Earlier this week, three developers from Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Simon, André, and Luc, opened a thread on Reddit for a special Ask Me Anything (AMA) session. The post quickly filled with a ton of questions about the game’s future! Players asked about various topics ranging from DLC content, the Assassins vs Templars conflict, to modern-day lore and parkour improvements!
The AMA has since closed, but here is a detailed recap of the most important answers!
If you want to learn even more, you can also check the original Reddit thread:
A lot of different things were asked, and the devs really took the time to answer as many as they could! They even added some questions themselves, from players who asked them on Discord. Since we can not list all the questions and answers here, we highly recommend you take a look at the Reddit thread.
AC Shadows AMA: Quick Summary
Assassins vs Templars: The Core Conflict
- The devs confirmed that the Assassins vs. Templars conflict will continue to grow in Shadows’ future content, as well as in upcoming games.
- The main game set the stage by introducing the protagonists, and now the expansions and additional stories will go much deeper into the long-running conflict.
- The team teased that the Critical Role crossover already did that, and more lore is on the way as well.
Post-Launch Plans and DLC
- Year 1 Roadmap is the studio’s current focus, with the first major expansion, “Claws of Awaji,” coming soon.
- Developers avoided spoilers but suggested future expansions will depend on community demand, hinting that Shadows could see support similar to Valhalla if players want it.
- Third DLC is not confirmed, but several devs acknowledged the fact that a lot of players seem to ask for it.
- For 2026 and beyond, the focus remains on delivering already announced 2025 content first.
Parkour Updates and Gameplay Changes
- Parkour remains a hot topic. Inspired partly by Mirage, the Shadows team is planning a ton of parkour improvements, including features for advanced players.
- Devs teased updated side/back ejects and more “high-skill” movement options, though nothing final was revealed.
- A dedicated jump button was mentioned by fans, but currently no plans to overhaul eject distances or height.
Modern Day and the Animus Hub
- Shadows introduces the new Animus Hub, designed to deliver modern-day storytelling through Projects and Rifts.
- The team commented that this is “just the beginning” for the modern storyline.
- Basim’s story is not abandoned, but Shadows prioritized new characters.
- Audio/visual files to expand modern-day immersion are being considered, though nothing has been announced.
Customization and Outfits
- Legacy Outfits are coming. Devs confirmed plans to bring classic Assassin looks for both Yasuke and Naoe.
- Hair and beard customization (a fan-favorite in Valhalla) is unlikely due to the high development cost of realistic physics.
- Hideout customization will expand slightly, with new packs planned, but major expansions are not on the roadmap.
- Cosmetic customization is not a focus right now, with the team prioritizing gameplay features instead.
Gameplay Systems and Open World
- Companion feature (switching between Yasuke and Naoe mid-play) was discussed but deemed technically too costly for now.
- The dynamic seasons system might appear in future AC titles. Tech is being shared internally.
- Discovery Tour Japan will not happen. Instead, Shadows integrates a Historical Codex directly into the game.
- More open-world activities are not planned, but one specific activity is being expanded.
Lore, Canon, and Narrative Structure
- Canon Mode was added to clarify story endings for players who wanted a “definitive” path.
- Romances are deliberately excluded from canon, letting players decide their own “canon relationships.”
- Old Japanese AC lore (Memories, Kotetsu, etc.) is not erased but not always directly referenced.
- Isu relics were not central to Shadows’ grounded story, though they still exist in the wider universe.
- The Dead by Daylight crossover is non-canon, but the Critical Role crossover is.
- Narrative is intentionally more open-ended with dual protagonists, giving players freedom of choice in progression.
Quality of Life and Systems
- Fans requested a stat screen for builds, but devs confirmed it is not currently a priority compared to gameplay improvements.
- Yasuke will not get a new weapon in Claws of Awaji, but will gain new abilities.
- NG+ feedback is heard. Devs are exploring ways to make replays less tedious, such as changes via Hideout progression.
Other Notable Reveals
- Social Stealth is not in Shadows but remains part of the AC franchise’s DNA. The devs did not rule it out for future games.
- More free story drops are planned outside expansions.
- The team is listening closely to community feedback and encourages fans to keep sharing their wishes!
The AMA showcased Ubisoft’s willingness to engage with the community and left fans with a mix of confirmations, teases, and plenty of open-ended possibilities. This was very welcomed by players, as it is not something Ubisoft typically does. It, once again, proves how much they are willing to listen and improve on things for the future of Assassin’s Creed!
One thing is for sure: Assassin’s Creed Shadows is not slowing down anytime soon. The devs made it clear that everything from future expansions to parkour changes will depend on what players want most. For now, all eyes are on the upcoming Claws of Awaji expansion (Available September 16th), but it looks like the best might still be in the shadows.
For more updates on Assassin’s Creed and other upcoming games, head to our main gaming news hub!