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Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Xbox Game Pass

Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Xbox Game Pass

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has taken players across centuries and continents, but its latest instalment,is assassin’s creed shadows on game pass Shadows, brings a whole new level of excitement and a whole new setting. Set in feudal Japan, it’s the kind of game that instantly makes you want to clear your weekend schedule, brew a pot of coffee, and disappear into a world of samurai duels, stealth missions, and breathtaking landscapes.But there’s a big question on many Xbox gamers’ minds: Is Assassin’s Creed: Shadows available on Xbox Game Pass? After all, Game Pass has become the go-to service for gamers who want instant access to big titles without dropping full price on each one. The idea of diving into Ubisoft’s latest epic as part of your monthly subscription sounds almost too good to be true.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly where Shadows stands with is assassin’s creed shadows on game pass, explore alternative ways to play it, and dig into the likelihood of it joining the Game Pass library in the future. Whether you’re a stealth enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone hoping to avoid paying $70 upfront, this is the guide you need before making your next gaming move.

Table of Contents

Why Isn’t Assassin’s Creed: Shadows on Game Pass?

To understand why Assassin’s Creed: Shadows isn’t on Game Pass, we need to look at Ubisoft’s business strategy and its relationship with Microsoft’s subscription service. Ubisoft has a history of keeping its flagship titles exclusive to its own platforms or subscription services at launch. Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Astro A40 TR MixAmp Pro Setup Guide for Gamers with its massive budget and high expectations, is no exception. Here are the key reasons it’s not on Game Pass right now:

Ubisoft+ Premium Takes Priority:

Ubisoft+ Premium, priced at $17.99 per month, offers day-one access to Assassin’s Creed: Shadows on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Amazon Luna. This service is Ubisoft’s answer to Game Pass, and the company naturally wants to drive subscriptions to its own platform. By offering Shadows exclusively through Ubisoft+ Premium at launch, Ubisoft maximises revenue from its most dedicated fans.

Historical Trends with Assassin’s Creed Titles:

Previous assassin creed shadows game pass, such as Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, eventually made their way to Game Pass, but only years after their initial release. For example, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, released in November 2020, didn’t hit Game Pass until January 2024, over three years later. Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the 2023 instalment, still hasn’t appeared on Game Pass as of August 2025. This pattern suggests that Ubisoft prefers to milk full-price sales and Ubisoft+ subscriptions before considering Game Pass.

Microsoft and Ubisoft Partnership Dynamics:

While Microsoft and Ubisoft have collaborated in the past, with titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Far Cry 5 joining Game Pass, these deals often come with a catch. Microsoft typically pays publishers a significant sum to include high-profile games on Game Pass, especially for day-one releases. Given that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is one of 2025’s most anticipated titles, Ubisoft likely sees more value in direct sales and Ubisoft+ subscriptions than in a Game Pass deal, at least for now.

Game Pass’s Evolving Strategy:

Game Pass has been a game-changer for affordable gaming, but recent shifts in Microsoft’s approach, such as tiered subscriptions and fewer day-one releases, suggest that not every blockbuster will land on the service immediately. Assassin’s Creed Shadows, with its reported strong sales in early 2025, may not need Game Pass exposure to thrive.

A Glimmer of Hope: Could Shadows Come to Game Pass Later?

While Assassin’s Creed: Shadows isn’t on Game Pass now, there’s reason to believe it could join the service down the road. Ubisoft has a precedent of adding older Assassin’s Creed titles to Game Pass, and a rumour from June 2025 adds fuel to the fire. According to a report from ComicBook.com, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is reportedly part of a strengthening partnership between Xbox and Ubisoft, with the game potentially joining Game Pass alongside other Ubisoft titles like Star Wars Outlaws, The Crew Motorfest, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora before the end of 2025. However, this rumour comes from an anonymous source and should be taken with a grain of salt until Microsoft or Ubisoft confirms it.

If Shadows does come to Game Pass, don’t expect it soon. Based on Ubisoft’s history, it could take one to three years for the game to appear on the service. For instance, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla took nearly four years, while Origins and Odyssey followed similar timelines. Fans hoping to play Shadows on Game Pass may need to exercise patience or explore other options in the meantime.

Alternatives to Game Pass for Playing Assassin’s Creed: Shadows

If you’re a Game Pass subscriber eager to playassassin’s creed shadows on game pass Shadows without waiting years, don’t despair. Several alternatives let you experience the game without paying full price upfront. Here’s how you can dive into feudal Japan right now:

Ubisoft+ Premium Subscription

The most straightforward way to play Assassin’s Creed: Shadows on day one is through Ubisoft+ Premium. For $17.99 per month, you get access to the Deluxe Edition of Shadows, along with over 60 other Ubisoft titles, on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Amazon Luna. This subscription is a solid deal if you plan to complete the game in a month or two, as it’s cheaper than the $69.99 standard edition or $89.99 Deluxe Edition. Plus, Ubisoft+ Premium offers early access to some content, making it a tempting option for Assassin’s Creed diehards.

If you’re committed to Shadows for the long haul, Ubisoft+ also offers a 12-month subscription with a 40% discount on the Xbox Store, significantly reducing the cost. This option is ideal for players who want to explore the game’s expansive open world and upcoming DLC, like the Claws of Awaji expansion, without buying the game outright.

Purchase the Game at a Discount

If subscriptions aren’t your thing, you can buy Assassin’s Creed: Shadows at a reduced price through retailers like CDKeys. The PC version is available for as low as $53.29, while Xbox versions start at $69.99 for the standard edition. Physical copies are also available at retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, often with pre-order bonuses like the Claws of Awaji expansion. For players who want permanent access to the game, buying it outright might be the better long-term investment, especially if you plan to replay it or dive into its DLC.

