Assassin’s Creed Shadows release time, New Zealand trick, early access

Assassin’s Creed Shadows release date is almost here, and it’s one of the most anticipated games of the year. The latest RPG from Ubisoft takes the main series to Japan for the first time, something fans have been asking for for years.

Now, with Assassin’s Creed Shadows upon us, fans are wondering when they’ll get their hands-on the game, and if there’s a way to play the game early, as has been the case for previous Assassin’s Creed releases.

This guide will break down all the version of the game, when Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch on each platform, and let you in on a trick that will let you play Assassin’s Creed Shadows depending on what platform you are using.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows release date

• Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be released at midnight local time on March 20.

Ubisoft has confirmed that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be a staggered release, meaning that it will be released at different times depending on your region. For console, this is somewhat simple, however the Steam release time for Assassin’s Creed Shadows will vary, so check out our release times list below.

We have listed both below.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Console release time:

• Midnight Local time

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Steam release time: 

• North America – 9 PM PT (March 19) / 12 AM ET
• Europe – 4 AM GMT / 5 AM CEST
• Asia –  8 AM GST / 1 PM JST
• Oceania – 3 PM AEDT / 5 PM NZT

Assassin’s Creed Shadows release date: New Zealand Trick

For years now, players on Xbox have been playing games early thanks to this exploit. While it’s been widely spread for some time, every time a new game is released, a new player finds out about this method, so we’ll share it here with you.

This exploit only currently works on Xbox, but it’s very easy to do.

• Head to the settings menu
• Go to the system tab
• Go to language and location
• Change the location of your console to New Zealand
• Fully restart the Xbox
• Launch the game from your library

Assassin’s Creed Shadows release date: Early Access

Unlike previous years, this year’s Assassin’s Creed game will not come with an early access benefit for players who purchase the more expensive version of the game.

However, for purchasing the Digital Deluxe Edition, you will receive:

• Claws of Awaji expansion DLC (late 2025)
• Thrown to the Dogs quest – which is available at launch.
• Mastery Points
• Sekiryu Gear Set
• Eye of the Dragon Katana weapon
• Claw of the Dragon Long Katana weapon
• Dragon Tooth Trinket
• Sekiryu Wagasa, Sekiryu Tapestry, Sekiryu Mask , Sekiryu Mizubachi

Assassin’s Creed Shadows release date: Pre-load

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available for pre-loading on the following dates:

Xbox Series X: Available now.

PS5: March 18, 12 AM local time.

PC: Available now.