How To Play Assassin’s Creed Shadows Early Pc

If you’re looking for information on how to play Assassin’s Creed Shadows early on PC, you’ve come to the right place. Gaining early access to a major game release often involves understanding specific platform policies.

This guide will walk you through every legitimate method, from pre-order bonuses to subscription services. We’ll also cover what to expect and how to prepare your system.

Let’s get straight into the details so you can plan your entry into feudal Japan.

Playing a game before its official street date is a thrilling prospect for any fan. For Assassin’s Creed Shadows on PC, there are primarily two official pathways to early access.

These are tied directly to how you purchase the game and which subscription services you might use. It’s crucial to understand these options to choose the best one for you.

Always remember that early access is a privilege granted by the publisher, not a right. The terms are set by Ubisoft and the digital storefronts.

Official Early Access Through Pre-Order Editions

The most straightforward way to play Assassin’s Creed Shadows early on PC is by pre-ordering a specific edition of the game. Ubisoft has structured this as an incentive for players who commit to buying the game ahead of launch.

Not every edition includes this perk. You must select the correct version when placing your order.

Here are the typical editions that include early access:

Gold Edition: This edition usually includes the base game, a season pass for future DLC, and some bonus digital content. Crucially, it almost always grants up to three days of early access.
Ultimate Edition: This is the top-tier package. It bundles everything from the Gold Edition, plus additional cosmetic items, a digital artbook, and soundtrack. It also grants the same early access period, typically three days before the standard launch.

The Standard Edition, in contrast, does not include early access. You will be able to play only on the global release date and time.

When you pre-order an eligible edition, the game will appear in your Ubisoft Connect or other store library. The “pre-load” option will become available a day or two before the early access period begins, allowing you to download the full game. Once the early access countdown timer hits zero, you can launch and play immediately.

Utilizing Ubisoft Plus Premium Subscription

For PC players, Ubisoft Plus Premium (formerly Ubisoft+) presents a powerful alternative for early access. This subscription service offers a library of Ubisoft titles, including new releases.

Subscribers often get to play new games on their release day. For major titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, there is a strong possibility that Ubisoft Plus Premium members will recieve day-one access.

It’s important to note the distinction between “early access” and “day-one access.” With a subscription, you likely won’t get the full three-day head start that Gold and Ultimate Edition buyers get. However, you will be able to play the full standard edition of the game as part of your subscription on its official launch day, without a separate purchase.

Here is how it works:

Sign up for a Ubisoft Plus Premium subscription on PC.
When Assassin’s Creed Shadows releases, it will be added to the subscription catalog.
You can then download and play the game through the Ubisoft Connect client for as long as you maintain your active subscription.

This method is cost-effective if you plan to play multiple Ubisoft games. It also allows you to try the game at launch without a full upfront purchase.

Comparing The Early Access Windows

To visualize the difference, here is a simple breakdown of the access timelines:

Ultimate/Gold Edition Pre-Order: Play up to 3 days before the standard release date.
Ubisoft Plus Premium: Play on the standard release date (day-one).
Standard Edition Purchase: Play on the standard release date.

Your choice depends on your budget and how eager you are to start the adventure.

Pre-Loading The Game For Instant Access

Once you have secured early access through one of the methods above, pre-loading is your next critical step. Pre-loading lets you download the entire game before the activation time.

This means you can start playing the moment early access begins, instead of waiting for a massive download to finish. Modern AAA games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows can be over 100 GB in size.

Follow these steps to pre-load on PC via Ubisoft Connect:

Open the Ubisoft Connect application on your PC.
Navigate to your “Games” library.
Find Assassin’s Creed Shadows in your list of owned games.
If pre-load is available, you will see a “Pre-Load” or “Download” button. Click it.
The game files will download to your selected hard drive. The install process may not be complete until the game unlocks.

If you pre-ordered through a retailer like the Epic Games Store, the process will be similar within that store’s client. Keep an eye on official Ubisoft channels for the exact pre-load start date.

System Requirements And Pc Preparation

To ensure a smooth early access experience, you must verify that your PC meets the game’s system requirements. Nothing is worse than gaining early access only to face performance issues or crashes.

Ubisoft will publish official minimum and recommended specs closer to launch. Based on recent titles, you can expect demanding hardware for optimal performance.

