on March 19.
- Los Angeles, PC Ubisoft connect and Steam users
- Mexico, PC Ubisoft connect and Steam users
- London, Warsaw, Paris, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, and Sydney for PC Ubisoft connect players
- All the others will have to wait until March 20!
The Game’s Size Is a Big Deal
Players’ and AC fans’ opinions on the internet are quite mixed about the 107GB file size, with some joking about it, while others are planning late-night launches, especially PC users navigating the staggered Steam unlock.
On the topic of staggered releases, and while most players share their excitement about the upcoming launch on social media as the release date nears, some PC gamers have expressed mild disappointment about the staggered launch times.
Indeed, a file size this big might take quite some time for users with a slower network speed/internet connection. So make sure your download is ready in advance, and plan accordingly to start your ninja adventure right at midnight local time!
Pre-Order Bonuses
Remember that pre-order bonuses are still available for AC Shadows. Not only will you be able to play the moment the game launches, but you will also get access to an exclusive pre-order quest, “Thrown at the Dogs”, and free access to the upcoming Claws of Awaji expansion, which will be released later this year.
