Assassin’s Creed Shadows winter roadmap 2026 overview
The Assassin’s Creed Shadows Winter 2026 Roadmap outlines major content updates leading to the game’s first anniversary on March 20, 2026. Key milestones include Title Update 1.1.8 in mid-February, a community Parkour Challenge, and the “Claws of Awaji” expansion launch on Nintendo Switch 2 in March. The anniversary will be celebrated with special livestreams and in-game giveaways.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows roadmap dates (February 17, March 10, March 20)
- February 17, 2026: Release of Title Update 1.1.8 on all platforms at 14:00 UTC, introducing manual parkour jumps and a detailed stats page.
- March 10, 2026: Launch of the Claws of Awaji expansion and a Premium Edition for Nintendo Switch 2.
- March 20, 2026: One-year anniversary celebration featuring a developer livestream, player giveaways, and the announcement of Parkour Challenge winners.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Title Update 1.1.8 release date and time
Title Update 1.1.8 was released on February 17, 2026, at approximately 14:00 UTC across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch 2, and Mac. This free patch provides highly requested features and core gameplay improvements.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows 1.1.8 patch notes highlights
- Manual Jump in Parkour: Adds a gameplay option for manual jumping.
- Detailed Stats Sheet: A new inventory page showing gear stats, perks, and loadout effects.
- Critical Hit Feedback: Enhanced visual reactions on enemy health bars during critical hits.
- Animus Menu Shortcut: A new interactive “glitch” object at the Hideout entrance for quick access to Projects, Exchange, and the Vault.
- Bug Fixes: Includes stability improvements, seasonal XP scaling fixes, and New Game+ resolutions for the Awaji expansion.
Manual jump in Assassin’s Creed Shadows explained
Update 1.1.8 introduces a manual jump mechanic for both Naoe and Yasuke, moving away from purely automatic contextual jumping. This feature allows players to jump at any time, providing greater control over traversal, gap crossing, and climbing.
How to enable Advanced Parkour and manual jump in AC Shadows
The manual jump feature is disabled by default. To activate it:
- Navigate to the Options/Settings menu.
- Select the Gameplay section.
- Toggle Advanced Parkour to “On.”
- Once enabled, use the Parkour Up button to perform a jump on demand.
Detailed stats sheet in Assassin’s Creed Shadows (how to open it in inventory)
The Detailed Stats Sheet allows for build optimization by showing numerical values for attack, defense, crit chance, and resistances. To open it:
- Controller: Click the right analog stick (R3) while in the Inventory menu.
- Keyboard: Press the TAB key while in the Inventory menu.
Critical hit visual improvements in Assassin’s Creed Shadows update 1.1.8
The update improves combat clarity by making enemy health bars react more dramatically to critical hits. This visual feedback allows players to immediately see the impact of high-damage strikes and evaluate the effectiveness of their character builds.
New Animus Menu entry point in the Hideout (Animus glitch location)
A flickering Animus “glitch” object has been added to the entrance of the player Hideout. Interacting with this object serves as a shortcut to the Animus menu, providing immediate access to the Projects, Exchange, and Vault tabs.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows update 1.1.8 patch size on PS5, Xbox, PC, Steam, and Switch 2
- Xbox Series X|S: ~15.77 GB
- PlayStation 5: ~1.73 GB
- Nintendo Switch 2: ~2.91 GB
- PC (Ubisoft Connect): ~13.24 GB
- Steam (PC): ~2.2 GB
- Mac: ~9 GB
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Parkour Challenge how to participate
Ubisoft has launched the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Parkour Challenge to celebrate new features like manual jumps. Players can participate by following these steps:
- Plan and record your best parkour run: Create a unique route for Naoe or Yasuke in any game location. The run must be a single, continuous video clip (no cuts or edits) between 45 and 60 seconds long. Focus on flow, style, and momentum using manual jumps and acrobatic tricks.
- Upload the video and share it: Upload the unedited clip to YouTube before the deadline of March 8, 2026. Post the link on Twitter (X) using the hashtag #ACShadowsParkourChallenge. The video can be Public or Unlisted but must be viewable via the link.
- Await the results: The development team will review entries, and winners will be announced during a special livestream on March 20, 2026, the game’s anniversary.
AC Shadows Parkour Challenge video rules (one-shot 45–60 seconds)
To ensure fair competition, participants must follow these specific rules:
- One unedited shot: Submissions must be a single continuous take. No video editing, stitching, cuts, or external software modifications are allowed.
- 45 to 60 seconds long: The run must last at least 45 seconds and no more than 60 seconds.
- Set anywhere in the game world: Players have total freedom to choose any environment, such as castle towns, shrines, or rural areas, to showcase their route.
- No mods or hacks: Use of mods, cheats, or external tools is prohibited. The run must use standard game physics. Simple watermarks for credit are permitted as long as they do not obscure gameplay.
#ACShadowsParkourChallenge hashtag and YouTube submission deadline
- Submission Deadline: Entries must be submitted by March 8, 2026, at 18:00 (6 PM) CET.
