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Assassin Creed Shadows vs Grand Theft Auto V
info General Information | |
Release Date | |
Mar 20, 2025 | Sep 17, 2013 |
Developer | |
Ubisoft Quebec (Lead Studio, with support from other Ubisoft studios) | Rockstar North |
Publisher | |
Ubisoft | Rockstar Games |
Genre(s) | |
Action-Adventure, Open World, RPG, Stealth | Action-Adventure, Open World, Third-Person Shooter, First-Person Shooter, Heist |
Engine | |
Latest version of Anvil engine | RAGE (Rockstar Advanced Game Engine) with Euphoria and Bullet Physics |
stars Ratings & Price | |
Content Rating | |
PEGI 18 (ESRB M for Mature equivalent expected - C | Mature 17+ |
Avg. User Rating | |
4.0 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 |
Current Price (USD) | |
$69.99 | $29.99 |
tune Key Specs | |
Quick Highlights | |
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sports_esports Gameplay & Mechanics | |
Companions/Followers | |
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Key Collectibles | |
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Key Themes | |
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colorize Combat & Gear | |
Weapons Overview | |
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Armor / Gear Sets | |
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Outfits/Customization | |
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trending_up Progression & Upgrades | |
Skills & Progression | |
N/A | Each of the three protagonists has unique special abilities: Michael can slow down time in combat (like bullet time); Franklin can slow down time while driving; Trevor can enter a rage mode, dealing more damage and taking less. Player stats (Stamina, Shooting, Strength, Stealth, Flying, Driving, Lung Capacity) improve through repeated use of related actions. Weapons can be customized with attachments (scopes, suppressors, extended mags, grips, tints). Vehicles can be extensively modified at Los Santos Customs shops (performance upgrades, cosmetic changes). Properties can be purchased to generate income and provide safe houses. |
public World & Exploration | |
World & Level Design | |
The open world of Feudal Japan in Assassin's Creed Shadows is described as comparable in size to that of Assassin's Creed Origins (approximately 80km²). It features diverse regions including spectacular castle towns, bustling ports, peaceful shrines, and pastoral landscapes across central Japan. The world is designed with a more realistic scale for mountains and castles, and features dynamic weather systems and changing seasons that can affect gameplay (e.g., ponds freezing over). |
The game world is one of the largest and most detailed ever created by Rockstar. Los Santos is a vast, meticulously crafted urban metropolis with diverse districts (Vinewood, Downtown, Rockford Hills, South Los Santos). Blaine County offers contrasting environments like the Alamo Sea (Salton Sea analogue), Mount Chiliad, Sandy Shores (desert town), Paleto Bay (coastal town), and dense forests. The map is filled with activities, landmarks, and dynamic events. |
Playable Vehicles | |
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Notable Fauna/Mounts | |
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book Story & Characters | |
Main Characters | |
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Example Missions | |
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people Multiplayer | |
Multiplayer Details | |
Assassin's Creed Shadows is a single-player experience. It does not feature any co-op or competitive multiplayer modes at launch. Ubisoft is developing a separate standalone multiplayer Assassin's Creed experience codenamed 'Project Invictus'. |
N/A |
extension Editions & DLC | |
Available Editions | |
Multiple editions are available: Standard Edition ($69.99 USD), Digital Deluxe Edition ($89.99 USD - includes Sekiryu Character Pack for Naoe and Yasuke, Sekiryu Hideout Pack, 5 skill points, and digital artbook/soundtrack filter in Photo Mode), Gold Edition (includes base game and Season Pass with two upcoming expansions), and Ultimate Edition (includes base game, Season Pass, Ultimate Pack with Sekiryu Character/Hideout Packs, and digital artbook/soundtrack filter). A Collector's Edition ($299.99 USD for PS5/Xbox) includes Ultimate Edition content, steelbook, Naoe & Yasuke diorama statue, artbook, Naoe's katana tsuba replica, world map, and creed wall scroll. |
Originally released on PS3/Xbox 360. Later enhanced versions released for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, and further enhanced versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Various editions included: Standard, Special Edition (SteelBook, blueprint map, stunt plane trials, bonus outfits, tattoos, special ability boost, additional weapons), Collector's Edition (Special Edition content + security deposit bag, GTA V cap, characters for GTA Online). The Premium Online Edition bundles the base game with the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack for GTA Online. |
Post-Launch Content / DLC | |
A Year 1 roadmap has been revealed, featuring free content like new story quests (e.g., 'The Works of Luis Frois'), parkour system enhancements, Photo Mode updates, and New Game+. A major paid expansion titled 'Claws of Awaji' is planned for late 2025, offering over 10 hours of new content on the island of Awaji with new enemies and a Bō staff weapon for Naoe. This expansion is included in the Gold and Ultimate Editions (via Season Pass) or can be purchased separately. Ubisoft is not using a traditional season pass model but focusing on standalone expansions and free updates. |
