Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji Expansion Brings Over 10 Hours of New Content to Feudal Japan

Ubisoft is keeping the fire alive in Assassin’s Creed Shadows with its first major expansion, Claws of Awaji — a post-launch adventure that introduces a new region, fearsome enemies, and powerful gear for both Naoe and Yasuke. Available now across Xbox Series X|S, PS5, macOS, and PC, this expansion deepens the story of Shadows with over 10 hours of fresh gameplay, branching quests, and new ways to fight and explore.

Whether you’ve already carved your path through feudal Japan or are just stepping into the shadows for the first time, Claws of Awaji offers a compelling reason to return — especially for players craving more stealth, more samurai action, and more narrative twists.

What Is Claws of Awaji? A New Chapter After the Main Campaign

Set after the events of the base game, Claws of Awaji picks up where players left off — but accessing it requires you to complete the main story of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The expansion begins when Naoe travels to the island of Awaji in search of a mysterious shinobi. Joined again by the formidable Yasuke, players must uncover the secrets behind a violent faction known as the Sanzoku Ippa.

Awaji Island is anything but a haven. Stunning on the surface, the region quickly reveals itself as hostile territory, filled with ambushes, traps, and deadly opposition. The Sanzoku Ippa are unlike any enemies you’ve faced before, and the island’s varied topography — from bustling port cities to hidden caves — challenges players to adapt their tactics to survive.

Reader question: Do you prefer Assassin’s Creed expansions that continue the main story or explore alternate timelines?

What’s Included in the Expansion? New Skills, Weapons, Enemies, and More

Claws of Awaji isn’t just about the story. The expansion introduces a wide range of combat upgrades, stealth tools, and customization options for both playable characters.

Key Features:

• New region: Awaji Island, featuring maritime landscapes, cities, and hidden strongholds
• New weapons & armor for both Naoe and Yasuke
• Fresh combat abilities and stealth skills
• New enemy types and uniquely designed boss encounters
• Bo Staff weapon unlock through a free quest (base game players included)

The addition of the Bo Staff for Naoe is a particular highlight. Agile, fast, and visually striking, this weapon allows for fluid combos and rapid crowd control, ideal for players who love speed and finesse over brute force. For expansion owners, Legendary Bo Staff variants with unique engravings are hidden throughout Awaji, rewarding those who explore every corner.

Post-Launch Support: New Game+, Nightmare Mode, and QoL Improvements

Ubisoft has been steadily building on the Assassin’s Creed Shadows foundation with regular updates. Before the expansion’s launch, New Game+ and the punishing Nightmare difficulty were added for hardcore players.

In response to community feedback, the September 11 patch also introduced several quality-of-life upgrades:

• Fast-forward time mechanic
• Automatic fog clearing when all sync points in a region are completed
• Improved navigation tools and combat balancing

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to jump back in, this is it. The game is currently up to 40% off across the Ubisoft Store and other platforms, making it an ideal time to experience both the base story and Claws of Awaji in one seamless journey.

Reader question: Have you tried the Nightmare mode yet, or are you waiting to master it with your new Awaji gear?

Pricing and Access: Who Gets Claws of Awaji for Free?

Good news if you’ve already pre-ordered Assassin’s Creed Shadows — Claws of Awaji is included at no extra cost.

Otherwise, the expansion is available for:

• $32.99 CAD / $24.99 USD as a standalone DLC
• Free as part of the Ubisoft+ subscription service
• Included with any Gold, Deluxe, or Ultimate editions that specify the expansion pack

Looking Back at Assassin’s Creed: Shadows and What Makes It Stand Out

Released earlier this year, Assassin’s Creed Shadows transported players to feudal Japan, putting them in control of two very different protagonists:

• Naoe, a shinobi assassin focused on stealth, mobility, and infiltration
• Yasuke, a samurai who uses brute strength, precision weaponry, and head-on tactics

Players experience a world shaped by political unrest, personal vendettas, and shifting alliances. Choices you make in missions, from combat to dialogue, have tangible consequences — shaping how NPCs react, which paths open up, and how you’re remembered.

With its dual-character gameplay, dynamic weather, and adaptive AI, Shadows marked a significant evolution for the franchise, combining RPG depth with AC’s signature stealth-action loop.

Reader question: Which character do you prefer playing — Naoe or Yasuke? Or do you enjoy switching between the two based on the mission?

For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Claws of Awaji is more than just extra content — it's a full-bodied extension of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows experience. It expands the narrative, introduces fresh gameplay mechanics, and dives deeper into the lore of this stunning reimagining of Japan.

If you loved the base game, the expansion delivers on all fronts: combat, story, and exploration. And with more updates on the horizon, Ubisoft is showing a real commitment to making Shadows one of the most supported and complete entries in the franchise.

Key Highlights of Claws of Awaji

• New island region with unique challenges and storylines
• 10+ hours of gameplay
• New weapons, enemies, and gear
• Included free with pre-orders or purchasable standalone
• Available on all major platforms, including Ubisoft+, Stadia, Luna, and macOS