Assassin’s Creed Shadows has quickly become one of the most talked-about releases of the year, captivating fans with its immersive world, dual protagonists, and a fresh take on feudal Japan. As players continue to unravel the mysteries of Yasuke and Naoe, anticipation is already building for the game’s first major expansion: the Claws of Awaji DLC. Promising a new island to explore, a fresh enemy faction, and an additional ten hours of story-driven content, this DLC is set to deepen the Shadows experience and keep the community buzzing well into the year.
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But with multiple editions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows available—Standard, Deluxe, and more—many fans are left wondering: Do you need to buy the Deluxe Edition to access the Claws of Awaji DLC? Or is there another way to experience this highly anticipated expansion? The answer is crucial for both new players and longtime series veterans who want to make the most of their purchase. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how to access the Claws of Awaji DLC, what’s included with each edition, and what to do if you missed the pre-order window. Whether you’re a completionist or a casual explorer, here’s everything you need to know before setting foot on Awaji Island.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Can You Play Claws of Awaji DLC Without Buying Deluxe Edition?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has delivered a rich, atmospheric adventure, and Ubisoft is keeping the excitement alive with the upcoming Claws of Awaji DLC. The good news for fans is that you do not need to purchase the Deluxe Edition to play this expansion. The Deluxe Edition of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is focused on cosmetic items and bonus mastery points, not on locking away story content. Instead, Ubisoft has made the Claws of Awaji DLC available as a free pre-order bonus for anyone who secured their copy of the game—regardless of which edition they chose.
This means that if you pre-ordered Assassin’s Creed Shadows, whether it was the Standard, Deluxe, or any other edition, you’ll automatically receive the Claws of Awaji DLC at launch. When the expansion is released, simply update your game and the new content will be ready to explore. Even last-minute pre-orders are eligible, so as long as your purchase was made before the official release date, you’re set to embark on the new quest.
However, if you missed the pre-order window, the situation changes. Post-launch purchases of Assassin’s Creed Shadows—no matter the edition—do not include the Claws of Awaji DLC. In this case, Ubisoft will offer the expansion as a standalone purchase. This ensures that all players, even those who join the adventure later, can still access the new island, storylines, and enemy faction, albeit for an additional fee. Details on the standalone price and release date are still under wraps, but with around ten hours of new content promised, the expansion is expected to offer strong value.
The Claws of Awaji DLC will take players on a new journey with Naoe and Yasuke as they face a mysterious new faction and hunt for lost treasure across the vibrant landscapes of Awaji Island. Whether you’re a pre-order veteran or a newcomer, Ubisoft’s approach ensures that no one is left out of the action—just be sure to check your eligibility before the DLC drops.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Editions & Claws of Awaji DLC Access
| Edition Purchased | Pre-Order Bonus | Claws of Awaji DLC Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Pre-Order) | Yes | Yes | DLC is free with any pre-order |
| Deluxe (Pre-Order) | Yes | Yes | Includes cosmetics + DLC |
| Standard (Post-Launch) | No | No | DLC must be purchased separately |
| Deluxe (Post-Launch) | No | No | Only cosmetics included, not DLC |
Claws of Awaji DLC Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release | Later in 2025 (exact date TBA) |
| Free With Pre-Order | Yes (any edition) |
| Standalone Purchase | Yes (for post-launch buyers) |
| Content | New island, enemy faction, 10+ hours story |
| Main Characters | Naoe, Yasuke |
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FAQs
A1: No, the DLC is only free for pre-orders. If you purchased the game after launch, you’ll need to buy the Claws of Awaji DLC separately when it becomes available.
A2: The Deluxe Edition offers exclusive cosmetic items and mastery points, but it does not provide access to the Claws of Awaji DLC unless you pre-ordered the game.