Stream via Xbox Cloud Gaming (Game Pass Ultimate Perk)

Here’s a lesser-known perk for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers: If you purchase Assassin’s Creed: Shadows digitally, Xbox Cloud Gaming allows you to stream it. This feature, part of Microsoft’s “stream your own game“ initiative, Top 10 Best Gamecube Games of All Time That Defined a Generation enables Ultimate members to play owned titles on compatible devices without downloading them. While this doesn’t make Shadows free on Game Pass, it adds flexibility for subscribers who want to play on the go or on lower-spec hardware. Note that this perk only applies to digital copies, not physical ones.

Wait for a Sale or Bundle

If you’re not in a rush, keep an eye out for sales or bundles. Ubisoft frequently discounts its games during events like Black Friday or Summer Sales. Given Shadows’ strong critical reception, it’s likely to remain full-priced for a while, but patience could net you a deal. Additionally, Ubisoft sometimes bundles its games with Ubisoft+ subscriptions or other titles, so stay tuned for promotions.

What Makes Assassin’s Creed: Shadows Worth the Hype?

Whether you play through Ubisoft+, purchase the game, or wait for a potential Game Pass release, it looks like Assassin’s Creed: Shadows will be a game that you simply must play. Must-play title. Set in Sengoku-era Japan, the game introduces two protagonists: Yasuke, a combat-focused samurai, and Naoe, a stealthy shinobi. This dual-protagonist system lets players switch between brute force and covert tactics, offering diverse playstyles that cater to both classic Assassin’s Creed fans and newcomers who enjoyed the action-heavy Valhalla.The game’s open world is a visual feast, with bustling towns, serene countryside, PlayStation Plus PSN Outage Compensation and fortified castles brought to life by dynamic weather and time-of-day mechanics. These elements affect gameplay, making stealth missions more challenging or rewarding depending on the conditions. Critics have praised Shadows for its atmospheric design and refined mechanics, with Pure Xbox calling it “an incredibly atmospheric, and deliciously dark slice of Assassin’s Creed.”

The RPG elements, revamped parkour system, and deep narrative further elevate Shadows as one of Ubisoft’s most ambitious titles. With DLC like Claws of Awaji on the horizon and a roadmap promising New Game+ and a level cap boost, the game offers long-term replayability. For Game Pass subscribers, the question isn’t whether Shadows is worth playing; it’s how to play it without breaking the bank.

Community Reactions and Speculation

The absence of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows on Game Pass has sparked lively discussions among fans. On platforms like X, gamers express a mix of frustration and optimism. Some argue that Ubisoft’s focus on Ubisoft+ is a cash grab, especially given the company’s reported financial struggles, with its stock trading at a low $2.21. Others see the potential Game Pass addition as a lifeline for Ubisoft, suggesting that increased exposure could boost the game’s popularity, similar to other cross-platform titles.Fans on forums like LevelUpTalk echo this sentiment, with many hoping Shadows will eventually join Game Pass, even if it takes years. Everything You Need To Know About The New Fortnite Season The consensus is clear: While Ubisoft+ Premium is a viable option, Game Pass subscribers are accustomed to getting big titles at no extra cost, and waiting feels like the more brilliant play for budget-conscious gamers.

What’s Next for Assassin’s Creed: Shadows on Game Pass?

Looking ahead, the possibility of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows joining Game Pass hinges on Ubisoft and Microsoft’s ongoing partnership. The rumoured deal to bring Shadows and other Ubisoft titles to Game Pass before the end of 2025 is intriguing, but without official confirmation, it remains speculative. If the rumour holds true, Shadows could arrive as early as late 2025, alongside other Ubisoft games like Star Wars Outlaws.

For now, Game Pass subscribers should temper expectations. The service already offers Assassin’s Creed Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, providing plenty of Assassin’s Creed action to tide you over. If you’re desperate to play Shadows, Top 10 Best Switch Indie Games You Need to Play Now Ubisoft+ Premium is the most cost-effective way to jump in at launch. Alternatively, consider using Microsoft Rewards points to offset the cost of a Ubisoft+ subscription or a discounted purchase through retailers like CDKeys.

Final Thoughts

Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is assassin’s creed shadows coming to game pass, blending rich storytelling, innovative gameplay, and a stunning setting. While it’s not on Xbox Game Pass as of August 2025, the game’s availability through Ubisoft+ Premium, discounted purchases, and streaming perks for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers offers plenty of ways to experience it. For those willing to wait, the history of Ubisoft titles on Game Pass suggests Shadows will likely join the service eventually, possibly in 2026 or beyond.

Whether you’re a stealthy shinobi or a battle-ready samurai at heart, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is worth the hype. Decide whether to dive in now with Ubisoft+ or hold out for a Game Pass release, but one thing’s certain: Feudal Japan awaits, and it’s calling your name.

FAQ

Is Assassin’s Creed: Shadows available on Xbox Game Pass right now?

No, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is not part of Xbox Game Pass at launch. No plans to add have been announced by Ubisoft for the service in the near future.

Can I play Assassin’s Creed: Shadows through Game Pass Ultimate?

Yes, but only if you’ve purchased the game separately. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can use Xbox Cloud Gaming to stream Shadows if they already own the digital copy.

Will Assassin’s Creed: Shadows ever come to Xbox Game Pass?

Possibly, but likely not soon. Past Assassin’s Creed titles have taken years to appear on Game Pass. If it does arrive, it could be 1–3 years from now.