Assassin’s Creed Shadows Patch Notes Include Critical Role Collab, New Difficulty Mode

Tomorrow sees the release of the newest update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which includes fresh content at no cost, along with multiple adjustments and enhancements.

The fresh storyline for the update is titled “A Pivotal Meeting,” and it primarily focuses on Rufino, a character introduced during Critical Role’s unique Assassin’s Creed episode. In this production, Rufino is voiced by Robbie Daymond from Critical Role. Finishing this storyline grants access to Rufino as an ally. Moreover, Ubisoft is also incorporating a weapon pack themed around Critical Role, which can be obtained from the in-game shop.

The latest update introduces a demanding Nightmare mode, specifically created to ramp up the level of challenge for players. In Nightmare, enemies exhibit heightened abilities and diminish the impact of player skills; they’re not only stronger, but also quicker and more tactical as suggested by the release notes. Furthermore, in this setting, even when Naoe crouches, it will make noise, requiring players to exercise extra caution.

With these two significant content enhancements, the update also brings numerous adjustments and refinements to enrich your gaming experience. For example, players now have the option to take off their headgear during cinematic scenes. Additionally, Ubisoft has incorporated a feature to adjust specific Visual Effects (VFX) at will. Update 1.0.6 goes live tomorrow, June 25, starting at 7 AM Pacific Time / 10 AM Eastern Time / 2 PM Coordinated Universal Time. For a complete overview of all the changes, please refer to the patch notes provided below.

Ubisoft has previously teamed up on a major scale for Shadows, as they did with Dead By Daylight and Balatro back in May. They’re planning to release more content in the future too. As per their Year 1 plan, we can expect new game plus, additional story material, and the Claws of Awaji expansion in upcoming updates.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Update 1.0.5 Patch Notes

Patch sizes

PS5: ~6.27 GB
Xbox Series X|S: ~19 GB
Mac: ~9 GB
PC: ~17 GB
Steam: ~8.5 GB

Patch Highlights

Critical Role

In our second joint endeavor, we teamed up with Critical Role to introduce fresh content for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This collaboration features a free mission titled “A Pivotal Encounter,” a new character to recruit, and an additional trophy/achievement for your collection.

New Free Story Pack: “A Critical Encounter”

Rufino, an age-old companion of Tomiko and Heiji, invokes an obligation for help following his unearthing of a lethal plot. In the course of his work as a translator, he found proof that a clandestine group has been contracting assassins to eradicate notable commoners.

Now, he turns to Naoe and Yasuke for help in stopping these killers.

To access the conditions, finish the questline “The Path of the Blacksmith” and acquire the ability to play as Yasuke. This journey begins in your Hideout.

Reward: New Ally based on Critical Role’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows One-Shot campaign character, Rufino, played by Robbie Daymond. You will also get a banner in the hideout with the Critical Role logo.
New Trophy/Achievement: “A Critical Encounter”, received upon completion of the questline.

Through this partnership, we’ll be introducing a Critical Role Weapon Collection inspired by the Critical Role universe, which will be up for sale at our game store! This set comes with two weapons each for the characters: a Tanto and Katana for Naoe, and a Kanabo and Teppo for Yasuke.

New Nightmare Difficulty Setting

Introducing a fresh game difficulty level named “Nightmare”. This level will bring extra hurdles during your adventure. The combat and stealth aspects of the game will be amplified, demanding strategic thinking and heightened awareness of your environment. Brace yourself for stronger adversaries and an intensified gaming experience overall.

Here is a tease of some changes you can expect from this new difficulty:

Player defensive options are less effective, and enemies deal greater damage at all levels.
- E.g., Parries now require perfect timing to deflect the hit–imperfect parries will only partially block incoming damage.
Enemy AI is smarter, faster, and more aggressive in a variety of circumstances, including detection.
- E.g., Even while crouching, Naoe now generates some sound! And even while in the shadows, she can be seen while moving!
- E.g., Enemies will no longer become vulnerable from dodges or parries–only abilities can put them into a vulnerable state.
Combat resources (like adrenaline, rations, and shinobi items) are harder to come by, making their use even more vital.

