Good day to all you ninjas and samurai out there! If you are considering whether or not you want to play Assassin’s Creed Shadows, pre-order content can be a great way to help you decide, as it often comes with cool bonuses.
Ubisoft recently revealed that players who pre-order any edition of the game will get access to the exclusive mission, “Thrown to the Dogs”, right from day one on March 20, 2025. This also seems to not just be a simple side quest but a lore-rich addition that goes deeper into feudal Japan’s chaos, adding extra gameplay and story to your adventure.
In short: Pre-ordering Assassin’s Creed Shadows not only secures your copy but also grants access to exclusive content! So, let’s have a look at what you can get:
Pre-Order Bonuses
- “Thrown to the Dogs” Bonus Quest: An additional mission available at launch for all pre-order customers.
- “Claws of Awaji” Expansion: Pre-ordering any edition provides free access to this upcoming expansion, introducing the island of Awaji with new enemies, weapons, and over ten hours of additional content.
What Is Thrown to the Dogs About?
Thrown to the Dogs is a standalone mission where you play as Naoe, the shinobi/ninja assassin of the two main characters, infiltrating a dog-fighting ring run by a corrupt warlord. It is packed with lots of stealth, combat, and a chance to rescue loyal hounds, which also ties well into the game’s theme of loyalty and rebellion.
You can expect new combat challenges, perhaps some environmental puzzles, and a unique reward: a cosmetic dog companion for your hideout! It adds about 1-2 hours of playtime but will definitely help with immersion as it deepens the world.
Is Pre-ordering Worth It, Though?
Pre-ordering also gives you early access to other goodies, like the pre-load option starting March 18 for PS5 and Xbox, so you are ready to start at midnight local time. So, if you want, you can head to Ubisoft’s store or AC Shadows on Steam to secure your copy and unlock this exclusive mission.
Available Editions
- Standard Edition: Includes the base game, the Claws of Awaji expansion, and the “Thrown to the Dogs” bonus quest. The quest and expansion are pre-order bonuses.
- Digital Deluxe Edition: Includes the base game, both pre-order bonuses, the Sekiryu Dual Pack (gear and weapon sets for both Naoe and Yasuke, the Sekiryu Beast, and Dragon Tooth trinket), the Sekiryu Hideout Pack (four unique ornaments to customize your hideout with), and five mastery points
If you care about exclusive quests or additional content, pre-ordering is a great way to make sure that you do not miss out on these exclusive adventures awaiting in Assassin’s Creed Shadows!