Assassin’s Creed Shadows launched back in May to positive reviews from fans and critics. But like with most Ubisoft games, Shadows has continued to be updated over time. And tomorrow’s big 1.1.1 update is its biggest yet, making it the best time to return to the game’s gorgeous digital recreation of Japan.
On September 10, Ubisoft released the full patch notes for Assassin’s Creed Shadows update 1.1.1, which is arriving on all platforms on Thursday. This is a massive update. The big star of this new patch is that it adds support for the game’s first major DLC expansion: Claws of Awaji. This DLC is launching on September 16 and will be available to anyone who pre-ordered Assassin’s Creed Shadows ahead of its launch earlier this year. It will also be sold separately. The upcoming expansion adds a whole new region to the already massive in-game world of Shadows, as well as around 10 hours of story content, missions, and activities.
Claws of Awaji adds a new weapon type for Naoe, one of the game’s two playable characters, to use: The fast and hard-hitting bo staff. But you don’t need to buy the DLC to get this new weapon. Ubisoft has changed plans and announced on Wednesday that all players will get access to a bo staff after completing a new free quest being added in update 1.1.1.
“Originally developed exclusively for the Claws of Awaji expansion, we thought this weapon was way too cool not to share with everyone… for FREE,” explained Ubisoft in the patch notes post for 1.1.1. “You get a Bo! And you! And you at the back! Everyone gets a Bo, coming September 16th.”
Meanwhile, update 1.1.1 also adds a ton of free stuff that will be available on September 11. For starters, Ubisoft is increasing the level cap (again) and now you’ll be able to level up to 100, letting players get even more powerful. Your in-game hideout is also getting some new features and upgrades. Here’s what Ubisoft had to say about the new hideout changes:
With the new update, each unique building now includes 2 additional upgrade levels, bringing a total of 20 new enhancements, alongside 3 new Hideout levels. These upgrades introduce valuable bonuses that accelerate Hideout growth, improve crafting capability by making Gold more accessible, and directly enhance Naoe, Yasuke, and their allies, making them more effective in both combat and exploration.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will also get two new gear levels: Mythic and Artifact. Ubisoft makes it sound like upgrading weapons and armor to these new levels will take some time, and that it’s mainly an option for players who are playing on new game+ and need extra help against the tougher enemies. Here are the full patch notes from Ubisoft, which are very long but include details on a lot of other neat changes, fixes, upgrades, and tweaks.
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Uncapped Cutscenes
Cutscenes are no longer limited to 30 FPS (PC Only).
LIST OF BUG FIXES
General
- Fixed an issue where the game crashed during the cutscene of the “Chained” rift.
- Fixed various localization issues.
- Fixed an issue where the vertical sliding sound effect continued if you switched characters during a slide.
- Fixed an issue where some tutorials repeated themselves after unlocking Yasuke.
Gameplay
- Fixed an issue where the Naginata Ronin were not vulnerable after using the Vault ability.
- Addressed an issue where the Scale of the Koi and Soaring Tatsu trinkets were not functioning as expected.
- Fixed an issue where the aiming reticle option “Only While Aiming” was missing from the settings.
- Fixed an issue where a persistent “New Item” notification appeared after looting weapons from scout supply chests.
- Fixed an issue where players were unable to start horse archery in Iga because the quest giver had moved locations.
- Fixed an issue Ikko Ikki Kamon banner was missing after completing the “Collection of Crests” quest.
- Fixed an issue where the Mount Nukai contract targeted a chest that was already opened.
- Fixed an issue where multiple waypoints were not synchronizing.
Difficulty Options
- Fixed an issue on Nightmare difficulty where Teppo enemies appeared broken.
- Fixed an issue on Nightmare difficulty where the Samurai Spear Guard had a combat glitch.
- Fixed an issue where Canon Mode disabled itself on the second launch of the game.
Hideout
- Fixed an issue in the Hideout when selecting the option to duel with Naoe or Yasuke did nothing.
- Fixed an issue in the Hideout where certain buildings or set pieces could not be rotated.
- Fixed an issue in the Hideout that prevented players from moving the horse stables after changing their original location.
- Fixed an issue where Rufino remained stuck in the Hideout after being recruited.
Skills, Abilities & Upgrades
- Addressed an issue where the Shadow Piercer ability was not functioning correctly.
- Addressed an issue where the 33% health recovery on posture attack perk was not functioning as expected.
Visuals & Graphics
- Fixed various visual issues.
- Fixed a visual issue with the architect’s lip sync in the “Seta-Killers” quest.
- Fixed a visual issue affecting Yasuke’s aim with the Teppo when wearing variations of the Samurai Hat.
- Fixed a visual issue with the Ronin Kasa Hat.
- Fixed a visual issue with the Blush of the Earth bow quiver.
- Fixed a visual issue with Oni’s Flesh Armour.
- Fixed a visual issue where Gashadokuro’s mask did not have red eyes on the Memories screen.
—SPOILERS WARNING! —
Quests
- “A Critical Encounter”: Fixed an issue where players could not interact with Rufino to trigger the quest.
- “Broken Horn”: Fixed an issue where players could not progress due to being stuck by the Animus wall.
- “Face the Oshiroi Baba”: Fixed an issue where Yokai objective member rewards were not being granted correctly.
- “Feast For Thought”: Fixed an issue where requirements were automatically completed for the quest.
- “Man Behind the Curtain”: Fixed an issue where after Ermigo died, Gaspar was incorrectly shown as dead.
- “My Name Is Yasuke”: Fixed an issue where players could not progress due to being stuck outside the Animus wall.
- “Of My Enemy”: Fixed an issue where Hiromichi’s man stopped moving if the player entered combat while following him.
- “Out of the Shadows”: Fixed an issue where the game crashed after the cutscene.
- “Silver Smugglers”: Fixed an issue where Yoshisada could be assassinated early before the quest.
- “Tea Bowls for Rikyu”: Fixed an issue in the Hideout where tea bowls could no longer be placed after completing the quest.
- “The Tournament”: Fixed an issue where players could not interact with Gyoji despite a blue marker being shown.
- Fixed an issue where players were unable to talk to Katsuhime in the crop field when she was sitting on the ground.
PLATFORM-SPECIFIC FIXES
PC
- Fixed an issue where the heavy attack (LMB+Shift) was not functioning correctly on keyboard and mouse.