- Use the Hashtag #ACShadowsParkourChallenge: The YouTube link must be shared on Twitter (X) with this specific hashtag to be registered for judging.
- YouTube Requirements: Videos must be hosted on YouTube and set to Public or Unlisted until the contest concludes.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Parkour Challenge prizes and how winners are chosen
- Winner Selection: The development team will judge entries based on:
- Creativity: Originality of the route and use of environment.
- Impressiveness: Technical difficulty and mastery of mechanics.
- Style: Fluidity, elegance, and visual flair.
- Prizes for the 5 Winners: Five selected winners will each receive:
- An autographed Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Soundtrack Collection Limited Edition Deluxe 4xLP Vinyl Boxset.
- An Assassin’s Creed Shadows Collector’s Edition on their preferred platform.
- Grand Prize (1 Grand Winner): One of the five winners will be named the Grand Winner based on which video receives the most YouTube likes by March 18, 2026, at 6 PM CET. The Grand Prize includes:
- A digital key for the “Claws of Awaji” expansion.
- Three digital codes for Dual Pack cosmetic bundles.
- Announcement of Winners: Winners will be revealed during the anniversary livestream on March 20, 2026.
Claws of Awaji DLC Switch 2 release date (March 10, 2026)
The Claws of Awaji expansion will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on March 10, 2026. While the DLC was released on other platforms in September 2025, the Switch 2 version arrives in early 2026 to provide content parity for players on that console. This release also coincides with the launch of the Premium Edition on Switch 2.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Claws of Awaji expansion content (Awaji Island, new story, new enemies)
The expansion provides over 10 hours of gameplay and includes:
- Awaji Island: A new open-world region located beyond Osaka Bay featuring natural landscapes, hidden traps, and ambush points.
- New story: Naoe and Yasuke search for a lost treasure on Awaji. The plot involves a mysterious shinobi and the Sanzoku Ippa clan.
- New enemies: Players will encounter the Sanzoku Ippa clan, a hostile faction that uses unique tactics and traps.
- Integration with the main game: All gear, weapons, and skills earned on Awaji can be used back in the main game world.
Claws of Awaji new weapons and skills (legendary bō weapon for Naoe)
The expansion introduces new gear and abilities to enhance gameplay for both protagonists:
- Legendary Bō Staff for Naoe: Naoe can obtain a high-tier bō staff, providing a new combat style with extended reach and crowd-control capabilities. This weapon can be brought back and used in the main game.
- New Skills and Abilities: Both characters gain access to fresh skills. Naoe may receive new shinobi tricks or parkour maneuvers, while Yasuke may gain new combat techniques or stances to deal with foes on Awaji.
- New Gear and Outfits: The DLC features armor sets and weapons themed around Awaji Island and the Sanzoku Ippa clan. These items provide unique perks and stat bonuses.
- Trinkets and Items: Players can find legendary trinkets that provide passive gameplay benefits, such as boosts to stealth damage or health.
How to start Claws of Awaji in Assassin’s Creed Shadows (unlock requirements)
To access the expansion content, players must meet the following criteria:
- Complete the main story arcs for both Naoe and Yasuke: You must finish the core narrative, specifically the quest “Out of the Shadows,” which acts as the base game’s epilogue.
- Update your game and have the DLC installed: Ensure the game is updated to Title Update 1.1.8 or later and that the expansion is downloaded and enabled on your system.
- Head to your Hideout in Settsu province: Load your save and speak to Hanzo’s contact at the Hideout in Settsu to initiate the travel sequence to Awaji Island.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Premium Edition release on Switch 2 (what it includes)
Launching on March 10, 2026, the Premium Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 is a comprehensive bundle priced at approximately $99.99 USD. It includes:
- Base Game: The full digital version of the game with all prior updates and patches integrated.
- “Claws of Awaji” Expansion: Immediate access to the 10+ hour story expansion.
- Legendary Gear and Weapon Sets: Exclusive high-tier equipment for both Naoe and Yasuke.
- Legendary Mount: A unique, armored, or rare-skin animal for traversal.
- Legendary Trinket: An exclusive accessory providing passive stat bonuses.
- Hideout Ornaments: Four unique decorative items to customize the player’s base of operations.
The Switch 2 version also supports cross-progression via Ubisoft Connect, allowing saves to carry over to other platforms.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows one-year anniversary livestream and giveaways (March 20)
Ubisoft will celebrate the game’s first anniversary on March 20, 2026, with an official livestream featuring:
- Developer Livestream: Insights into the game’s development, behind-the-scenes content, and potential future teases.
- Giveaways: Opportunities for viewers to win digital rewards like XP boosts and Helix credits, or physical merchandise and collector’s items.
- Parkour Challenge Winners Announcement: The reveal of the five finalists and the grand prize winner, including a showcase of the winning video clips.
- Special In-Game Events or Freebies: Potential anniversary gifts or community challenges for players who log in during the celebration.
- Community Highlights: A showcase of player statistics, fan art, and cosplay from the game’s first year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When did Assassin’s Creed Shadows Title Update 1.1.8 release, and what are its main new features?