Here are general areas to check and prepare:

Graphics Card (GPU): An NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon RX series card from the last few generations will likely be required for higher settings.
Processor (CPU): A modern multi-core CPU (Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 equivalent) is essential.
Memory (RAM): 16 GB is the current standard, with 32 GB becoming more recommended for AAA games.
Storage: You will need a fast SSD (NVMe preferred) with ample free space. An SSD is now a minimum requirement for many new games to ensure proper asset streaming.
Drivers: Update your graphics card drivers to the latest stable version just before early access starts. Both NVIDIA and AMD release game-ready drivers for major launches.

Taking these steps beforehand will let you focus on the game, not technical troubleshooting, when the clock hits zero.

Understanding Regional Unlock Times

Early access is typically governed by a global simultaneous unlock time. This is different from a midnight local time release.

Ubisoft often uses a single global time, usually based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), for when the game servers switch on. This means your local play time depends on your time zone.

For example, if the early access period begins on November 12th at 12:00 AM UTC:

Players on the US East Coast (EST) would gain access on November 11th at 7:00 PM.
Players in the UK (GMT) would gain access on November 12th at 12:00 AM.
Players in Japan (JST) would gain access on November 12th at 9:00 AM.

Always check Ubisoft’s official announcement for the precise global unlock time. Your Ubisoft Connect client will display a countdown timer based on your system’s time zone once pre-load is complete.

What Early Access Typically Includes

It’s important to manage your expectations about what the early access period entails. In most cases, you are playing the full, complete game.

There are usually no restrictions on content or progress. You can play through the entire main story and side content if you have the time.

However, there are a few nuances to be aware of:

Day-One Patch: A significant update often downloads on or just before the early access launch. This patch includes critical bug fixes and optimizations not on the physical disc or initial download. Ensure you install it.
Online Features: Some online components, like leaderboards or specific community events, might not be fully active until the standard launch day. The core game will be functional.
Review Embargo: Professional reviews may not be published until the standard launch day, so you might be exploring without widespread critical impressions.

Essentially, you are getting a head start on the full experience. All your progress will carry over seamlessly into the official launch period.

Avoiding Scams And Unofficial Methods

When searching for how to play Assassin’s Creed Shadows early on PC, you might encounter offers that seem too good to be true. It is vital to stick to official channels.

Unofficial key resellers, phishing sites promising early copies, or “crack” downloads are significant risks. They can lead to malware, stolen accounts, or financial fraud.

To stay safe, follow these rules:

Only purchase the game from the official Ubisoft Store, the Epic Games Store, or other authorized retailers like Steam.
Never enter your Ubisoft account credentials on any site other than the official Ubisoft domain.
Avoid downloading “early access” executables or files from torrent or forum sites. These are almost always fake or illegal.
Remember that true early access is a paid privilege tied to specific editions or subscriptions. If a method claims to bypass this for free, it is a scam.

Protecting your account and your PC is more important than playing a few days early.

Maximizing Your Early Experience

With early access secured, a little planning can enhance your first hours in the game. Having a strategy helps you make the most of your head start.

Consider these tips for your initial play session:

Prioritize Downloads: Start the pre-load the instant it becomes available. This avoids last-minute network congestion.
Clear Your Schedule: If possible, free up time during the early access window for uninterrupted play.
Check for Guides: Familiarize yourself with the game’s basic mechanics, controls, and skill systems beforehand. This lets you jump in efficiently.
Join Communities: Official Ubisoft forums or reputable subreddits will be active with other early access players. They can be a good resource for tips and shared discoveries.

The goal is to minimize friction so you can immerse yourself in the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows from the first moment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows early on PC.

Can I Play Assassin’s Creed Shadows Early With A Standard Pre-Order?

No. Early access is a feature reserved for the Gold Edition and Ultimate Edition of the game. Pre-ordering the Standard Edition will only grant you access on the official global release date, not before.

Does Ubisoft Plus Give Early Access To New Games?

Ubisoft Plus Premium typically offers day-one access to new Ubisoft titles, not the multi-day early access that comes with premium editions. This means you can play on the standard launch date, but not the extra days granted to Gold and Ultimate Edition buyers.

What Time Does Early Access Start On PC?

The start time is usually a global simultaneous unlock based on UTC. The exact hour will be announced by Ubisoft closer to launch. Your Ubisoft Connect client will show a localized countdown once the game is pre-loaded.

Will My Progress Carry Over After Early Access?

Yes. All progress you make during the early access period is saved to your Ubisoft Connect account and will be there when the game officially launches. There is no reset or seperate save file.

Is Early Access Available On Steam?

If Ubisoft lists the game on Steam, the early access policy will be the same. The Gold and Ultimate Editions purchased on Steam should include the same early access perk. Always double-check the edition details on the Steam store page before purchasing.