Assassin’s Creed Shadows has hit a remarkable benchmark by gathering over a million players on its very first day. This impressive debut performance surpasses that of previous releases in the series. For Ubisoft, which has had to navigate through some lackluster launches, this enthusiastic start could be a much-needed boost.
Bursting onto the gaming scene on March 20, 2025, Assassin’s Creed Shadows launched on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, capturing the attention of fans globally. This installment has ventured into the long-requested setting of Feudal Japan. With its engaging storyline featuring two distinct protagonists, Yasuke, a samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi, the game is a feast for action RPG enthusiasts. Critics seem to agree, as it landed a commendable score of 81 on OpenCritic. But beyond the reviews, the player engagement has been phenomenal.
In a Twitter announcement, Assassin’s Creed Shadows revealed it crossed the million-player threshold roughly 15 hours post-launch. Prior to this update, the game had already clinched the top spot among Steam’s Best Sellers list—an achievement made even sweeter considering it outpaced other popular titles like Monster Hunter Wilds. According to SteamDB, the game’s peak player count has reached 41,412 concurrent users.
The excitement from fans is palpable, pushing Shadows to a vibrant start with its Steam peak surpassing both previous titles, Mirage, with 7,870 players, and Valhalla, which had 15,679. While the game’s OpenCritic score of 81 is a noticeable improvement from its predecessor’s 76, it falls slightly short of Valhalla’s 83.
For Ubisoft, which stumbled in 2024 with titles like Star Wars Outlaws and XDefiant, Shadows’ success could be pivotal. If it sustains this momentum, it might well secure its role in shaping the future of the French gaming powerhouse, especially during these murky times filled with talks of potential takeovers.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows invites players into an epic saga set in the chaos of feudal Japan. You’ll switch between the lethal shinobi Naoe and the formidable samurai Yasuke, each bringing unique styles and skills to their shared quest. As players delve deeper, they’ll explore a richly detailed world, from bustling ports to serene shrines, against the backdrop of dynamic weather and seasons. Not only do you command their destinies, but you’re also tasked with building a shinobi league, customizing hideouts, and enlisting allies, adding layers of strategy and depth to the immersive experience. It’s a thrilling escapade sure to captivate those who embark on this journey.
