Assassin’s Creed Shadows is gearing up for a substantial update this month, with Ubisoft detailing a winter roadmap packed with features long requested by the community. The update, arriving tomorrow, February 17th, introduces a manual jump option, a detailed stats page for gear optimization, and improvements to critical hit feedback. These additions aim to enhance the parkour experience and provide players with more granular control over their character builds in the sprawling feudal Japan setting.
The highly anticipated manual jump feature will be accessible through the Advanced Parkour options in the game’s settings. Ubisoft explains this allows both Naoe and Yasuke to jump at any time, transforming the game world into a more dynamic playground for parkour enthusiasts. For players focused on maximizing their character’s potential, the detailed stats page will offer a comprehensive breakdown of gear and perk effects, displaying percentage increases and general bonuses. Ubisoft specifically notes this feature is designed for “all the min-maxers out there,” catering to players who enjoy fine-tuning their builds.
Beyond these core features, update 1.1.8 too refines the critical hit mechanic with improved visual feedback, making it easier to gauge damage output. Players will also find an updated Hideout area featuring an interactive entrance to the Animus, streamlining access to the game’s core systems. The full patch notes detailing all changes are expected to be released alongside the update. You can find more details about the update on Push Square.
Community Parkour Challenge Launches
Ubisoft is also encouraging player creativity with a community parkour challenge. Participants are invited to create a 45-60 second, unedited one-shot run showcasing their best parkour skills within the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Submissions, uploaded to YouTube before March 8th, should be shared on X (formerly Twitter) using the hashtag #ACShadowsParkourChallenge. Ubisoft will showcase standout submissions on their social media channels and award prizes to select participants.
Claws of Awaji Expansion Coming to Switch 2
Looking ahead to March, Switch 2 owners can anticipate the release of the “Claws of Awaji” expansion on March 10th. This expansion promises over 10 hours of new content, including a new region to explore, a new weapon and abilities, new outfits and legendary gear, a new enemy faction and bosses, and a continuation of the game’s narrative. Ubisoft confirmed the expansion will arrive on other platforms at a later date. The Switch 2 release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows in December has broadened the game’s reach, following its initial debut last year, which saw five million players engaging with over 2 billion stealth kills and 38 million animals petted as of July 2025.
Behind the Scenes at Ubisoft
The news of the winter roadmap arrives amidst some internal shifts at Ubisoft. In October, Marc-Alexis Côté, formerly the head of Assassin’s Creed, left the company following the creation of Vantage Studios, a subsidiary backed by Tencent. Reports indicate Côté did not voluntarily leave his position, and he subsequently filed a lawsuit against Ubisoft in January.
Assassin’s Creed on the Small Screen
Beyond the game itself, the Assassin’s Creed franchise continues to expand into other media. The long-awaited Netflix adaptation of Assassin’s Creed is gaining momentum, with Toby Wallace set to star in a co-lead role. The series, initially announced several years ago, is expected to bring the franchise’s blend of historical fiction and action to a new audience.
The upcoming updates and expansion content demonstrate Ubisoft’s continued commitment to supporting Assassin’s Creed Shadows and engaging its player base. The release of “Claws of Awaji” on the Switch 2, in particular, highlights the company’s strategy of bringing its titles to a wider range of platforms. Players can look forward to livestreams and giveaways on March 20th to celebrate the game’s first anniversary.
What are you most excited about in the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows update? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
