Ubisoft reveals Assassin’s Creed Shadows preload and unlock times

andy.chalk@pcgamer.com (Andy Chalk)
2025-03-05 16:21:00
www.pcgamer.com

In what I think we can all take as final confirmation that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is not going to be hit with one more super-last-second delay, Ubisoft has revealed a somewhat complicated rundown of the game’s global preload and unlock times.

The preload times are simple enough: If you’re on Xbox Series X/S, you can be preloading right now if you really want to get ahead of the crowd, while those of us on PC can start the ball rolling at 4 pm UTC (8 am PT/11 am ET) on March 17, three days ahead of the March 20 launch date. The PS5 crowd will have to wait just a wee little bit longer, until 12 am local time on March 18.

There’s a bit more variation in the unlock times. Console versions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows are set to unlock at midnight local time, while the Steam versions will pop simultaneously around the world—that is, 9 pm PT on March 19 (three hours ahead of the console launch), which works out to 12 am ET on March 20 (simultaneous with the console launch), 5 am CET (five hours after the console versions unlock), and so forth.

Unless you’re getting the PC edition directly from Ubisoft, that is. In that case, you’ll have access to Assassin’s Creed Shadows at the same time as the Steam release in the Americas, but six hours earlier in Europe and four hours earlier in Asia and Australia. Ubisoft is French, which I assume plays some role in that particular little twist.

If I’m reading the map right, that is. It’s complicated.

Assassin's Creed Shadows preload and unlock timing map

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Note that unlike a lot of big game launches, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will not have any kind of “early unlock” for people who preorder or shell out for a collector’s edition. A three-day early access period was originally planned, but Ubisoft scrapped the idea when it delayed Assassin’s Creed Shadows into 2025.

Source Link

Take your gaming to the next level! The Redragon S101 RGB Backlit Gaming Keyboard is an Amazon’s Choice product that delivers incredible value. This all-in-one PC Gamer Value Kit includes a Programmable Backlit Gaming Mouse, perfect for competitive gaming or casual use.

With 46,015 ratings, an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and over 4K+ bought in the past month, this kit is trusted by gamers everywhere! Available now for just $39.99 on Amazon. Plus, act fast and snag an exclusive 15% off coupon – but hurry, this offer won’t last long!

Score this incredible deal now!

Start your free Amazon Prime trial
today and unlock unlimited streaming and more!

Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support

If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.

As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!

BITCOIN

Bitcoin Logo