Ubisoft has launched Claws of Awaji, the first major expansion for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, bringing players to the mysterious island of Awaji with over 10 hours of new content. Travel to the Island of Awaji, a new region of mysterious beauty and hidden danger. Navigate its desolate paths, evade ambushes, and destabilise enemy operations across the island.
Table of Contents
DLC Launch Details
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 16, 2025 |
| Content Length | 10+ hours |
| Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| Developer | Ubisoft Bordeaux (Mirage creators) |
| Availability | Free for pre-orders, separate purchase for others |
New Features & Content
Claws of Awaji adds the Bo staff, new armor, gear, skills, and Legendary Bo Staves, deepening Naoe and Yasuke’s journey. The expansion introduces a completely new weapon type alongside traditional Assassin’s Creed gameplay mechanics.
The 10-hour DLC will take Naoe and Yasuke to the island of Awaji, where the pair will hunt for lost treasure while being hunted by the Sanzoku Ippa. This treasure hunt mechanic adds exploration depth to the established combat and stealth systems.
Story Continuation
The expansion follows on from the story of Naoe and Yasuke, and introduces over 10 hours of brand-new content. Claws of Awaji is only accessible after completing the main story arcs for Naoe, Yasuke, and Junjiro.
This post-campaign positioning ensures players experience the full narrative arc before exploring Awaji Island’s mysteries.
Development Heritage
The Ubisoft Bordeaux studio (creators of Assassin’s Creed Mirage) is the studio behind this expansion. This development choice suggests the DLC maintains the focused, stealth-oriented approach that distinguished Mirage from recent franchise entries.
Access Requirements & Pricing
The expansion is free for players who pre-ordered Assassin’s Creed Shadows, while others can purchase it separately. The requirement to complete main story campaigns ensures narrative coherence but may frustrate players eager to explore new content immediately.
Technical Implementation
Claws of Awaji launches globally on September 16, 2025, with synchronized release times across all regions. This simultaneous global launch avoids the staggered releases that sometimes create confusion among international player bases.
For players tracking Assassin’s Creed franchise developments, this DLC represents Ubisoft’s commitment to substantial post-launch content rather than minor cosmetic additions.
Market Context
The timing of this DLC launch, just months after the base game’s release, demonstrates Ubisoft’s strategy of maintaining player engagement through regular content updates. The 10+ hour length positions it as substantial expansion content rather than brief add-on material.
FAQs
Do I need to complete the entire main campaign to access Claws of Awaji?
Yes, players must complete the main story arcs for Naoe, Yasuke, and Junjiro before accessing the expansion content.
Is the Bo staff weapon available in the main game after purchasing the DLC?
The Bo staff and related skills appear to be expansion-specific content, though integration details with the main campaign aren’t explicitly confirmed.
