Assassin’s Creed Shadows Expands With “Claws of Awaji” DLC – Here’s What’s Coming

Ubisoft isn’t done with Assassin’s Creed Shadows just yet. After months of patches and polish, players are finally getting their first major DLC: Claws of Awaji. Slated for September 2025, this expansion promises more than just extra map space—it’s shaping up to be a full-blown tactical rework of Shadows’ world, with over 10 hours of new content, an all-new Bō staff weapon, and the debut of a dangerous new faction. And while it’s still in the shadows (pun intended), a co-op mode is also in development, hinting at a multiplayer future for the franchise.

What’s in the Claws of Awaji DLC?

Forget filler content—Claws of Awaji dives deep. Set on the mysterious island of Awaji, just off Osaka Bay, this expansion offers a new narrative arc where Naoe and Yasuke become the hunted. Players will face off against the Sanzoku Ippa, a merciless faction that turns the usual assassin fantasy on its head. Expect a new gameplay rhythm that emphasizes ambush survival, vertical traversal, and stealth in hazardous environments.

Key highlights include:

• A new Bo Staff weapon exclusive to Naoe, opening up fresh skill trees and attack animations

• New gear, skills, and upgrades integrated into the base game

• The island itself, packed with ruins, traps, and lore-rich side quests

• A full narrative arc that builds directly from Shadows’ recent 1.0.6 update

• Replayable content that links back into the main campaign

Multiplayer Mode on the Horizon

Even though co-op won’t be included in this DLC drop, Ubisoft has confirmed a new multiplayer mode under the codename “LEAGUE” is coming in 2026. Early leaks suggest it’ll go beyond just Naoe and Yasuke, introducing a new cast and potentially an interlinked narrative campaign.

So yes—Shadows is still a single-player experience, but for fans itching to team up, Ubisoft’s plans look ambitious. The franchise could be on the verge of a major co-op evolution.

Platform Details and Extras

Claws of Awaji will be available on:

• Xbox Series X|S

• PlayStation 5

• PC

• macOS with Apple Silicon

Pre-orders unlock a bonus mission titled “Thrown to the Dogs”, adding extra lore and early access to some of the expansion’s gear.

Why This DLC Deserves Your Attention

Assassin’s Creed Shadows brought us to feudal Japan with an emotional dual-protagonist system and razor-sharp stealth mechanics. Now, Claws of Awaji is poised to push those elements further, adding danger, complexity, and a new combat dynamic. For fans who’ve mastered the main game, this DLC will demand every trick in the book—and hint at what Assassin’s Creed’s future could look like in multiplayer form.