The primary post-launch support has been for Grand Theft Auto Online, which has received a massive amount of free content updates over the years. These include new heists, businesses (CEO, Biker, Gunrunning, Nightclub, Arcade, etc.), vehicles, weapons, clothing, game modes, properties, and story-driven contact missions. No single-player story DLC was released for GTA V. |
help_outline FAQ | |
Frequently Asked Questions | |
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build Technical Details | |
Graphics & Visual Fidelity | |
Powered by an updated version of the Anvil engine, Assassin's Creed Shadows aims for a visually stunning depiction of Feudal Japan. Features include detailed environments, realistic character models, dynamic weather systems, changing seasons impacting the world, and advanced lighting. Supports Ray Traced Global Illumination and Reflections, ultra-wide resolutions, uncapped framerate, and various upscalers (DLSS 3.7, FSR 3.1, XeSS 2). |
Utilizes the RAGE engine to deliver a highly detailed and realistic depiction of Los Santos and Blaine County. The game is known for its impressive draw distances, detailed textures, advanced lighting and shadow effects, realistic weather systems, and convincing character animations. Enhanced versions on PC, PS4/Xbox One, and PS5/Xbox Series X|S introduced higher resolutions, improved textures, denser traffic/pedestrians, and features like ray tracing on the latest consoles/PC. |
Audio & Soundtrack | |
Features an original score that blends traditional Japanese instrumentation with orchestral arrangements to evoke the atmosphere of Feudal Japan. Sound design emphasizes environmental realism, weather effects, and distinct combat sounds for each weapon and character. |
Features an extensive and diverse soundtrack across multiple in-game radio stations covering genres like rock, pop, hip-hop, country, electronic, reggae, Latin, and talk radio. Original score by Tangerine Dream, Woody Jackson, The Alchemist, and Oh No, which dynamically adapts to gameplay. Sound design is incredibly detailed, with distinct vehicle engine sounds, weapon effects, character dialogue, and ambient city/countryside noise creating an immersive soundscape. |
User Interface (UI/UX) | |
The UI is an evolution of modern Assassin's Creed games, providing clear information on quests, character status, abilities, and world interactions. Features an 'Immersive Mode' for reduced UI. Supports multilingual voice acting and subtitles. Includes a Photo Mode with various filters and customization options. |
Features a clean and functional HUD displaying a mini-map (with GPS), health, armor, ammo, and wanted level. A weapon wheel allows for quick selection. The in-game smartphone is used for contacts, missions, internet browsing, and accessing GTA Online. Each protagonist has a unique phone interface. Third-person and first-person views offer slightly different UI presentations. |
Accessibility Options | |
Ubisoft typically includes a range of accessibility options in their titles, such as customizable controls, subtitle and caption adjustments, audio cues, gameplay assists (e.g., aim assist, navigation aids), and visual filters. Specific details for Shadows include extensive customization options in the settings menu. |
Includes options for customizable controls, subtitle display (size, background), aim assist options (full, partial, free aim), options to skip difficult mission sections after multiple failures (in story mode), colorblind-friendly HUD elements, and audio balancing. First-person mode can also aid some players. |
video_library Media Links | |
Gameplay Video | |
launchWatch | launchWatch |
Walkthrough/Guide | |
launchView | launchView |
settings_applications System Requirements | |
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (Target: 1080p, 60 FPS, Medium Preset) (Medium Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') likely needed.) CPU: Recommended desktop CPU. CPU (Laptop): Recommended laptop CPU for a smooth 1080p/60FPS experience. GPU: Recommended desktop GPU. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~60 FPS at 1080p Medium/High. **Ensure high TGP for NVIDIA cards.** 8GB VRAM is strongly recommended. Upscaling will significantly aid in achieving stable framerates. RAM: 16GB RAM in dual-channel. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-11600K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB) or Intel Arc B580 (12GB, ReBAR ON) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-11800H / AMD Ryzen 7 5800H or newer equivalent performance mobile CPUs. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop (8GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop (8GB, High TGP); OR AMD Radeon RX 6700M (10GB), AMD Radeon RX 6800S (8GB). layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) | — |
