We at In Game News have been keeping a close eye on Assassin's Creed Shadows since its launch almost a year ago. Today brings a new update, version 1.1.8, packing a few highly-requested features. While these are certainly welcome quality-of-life additions, they also highlight a broader concern about the game's long-term post-launch support.

Key Changes in Update 1.1.8 (Live Today, Feb 17)

  • Manual Jump: A fan-favorite parkour mechanic returns, available when the Advanced Parkour setting is toggled on.
  • Detailed Stat Page: Finally, a granular stat breakdown for min-maxers to analyze builds.
  • Critical Hit Visuals: Improved visual feedback for those satisfying critical strikes.

Patch Highlights: Small Wins, Big Questions

Ubisoft is rolling out update 1.1.8 today, February 17th, bringing a trio of fan-requested features to their feudal Japan "stabathon." The return of a manual jump option, a staple from earlier AC titles, is a significant win for parkour purists, though it requires toggling on the Advanced Parkour setting. For those of us who love to dissect builds and optimize our Assassins, the new detailed stat page is a godsend, allowing for granular analysis. And who doesn't appreciate some improved visual flair for critical hits? These are all positive, player-centric changes that we anticipate will be warmly received.

However, as veteran gamers, we can't help but notice the context. This modest update looks to be the *only* major injection of content for Shadows across the first three months of this year. Compare that to the almost monthly cadence of post-release additions we saw capping off its first nine months, with update 1.1.7 launching back in December. This is the first notable addition of 2026, and according to Ubisoft's Winter Roadmap, it’s also the sole update slated before the game's March 20th anniversary livestream and giveaways. We're certainly hoping to hear more about what's coming in the game's second year then.

The Post-Launch Drip-Feed and What It Means

The pacing of content has slowed considerably. The only other upcoming item of note is the March 10th launch of the Claws of Awaji expansion for Switch 2. Crucially, this add-on, which concludes the game's main narrative, now appears to be the *only* major expansion Shadows will receive. This is a stark contrast to the level of support given to its predecessor.

A Shadow of Valhalla's Support

It's hard not to compare Shadows' post-launch journey to that of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Valhalla received three major expansions, an Odyssey crossover DLC, an epilogue DLC, and multiple new modes. When we look at Shadows, it feels significantly underserved in comparison. The current trajectory suggests a more limited lifecycle, which is disappointing for a series usually known for robust expansion.

Whispers and What-Ifs: The Scrapped Multiplayer and Black Flag Remaster

Adding to the narrative of evolving plans, a recent report hinted that Ubisoft scrapped a multiplayer Assassin's Creed game. Allegedly, this project began as Shadows DLC, envisioning four Assassins teaming up for scripted missions, which would have ultimately concluded the story of the game's now-canceled Season Pass. This represents a significant pivot and perhaps sheds light on the scaled-back post-launch content for Shadows.

Meanwhile, the rumor mill continues to churn with strong indications that 2026 will bring the long-awaited Assassin's Creed: Black Flag remaster. This project has leaked more times now than a very old pirate boat, making its official announcement feel like an inevitability, even though it currently remains under wraps. We're crossing our fingers for this one; it could be a real shot in the arm for the franchise.

Our Takeaway

While today's 1.1.8 update brings genuinely welcome quality-of-life improvements that fans have been asking for, it also underscores a more restrained post-launch plan for Assassin's Creed Shadows. The comparison to Valhalla's extensive support leaves us feeling that Shadows is getting the short end of the stick. With a major multiplayer concept reportedly canned and only one narrative expansion, the future looks leaner than we might have hoped. Our eyes are now firmly on that March 20th anniversary stream, hoping for some clearer vision of what lies ahead for Shadows in its second year, and perhaps an official word on that highly anticipated Black Flag remaster.