Title Update 1.1.8 launched on February 17, 2026, at 14:00 UTC. Main features include the Manual Jump ability via the Advanced Parkour setting, a Detailed Stats Sheet in the inventory, improved critical hit visual feedback on enemy health bars, a new Animus Menu entry point in the Hideout, and various bug fixes and stability improvements. - How do I turn on the new manual jump (Advanced Parkour) feature in AC Shadows?
Go to Options → Gameplay and toggle Advanced Parkour to “On.” Once enabled, you can press the Parkour Up button at any time during movement to jump on command. - What is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Parkour Challenge?
It is a community contest where players record a 45–60 second continuous, unedited parkour run. The event celebrates new movement features and offers prizes for creativity, skill, and style. The submission period ran from February 17 to March 8, 2026. - How can I participate in the AC Shadows Parkour Challenge, and what are the video requirements?
Record a single, unbroken 45–60 second gameplay clip with no edits, mods, or cheats. Upload the video to YouTube and share the link on Twitter (X) using the hashtag #ACShadowsParkourChallenge before the March 8, 2026, deadline. - What are the prizes for the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Parkour Challenge?
Five winners receive an autographed Limited Edition 4LP Vinyl Soundtrack and a Collector’s Edition of the game. One Grand Prize winner (the finalist with the most YouTube likes by March 18) also receives a digital key for the Claws of Awaji expansion and three Dual Pack cosmetic bundle codes. - How will the Parkour Challenge winners be chosen and announced?
The development team selects five winners based on creativity, impressiveness, and style. The community then determines the Grand Prize winner via YouTube likes. Winners will be announced during the one-year anniversary livestream on March 20, 2026. - When is the Claws of Awaji DLC coming out for Switch 2, and is it available on other platforms?
It releases for Nintendo Switch 2 on March 10, 2026. It has been available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S since September 2025. - What does the Claws of Awaji expansion include in terms of content?
It includes the new Awaji Island region, a storyline involving the search for lost treasure, the Sanzoku Ippa enemy clan, and over 10 hours of gameplay. New rewards include Naoe’s legendary bō staff, and fresh skills, outfits, and perks for both protagonists. - How do I start or access the Claws of Awaji DLC in-game once I have it?
You must complete the main story arcs and the quest “Out of the Shadows.” With the DLC installed and the game updated, visit the Hideout in Settsu province and speak to Hanzo’s contact to begin the expansion. - What is included in the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Premium Edition, and is it worth getting on Switch 2?
Releasing March 10, 2026, for $99.99, it includes the base game, the Claws of Awaji expansion, legendary gear sets, a legendary mount, a legendary trinket, and four hideout ornaments. It is designed as a complete package for new players.

Conclusion
The Assassin’s Creed Shadows Winter Roadmap for early 2026 introduces significant gameplay enhancements and community engagement. Title Update 1.1.8 improves the experience with manual jumps and detailed stats, while the Parkour Challenge encourages community creativity. The Claws of Awaji expansion adds substantial narrative and exploration content with new legendary loot. For Switch 2 players, the March 10 release of the expansion and the Premium Edition provides content parity and a definitive way to experience the game. The season concludes with the March 20 one-year anniversary livestream featuring developer insights and prize giveaways, marking a successful first year for the title.
Sources and Citation
- Ubisoft – AC Shadows Title Update 1.1.8 Release Notes (February 16, 2026) https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed/news/QjNpr1eaoM8NtmzqGt4Gb/ac-shadows-title-update-118-release-notes
- Ubisoft – AC Shadows Parkour Challenge Announcement (News, Feb 16, 2026) https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed/news/5DtVYhhrhh2Oe2JXEjxpSU/ac-shadows-parkour-challenge-and-tu-118-get-ready-for-manual-jumps
- Ubisoft – Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji expansion page https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed/shadows/expansion
- Ubisoft – Assassin’s Creed Shadows Premium Edition info (official site) https://store.ubisoft.com/us/assassins-creed-shadows-premium-edition/6890dda0b38ea140dbdb715b.html?lang=en_US
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Parkour Challenge Official Rules (Ubisoft, 2026) https://ubistatic-a.ubisoft.com/0106/gamesites/assassinscreed/shadows/contest/ACSH%20Parkour%20Challenge%20rules%20ENG%20%26%20FR.pdf
- RPG Site – Title Update 1.1.8 adds Manual Jump, roadmap dates… (Dave Francisco, Feb 17, 2026) https://www.rpgsite.net/news/19651-assassins-creed-shadows-title-update-118-adds-manual-jump-roadmap-dates-claws-awaji-launch-for-switch-2
- Nintendo Life – AC Shadows ‘Claws Of Awaji’ Expansion Lands Switch 2 Release Date (Jim Norman, Feb 16, 2026) https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/02/assassins-creed-shadows-claws-of-awaji-expansion-lands-switch-2-release-date
- GameSpot – AC Shadows Coming to Switch 2, And Really Soon (Blair Marnell, Oct 23, 2025) https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-coming-to-switch-2-and-really-soon/1100-6535663/
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