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Assassin's Creed Shadows

Assassin's Creed Shadows: Pre-Orders, Editions, and Early Access

Last Updated: November 2, 2025

Assassin's Creed Shadows key art featuring Naoe and Yasuke in feudal Japan.

The moment fans have been waiting for is finally here. Following its spectacular full reveal, Ubisoft's sprawling open-world epic, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is now available for pre-order on the PlayStation Store and other platforms. While a new Assassin's Creed is always a major event, Shadows is generating intense discussion not just for its long-awaited feudal Japan setting, but for its pricing structure and the premium editions on offer.

For players eager to journey into the tumultuous Azuchi-Momoyama period on their PS5, the question isn't just if they'll play, but how much they're willing to pay for the complete day-one experience.

Breaking Down the Pre-Order Editions

Unlike a surprise sale, the launch window pricing for Shadows is clearly defined, following a modern AAA release model with several tiers. PlayStation 5 owners can choose from three main digital versions, each with distinct price points and content.

  • Standard Edition ($69.99): This includes the base game and a pre-order bonus quest, "Thrown to the Dogs."
  • Gold Edition ($109.99): This version includes the base game, the pre-order bonus, the Season Pass (which will grant access to two future expansions and an exclusive quest), and most notably, 3-day early access to the game before its official November 15, 2024 release.
  • Ultimate Edition ($129.99): The most comprehensive package contains everything from the Gold Edition plus the Ultimate Pack. This pack features the Sekiryu Character Pack (outfits and weapons for both protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke), the Sekiryu Hideout Pack, 5 Skill Points, and a Red Dragon filter for Photo Mode.

This tiered strategy, particularly the inclusion of early access in the premium editions, is a significant incentive for dedicated fans to invest more upfront.

The $130 Question: Early Access and Premium Content

The pricing of the Gold and Ultimate editions has become a major talking point. Offering early access for a premium is an increasingly common strategy by publishers to maximize launch week revenue and reward the most dedicated fans. For many, the chance to step into the roles of the shinobi Naoe and the historical samurai Yasuke three days ahead of the global launch is a powerful draw.

The game, which immerses players in a dynamic world with changing seasons and unprecedented environmental interactivity, is one of Ubisoft's most ambitious projects. The Season Pass included in the Gold and Ultimate editions promises to extend that experience significantly. By bundling it with early access, Ubisoft is creating a high-value proposition for players who plan to engage with the game long-term, effectively securing their future DLC purchases at the outset. The Ultimate Edition further sweetens the pot with exclusive cosmetic items and a small gameplay boost, appealing to completionists and those who want the definitive launch-day package.

What This Means for Players and the Industry

For prospective players, the choice is clear but complex. The $70 Standard Edition remains the entry point, but the lure of early access and future content puts the $110+ editions in the spotlight. This pre-order model reflects a major industry trend: segmenting the audience and monetizing excitement. Rather than waiting for an eventual sale months down the line, publishers are creating compelling reasons for players to spend more during the crucial pre-launch and launch periods.

From an industry perspective, this is a calculated move to front-load sales and gauge player commitment. In a crowded holiday release schedule, securing a premium purchase and three extra days of player engagement can be critical for a game's momentum. The a la carte items and future expansions will still be available, but this bundled, early-access approach has proven to be a highly effective strategy for major AAA franchises. It ensures a healthy, active community from "day minus three," driving conversation and streaming before the general public even has access.

Is Now the Time to Become a Shinobi?

With its stunning recreation of 16th-century Japan, an innovative dual-protagonist system, and a deep, evolving world, Assassin's Creed Shadows is poised to be one of the biggest games of the year. The pre-order options on the PlayStation Store make the proposition of diving in early more tempting than ever. While the premium price tag may give some players pause, the offer of early access and a guaranteed Season Pass presents a clear value proposition for the franchise's most ardent followers. For fans of action-adventure games, open-world exploration, or the rich history of Japan, the choice is yours: secure your copy now for the earliest possible entry, or wait and see what the shadows hold post-launch.