Assassin’s Creed Shadows Potentially Sold Prematurely Before Launch

Overview

Assassin’s Creed Shadows appears to have accidentally surfaced ahead of its scheduled release, with various reports of both digital and physical versions in circulation.
The game incorporates a Canon Mode, yet questions linger about the reliability of these early copies.
There are mixed opinions on the matter; some skeptics question the validity of the releases, while others speculate that early copies might exist due to unforeseen circumstances.

Recent findings indicate that multiple copies of Assassin’s Creed Shadows have unintentionally reached consumers despite the game’s launch being over a month away. Numerous gamers have come forward with claims of receiving their copies early, supported by credible evidence.

This title represents the 14th primary entry in Ubisoft’s renowned action-adventure series, which has evolved into an action-RPG format. Initially scheduled for release in November 2024, the launch was later postponed to February 14, 2025, to enhance the game’s cultural and historical accuracy. Following this, a second delay pushed the release to March 20, 2025.

With the launch date still nearly four weeks out, substantial photo and video evidence indicates that some individuals may have secured early access via PlayStation Network mishaps or obtainment of physical copies through unrecorded channels. Reports suggest that these early copies are fully functional. Gamers who have accessed the game discussed their experiences publicly, showcasing gameplay that features the stealth-oriented protagonist Naoe engaging in combat against armed foes, as well as the initial loading animations and menu screen. Notably, an image gallery has surfaced, purportedly containing insights extracted from the game’s menu, highlighting details such as Naoe’s weapon, the Death Whisperer, alongside visual customization options.

Claims of Early Access to Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Assassin’s Creed Shadows physical copies being sold before launch by u/Ajxtt in GamingLeaksAndRumours

Within the gaming community, skepticism exists regarding the authenticity of these early releases. Some fans assert that the circulated images and videos may have been fabricated. Alongside concerns over potentially manipulated claims about the return of Animus Anomalies, critics suggest that existing footage from Ubisoft could have been repurposed to create plausible visuals of Naoe. Interestingly, a parody of Assassin’s Creed Shadows called Yasuke Simulator, featuring a similar release date but rendered in much simpler artwork, has recently appeared on Steam.

PC Features Trailer of Assassin's Creed Shadows

Conversely, there is a faction that believes these early acquisitions could indeed be real. A segment of the community posits that physical copies may have been mistakenly sold or illicitly obtained by store employees—echoing similar incidents where fast-food workers reportedly sold rare promotional items online. Concerning the alleged leaks from the PlayStation Network, a recent outage showcased the platform’s vulnerabilities, albeit there has been no official validation confirming that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been made available in advance through these channels.

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