1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, Low/Medium Preset) (Low to Medium Preset) CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for playable framerates. CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU equivalent. Modern i3/Ryzen 3 or better recommended. GPU: Minimum desktop GPU. GPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop GPUs. Game is less demanding by today's standards for these settings. RAM: Minimum RAM requirement. Storage: HDD is absolute minimum, expect long load times. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs) or AMD Phenom 9850 Quad-Core Processor @ 2.5GHz (4 CPUs) developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT (1GB) or AMD Radeon HD 4870 (1GB) (DX 10, 10.1, 11) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i5-2430M / AMD A8-3520M equivalent or better laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M / AMD Radeon HD 6570M or better. **Any modern integrated GPU (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon Graphics) or entry-level dedicated GPU (RTX 3050 Mobile, etc.) will run this game at 1080p Medium/High comfortably.** layersRAM: 4 GB saveStorage (Tier): 72 GB HDD (Current installs often need more) |
1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (Target: 1080p, 30 FPS, Low Preset) (Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.) CPU: Minimum desktop CPU. CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU to avoid severe bottlenecks at this tier. Performance varies by laptop design. GPU: Minimum desktop GPU. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~30 FPS at 1080p Low. **Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Performance') is highly recommended.** 6GB VRAM is a practical minimum for laptops; 4GB VRAM cards will likely face issues. TGP and cooling are critical. RAM: Minimum RAM, dual-channel configuration is essential. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5700 (8GB) or Intel Arc A580 (8GB, ReBAR ON) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-9750H / AMD Ryzen 5 4600H or newer equivalent mobile CPUs. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop (4GB, High TGP - may struggle, 6GB version better); OR AMD Radeon RX 5600M (6GB), AMD Radeon RX 6600S. An RTX 3060 Laptop (6GB, lower TGP) could also fit here. layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) | — |
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset) (High Preset) CPU: Recommended desktop CPU for 1080p at 60 FPS. CPU (Laptop): Estimated mid-range laptop CPUs. GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for 1080p at 60 FPS on High. GPU (Laptop): Estimated performance-focused laptop GPUs. 2GB VRAM is bare minimum, 4GB+ better. RAM: Recommended RAM for smoother performance. Storage: SSD strongly recommended. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-3470 @ 3.2GHz (4 CPUs) or AMD X8 FX-8350 @ 4GHz (8 CPUs) developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 (2GB) or AMD Radeon HD 7870 (2GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-3610QM / AMD Ryzen 5 1400 (Laptop equivalent) or better. **Modern Intel Core i5 H-series / AMD Ryzen 5 H-series (e.g., i5-11400H, Ryzen 5 5600H) strongly recommended.** laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M (2GB) / GTX 1050 Mobile (2GB/4GB) or AMD Radeon R9 M385X / RX 560 Mobile. **An RTX 3050 Mobile or RTX 4050 Mobile will provide excellent 1080p High/Ultra 60FPS+ performance.** layersRAM: 8 GB saveStorage (Tier): 72 GB SSD (Current installs often need more) |
1440p (QHD/2K) - Enthusiast (Target: 1440p, 60 FPS, High Preset) (High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') recommended.) CPU: Listed desktop CPU. A stronger CPU is advised for consistency at 1440p High. CPU (Laptop): High-performance laptop CPU crucial for 1440p gaming to avoid bottlenecks. GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p High. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~60 FPS at 1440p High. **Max TGP versions and excellent cooling are essential.** 8GB VRAM (RTX 4070 Laptop) is the minimum, 10GB+ is ideal. Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Balanced' or 'Performance') will likely be necessary. RAM: 16GB is listed, but 32GB is highly recommended for smoother 1440p gameplay. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-11600K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (Same as 1080p/60 Rec, but higher-end CPU like i7-12700K/Ryzen 7 5800X would be better) developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (10GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (16GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-12700H / AMD Ryzen 7 6800H or newer high-performance mobile CPUs (e.g., Intel HX series, AMD HX/HS series). laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop (16GB, Max TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop (8GB, Max TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop (12GB, Max TGP); OR AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT (12GB), AMD Radeon RX 7900S. layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) | — |