Toggle Headgear in Cutscenes

We’re thrilled to unveil a frequently demanded addition: players now have the option to display various types of headwear in cutscenes, ranging from hoods to helmets and headbands. Let your unique flair be on display even during conversations!

You will find the option available in the in-game settings.

Note that headgear will not be displayed in cinematics or in some specific instances where a rule overrides this setting (romance-specific cutscenes).

VFX Toggles

Users have the option to toggle certain visual effects on or off, allowing them to personalize their gameplay even further. Features such as concealing or revealing loot on fallen enemies, displaying one’s own last-known location, highlighting enemy special attack indicators, and many others are included in this customization.

All will be accessible in the Interface option menu.

Open World Alarm

In simpler terms, we’ve broadened the scope of the Regional Alert System from just Castles to the entire Province. If you persistently attack civilians or military units outside Castles, an alarm will sound, and a band of Guardians will pursue you across the game world.

Horse Camera Presets

Now, you have the ability to switch among three distinct camera angles as you travel on your mount, simply by pressing and holding the controller’s down button or the ‘X’ key on your keyboard during the ride. This feature enhances the visual experience, enabling you to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes of Japan in a more cinematic manner.

Ultra Low Specs for PC

We’re introducing an improved visual setting called “Ultra Low Mode.” This feature is particularly beneficial for computer gamers using less powerful graphics cards, as it enhances their gaming experience by providing smoother frame rates.

List of Bug Fixes

General

Fixed an issue where the Onryo Mask remained visible despite selecting the option to hide gear.
Fixed an issue where players were unable to earn Mastery Points.
Fixed an issue where Mastery Points were not returned after resetting the Mastery Tree.
Fixed an issue where players could not switch characters anymore even without gameplay context restrictions.
Fixed an issue where allies could be trained to veteran rank without upgrading the dojo to level 3.
Fixed an issue where Gennojo did not immediately appear in the hideout after recruitment. He was busy washing his hair!
Fixed an issue where sometimes a player remains stuck in a Red Zone, without being able to fast travel anywhere, by allowing them to fast travel to the hideout.
Fixed an issue where the Oni Drawing remains stuck on screen after completing the “Vision of the Realms” quest.
Fixed various localization issues.

Quests

Fixed an issue where players could not progress in the “A Chance Encounter” quest when following Fuyu.
Fixed an issue where players could not complete the quest after defeating all Kabukimono.
Fixed an issue where Lady Oichi’s letter became unavailable after the Fuji-maru cutscene.
Fixed an issue where players were unable to talk to Katsuhime in the crop field when she was sitting on the ground. She just wanted some peace and quiet!
Fixed an issue where tracking the “Temple Stories” quest only showed a progress bar with no text.
Fixed an issue where Genzaburo’s Teppo Master was missing from the Kaya Shrine.
Fixed an issue where Yagyu Munetoshi revealed a later plot point too early in the “Nobutsuna’s Students” quest.
Fixed an issue where players could not assassinate the Godai of Void because the NPC was missing. He took his name too seriously.
Fixed an issue where players could not complete the “Diary of Lady Rokkaku” quest after dodge rolling and dropping Katsuhime.
Fixed an issue where players could not complete the “Diary of Lady Rokkaku” quest when there was no immediate option to carry Katsuhime.
Fixed an issue where players glitched through an anomaly in the “Heads Will Roll” quest, making Animus activities unavailable.
Fixed an issue where players could not progress in the “Lost Honor” quest because the game failed to switch to Naoe.
Fixed an issue where players could not progress through the Tournament after dying.

Visuals & Graphics

Fixed some minor visual issues.
Fixed misplaced visual elements with the Dark Woods Kusarigama.
Fixed an issue where all NPC horses appeared as identical.
Fixed a clipping issue with Naoe’s Sekiryu outfit.
Fixed an issue with the “Bloodshade Katana” being visible out of the sheath when transmogged.
Fixed a movement physics issue with the Dead by Daylight Oni’s armor.

Audio

Fixed an issue where footstep audio occasionally ceased when opening the map while moving.

2025-06-24 23:10