Assassin's Creed Shadows, the latest installment in the long-running franchise from Ubisoft, has launched on PlayStation 5, bringing with it a variety of promotional offers, digital freebies, and discounted purchasing options for U.S. consumers. These opportunities range from in-game content unlocks and PlayStation Stars rewards to limited-time retail discounts on special editions of the game. The availability of these offers varies by platform, eligibility requirements, and time-sensitive deadlines. This guide details the verified freebies, promotional campaigns, and cost-saving opportunities associated with Assassin's Creed Shadows on PS5, based on current information.
Free In-Game Content and Updates
Players of Assassin's Creed Shadows on PS5 have access to free content updates regardless of purchase status for specific expansions. Ubisoft released update 1.1.1, which introduced new gameplay elements available to all players.
- New Story Quest: The update includes a free story quest titled "Go with the Bo," available as of September 16. This quest allows players to join the character Junjiro in a quest to meet a legendary Bo Master. Participation in this quest provides players with information regarding the Bo staff, identified as a dynamic new weapon type suited to Naoe’s acrobatic fighting style.
- Expansion Support: The update also adds support for the "Claws of Awaji" expansion, which is a paid add-on content pack.
- Animus HUB Project: A new Project has been added to the Animus HUB. Through this feature, players can unlock Ezio-themed gear. The specific requirements or steps to unlock this gear via the Project are detailed on Ubisoft’s official website.
PlayStation Stars Promotional Campaigns
Sony’s loyalty program, PlayStation Stars, offers specific campaigns for Assassin's Creed Shadows that provide digital collectibles and points rewards. Participation requires a PlayStation Stars membership and the completion of specific in-game challenges or purchase actions via the PlayStation Network (PSN) store.
Digital Collectibles Challenges
For a limited time of three months following the game's launch, PlayStation Stars users can earn two specific Assassin’s Creed Shadows digital collectible trophies. These items are the "Naoe Hidden Blade" and the "Yasuke Katana."
- Eligibility: Users must complete certain challenges within the game to unlock these collectibles.
- Technical Issues: There have been reports of technical difficulties triggering the "Yasuke Katana" collectible. Some users have reported that obtaining the required trophy (specifically the "prologue trophy") did not immediately trigger the collectible unlock.
- Retroactive Application: According to community reports, these campaigns may be retroactive. If a user obtained the required trophy before the specific campaign launch date, the collectible might still unlock, though this functionality appears inconsistent for some users.
Purchase Points Campaign
A separate campaign is available for users who purchase the digital version of Assassin's Creed Shadows through the PSN store.
- Offer: Participants can earn an extra 50 PlayStation Stars points in addition to the standard points earned from the purchase.
- Deadline: This specific campaign runs until April 30. Consumers interested in purchasing the game digitally are advised to check the PlayStation app to confirm the campaign's active status before purchasing.
- PlayStation Stars Program Context: PlayStation Stars is a loyalty program where users earn points for purchases on the PSN store and for completing specific campaigns. These points can be redeemed for store credit (e.g., 500 points = $5 credit).
Retail Discounts and Limited Edition Bundles
Physical copies of Assassin's Creed Shadows are available at significant discounts through major retailers. These offers often include exclusive bonus content not found in the standard digital release.
Amazon Exclusive Limited Edition
Amazon currently offers an exclusive "Limited Edition" of Assassin's Creed Shadows for PS5 at a discount.
- Pricing: As of January 14, the Limited Edition was listed at $34.99, representing a 50% discount from its launch price of $69.99. This price point is noted as the lowest recorded for this specific version of the game.
- Availability Context: Retail analysts suggest this price drop may be a clearance effort by Amazon to move remaining stock, implying that the price may not return to this low point once current inventory is sold.
- Included Content: In addition to the base game, the Amazon Limited Edition includes the "Naoe Sekiryu Character Pack." This pack contains:
- Naoe Sekiryu Gear Set
- Naoe Eye of the Dragon Katana Weapon
- Dragon Tooth Trinket
- Sekiryu Beast Mount (cosmetic only)
General Game Value
Despite launch-day technical issues, subsequent updates have reportedly addressed stability and performance bugs. The game features dual protagonists (Yasuke and Naoe) and a setting in Japan, which has been highlighted as a positive return to form for the franchise.
Viewer-Based Promotions
A promotional campaign involving live streams offered viewers the opportunity to earn in-game items. However, the execution of this promotion has been criticized by the community.
- The Offer: Viewers were required to watch specific streams for a combined total of four hours to unlock three specific in-game items.
- Community Reaction: Players expressed frustration with this requirement, noting that it forces viewers to potentially spoil narrative elements of the game if they have not yet played it.
- Workarounds: Some users suggested technical workarounds, such as muting the stream and minimizing the window, to satisfy the viewing requirement without active engagement or exposure to spoilers.
Conclusion
U.S. consumers interested in Assassin's Creed Shadows on PS5 have multiple avenues to access free content and reduce costs. Free gameplay content is available via title updates, while loyalty program members can earn digital collectibles and bonus points through PlayStation Stars. For cost-conscious buyers, the Amazon Limited Edition offers a substantial discount and exclusive cosmetic items, though stock appears limited. Due to the time-sensitive nature of the PlayStation Stars campaigns (ending April 30) and the potential clearance status of retail discounts, prompt action is recommended for those wishing to take advantage of these specific offers.