1440p (QHD/2K) - High (1440p ~60 FPS, High/Very High Preset with Optimized Settings) (High/Very High Preset (Optimized, DLSS potentially useful)) CPU: Desktop CPU for 1440p at 60 FPS. CPU (Laptop): Estimated high-end laptop CPUs. GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p at 60 FPS. GPU (Laptop): Estimated high-performance laptop GPUs. 6GB+ VRAM essential, 8GB+ preferable. RAM: 16GB RAM recommended for smoother experience. Storage: NVMe SSD strongly recommended. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.0GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB) / RTX 2060 (6GB) or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 (8GB) / RX 5700 (8GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-8750H / AMD Ryzen 7 3750H or better. **Modern Intel Core i7 H-series / AMD Ryzen 7 H-series (e.g., i7-12700H, Ryzen 7 6800H) recommended.** laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile (8GB) / RTX 3060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) or AMD Radeon RX 6600M/6700S. **An RTX 3070 Mobile or RTX 4060 Mobile provides a very smooth 1440p High experience.** layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 72 GB NVMe SSD (Current installs often need more) |
2160p (UHD/4K) - Enthusiast (Target: 4K, 60 FPS, High Preset) (High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Performance' or 'Ultra Performance') essential.) CPU: High-end desktop CPU for 4K. CPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop CPUs required to support 4K gaming attempts. GPU: High-end desktop GPU for 4K. GPU (Laptop): Only the absolute top-tier laptop GPUs with maximum TGP and exceptional cooling can attempt 4K. **Expect to use DLSS/FSR in 'Ultra Performance' mode.** Native 4K at high settings and 60 FPS is generally beyond current laptop capabilities for such demanding titles. RAM: 32GB RAM is strongly recommended for 4K gaming. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER (16GB) or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (20GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i9-12900HX / AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX or newer flagship mobile CPUs (e.g., Intel 13th/14th Gen HX, AMD Ryzen 7000/8000 HX series). laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop (16GB, Max TGP). Even then, 4K/60FPS High will be extremely challenging and heavily reliant on aggressive upscaling. layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) | — |
2160p (UHD/4K) - Ultra (2160p/4K ~30-60 FPS, Medium/High Preset with DLSS Balanced/Performance) (Medium/High Preset, DLSS Balanced/Performance (Native 4K High/Ultra 60FPS is very demanding)) CPU: Desktop CPU recommendation for 4K. CPU (Laptop): High-end to top-tier laptop CPUs required. GPU: Desktop GPU recommendation for a playable 4K experience, likely requiring DLSS. GPU (Laptop): High-end to flagship laptop GPUs essential. 8GB VRAM is absolute minimum for 4K, 12GB+ strongly preferred. RAM: 16GB minimum, 32GB strongly recommended for 4K. Storage: NVMe SSD required. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-8700K @ 3.7GHz or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X @ 3.6GHz developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super (8GB) / RTX 3070 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6800 (16GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-10870H / AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS or better. **Modern flagship Intel Core i7/i9 HX / AMD Ryzen 7/9 HX series (e.g., 13900HX, 7945HX) recommended.** laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Mobile (8GB, Max TGP) / RTX 4070 Mobile (8GB, Max TGP) or AMD Radeon RX 6800M/6850M XT. **An RTX 3080 Mobile (16GB) / RTX 4080 Mobile (12GB) or higher is needed for a better 4K experience, heavily relying on DLSS. Even an RTX 4090 Mobile may need DLSS for Ultra 60FPS. A hypothetical next-gen flagship (RTX 50-series) would be the target for improved native 4K.** layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 72 GB NVMe SSD (Current installs often need more) |
save Overall Storage | |
Spec: 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) Note: An SSD is required for installation and optimal performance due to the large open world and detailed assets. NVMe SSD recommended for faster load times. Type: SSD | Spec: 72 GB available space (SSD Recommended). Initial release was smaller, but updates and GTA Online have increased the size. 90GB+ often cited for current installs. Note: An SSD is highly recommended for faster loading and texture streaming, especially in GTA Online. Type: SSD |
desktop_windows Operating System | |
Spec: Windows 10 / Windows 11 (64-bit versions only) Explanation: A 64-bit version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 is mandatory. | Spec: Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10 (64-bit) Explanation: 64-bit OS required. Windows 10/11 64-bit recommended for best compatibility and performance. |
gamepad DirectX Version | |
N/A | Spec: DirectX 10, 10.1, 11 Explanation: DirectX 10 compatible card minimum; DX11 recommended for best visuals. |
info_outline Other Game Notes | |
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build Optimization Details | |
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laptop Laptop Considerations | |
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info_outline Feature details based on available data. System requirements and performance estimates may vary.
laptop_chromebook Laptop Recommendations
Common Recommendations (Handles All Compared Games)
For Assassin Creed Shadows Specifically
For Grand Theft Auto V Specifically
info_outline Laptop recommendations are estimates based on available component benchmarks and game requirements. Actual performance may vary depending on settings, drivers, cooling, power limits, etc. Prices and availability subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.