Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Claws of Awaji expansion launched: Key things to know before you play

Assassins Creed Shadows Claws of Awaji expansion

As confirmed in July, Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Claws of Awaji expansion has released today for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. The story expansion is set on the mysterious island of Awaji and adds 10 hours of new game content. The Claws of Awaji DLC will be free for players who had pre-ordered Assassin’s Creed: Shadows; for others, it will be a paid DLC.

Before you begin your journey to Awaji Island, here are some key things to know to prepare yourself well for this new chapter of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.

• Complete the main story arcs of both Naoe and Yasuke first Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Claws of Awaji expansion will unlock for you only after you have completed the main story arcs of Naoe and Yasuke. So, make sure you have completed the personal arcs of both our heroes.

To access Claws of Awaji, you must finish the quest "Out of the Shadows", which becomes available after you complete the personal quests for Yasuke, Naoe and Junjiro. Then, track down Hanzo's contact at your Hideout in Settsu to start on the journey to the mysterious island of Awaji.

• Location of the Awaji Island According to Ubisoft, “Awaji is an isolated island, separate from the main game map, full of different biomes such as beaches, swamps and jungles.”
• Step into the danger of the Awaji Island The Awaji Island is “filled with deadly ambushes” and “dangerous traps.” It is under the control of “a powerful and terrifying faction” called Sanzoku Ippa, and Naoe and Yasuke will be in immediate danger.
• Stay alert for unexpected attacks “Enemies on Awaji Island can ambush you when you least expect it; some are even disguised as citizens, so stay on your toes. The expansion will also bring new, unique bosses”, said Ubisoft.
• Introducing the Bo staff for Naoe With the release of the Claws of Awaji expansion, all Assassin’s Creed Shadows players will unlock a new weapon for Naoe – the Bo staff. With this weapon, Naoe can attack “different enemies in quick sequence or even throw one enemy into another”. The Bo staff will allow Naoe to “perform spectacular combos.”

The Bo staff “can be elevated through multiple legendary Bo Staves, only available in the expansion, that can be found across the island of Awaji.”

• Get a taste of new armour and gear As Shadows players progress into the expansion, they will uncover brand new armour and gear, each with new designs and abilities.
• Be at level 60 at least to utilise the level cap increase The New Game Plus mode in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows brought a level cap increase from 60 to 80. Claws of Awaji supports the level cap increase for its progression, so the developers recommend hitting at least level 60 before jumping into the Shadows’ expansion so that players can take full advantage of the extra game levels.