Assassin’s Creed Shadowshas just released its 1.0.6 update, one of many from the Year 1 Post Launch Roadmap, and one included feature might just make this the best time to start another playthrough. Overall, this new update includes some QOL updates, exciting changes to difficulty, andAssassin’s Creed Shadows' second special collaboration.
While additional paid content, namely theClaws of AwajiDLC, is scheduled for release later this year, everything included in this patch is free, including the special collaboration content. Unfortunately, this update does not include thehighly requested New Game+ feature, but the new difficulty setting may be a good reason to start over anyway.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows' 1.0.6 Title Update Highlights
Quality Of Life Updates & A Critical Encounter
As with every patch, numerous small bug fixes and quest adjustments are included as part of this update, but that’s not what players are excited about. First and foremost,Patch 1.0.6 will include new special collaboration content with none other thanCritical Role, as shared byUbisoft. If you don’t know,Critical Roleis a popular, if not the most popular,Dungeons & Dragonsgroup that shares its campaigns online for others to watch and enjoy.
WhileCritical Roleis most notably known for its talented cast of voice actors, long campaigns,Vox MachinaTV show, andnew tabletop RPGDaggerheart, the group has also done several one-shot sessions based around various games, includingAssassin’s Creed. As part of this special collaboration withCritical Role,Assassin’s Creedis presenting the new free story pack,A Critical Encounter.This additional content will feature a new story and a new ally, Rufino, inspired by Robbie Daymond’s character from theCritical Roleone-shot.
In addition toA Critical Encounter,players will also be able to enjoy some small QOL updates, including the option to toggle headgear during cutscenes, as well as various VFX settings to accommodate your personal gameplay preferences. Other small updates include an expansion of the Regional Alert System, which has been broadened from just inside castles to the whole province, as well as new camera presets while on horseback and the option for Ultra Low specs on PC.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Is Worth Replaying For Nightmare Difficulty Alone
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Presents Its Players With A New Challenge
The last, and perhaps most important, feature change coming with Patch 1.0.6 will be a brand-newNightmare Difficulty Setting forAC Shadows. Unfortunately, there isn’t a comprehensive list of everything that specifically changes, but these are just a few of the waysit will impact both combat and stealth:
Considering thatAC Shadowshas been criticized for being too easywhen compared to otherAssassin’s Creedgames, even at greater difficulties,this should help provide players with the challenge they’re looking for. If you thought the game was too easy on your first go around, or perhaps you even stopped midway through because of it, this may now be the perfect opportunity to give it another shot.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Still Has DLC To Come
Claws Of Awaji Drops Later This Year
While there are still several free updates coming this year, according to theAssassin’s Creed Shadows' Roadmap, perhaps the most exciting release will be theClaws of AwajiDLC. At the moment,Ubisoft has not confirmed an official release date for this DLC, but it is planned for release in late 2025 and will include an additional 10 hours of content for players to enjoy.
In theClaws of AwajiDLC,players will travel to a new region, the island of Awaji, where they will attempt to claim a long-forgotten treasure while avoiding capture by a new group of enemies. As you transition from the role of hunter to hunted, you’ll be forced to find new and creative ways to avoid your pursuers and their traps until you’re able to turn the tables back on them.
While there is still only a limited amount of information to go on at the moment, Ubisoft will likely share more information, along with the formal release date forClaws of Awaji, soon. Until then, however, be sure to test outAssassin’s Creed Shadows’new difficulty setting, QOL updates, and theA Critical Encounterstory pack, as well as the other upcoming free updates.
