Ahead of its original release date, several editions ofAssassin’s Creed Shadowswere announced, each including different content at different price points. This is a pretty common release model for AAA games at this point, though the quality of these different editions can range wildly. For instance, theDeluxe Edition ofMadden25was basically just the base game with some in-game currency bundled in at a slight discount. Fortunately, it looks likeAssassin’s Creed Shadowsmay have a more generous plan for its different editions, at least if nothing changes from its initial price points.
AfterAssassin’s Creed Shadowswas delayedfrom its original July 31, 2025, release date to August 15, 2025, it seems as though its pricing model may have changed. Steam, Xbox, and the PlayStation Store all pulled any mentions of the game’s different editions, replacing the pre-order option with a wishlist option.This may be due to restructuring of what is included in each version of the game, as all pre-orders will now include the first expansion of the game for free, something that players would previously have needed to pay for. Here’s what to expect based on the original plan.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Standard Edition
The Assassin’s Creed Collector’s Edition Costs $69.99
Initially, theAssassin’s Creed ShadowsStandard Edition was planned to just include the base game for $69.99. Now, because of the delay,players who pre-order the game will also reportedly be getting the first expansion to the game for free. While this first expansion probably isn’t going to be available right at launch, even with the game’s delayed release, it’s still a nice bonus to add to any edition of the game for no extra cost. This makes pre-ordering any edition a good idea if players are already sold on the game.
First DLC Expansion*
*Pre-Order Bonus
When looking at other editions ofAssassin’s Creed Shadows, the Standard Edition will serve as a good point of comparison. Players will need to spend at least $69.99 for any version of the game at launch, so subtracting this from any other editions gives the value of the additional content being offered. That said, it looks like any meaningful content in the other editions will likely become available in some other form, so it’s not a bad idea to just grab the base version of the game and see if it’s fun before sinking extra money into it.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gold Edition
The Assassin’s Creed Gold Edition Cost $109.99
The Gold Edition ofAssassin’s Creed Shadowswas priced at $109.99 andincluded a decent amount of DLC. Along with the base game, this version ofAssassin’s Creed Shadowscame with a Season Pass for two future expansions to the game, an exclusive mission, and three days of Early Access. While this version would likely give players their money’s worth (when the expansions eventually come out), it’s worth noting that it isn’t necessarily a deal.
Three-Day Early Access
The previous game in the series,Assassin’s Creed Valhalla,also had a Season Passwith two expansions and an exclusive mission which was sold separately for $40. IfAssassin’s Creed Shadowsfollows the same model, then all players are really doing by buying the Gold Edition is paying for the Season Pass up front, instead of waiting to get it closer to when the new content comes out.Assassin’s Creedfans who will likely buy all the game’s content anyway may see this as worth it to get early access, but anyone not playing early access might as well wait.
Yes, There Is a Clever Naruto Nod Hidden Within Assassin’s Creed Shadows If You Know Where to Look
Naoe, the ninja in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has the ability to do the iconic “Naruto run”.
It’s worth noting that, whenAssassin’s Creed Shadowsgets relisted,there will likely be some changes to this edition. Because all players can get the first expansion for free by pre-ordering the game, the value of the Season Pass has essentially been cut in half for anyone pre-ordering. Ubisoft may choose to lower the price for the Gold Edition, or else offer additional content to make up for the difference. If the Gold Edition comes back as is with no price change, despite the first expansion being free with the Standard Edition, then this version wouldn’t be worth buying.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Ultimate Edition
The Assassin’s Creed Ultimate Edition Cost $129.99
The last digital edition ofAssassin’s Creed Shadowsthat was announced was the Ultimate Edition.This version of the game has a $129.99 price tag.The extra $20 players spent on this edition over the Gold Edition would get them some in-game gear for both protagonists and some cosmetics for customizing the in-game hideout. Players also get five mastery points (something they could earn by just playing the game) and an exclusive filter for the game’s photo mode.
The Red Dragon Filter (Photo Mode)
While the exclusive gear and extra skill points might help speed up combat in the early game, players are essentially just paying an extra $20 to get a minor headstart. As a single-player experience, exclusive cosmetics for the hideout also aren’t that big of a bonus when presumably most player will just be looking at it on their own. Of course, the value of these items is subjective, and some players might think it’s worth the upcharge. That said, their value is far less tangible than the value of the Gold Edition’s game expansions.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Collector’s Edition
The Assassin’s Creed Collector’s Edition Costs $229.99
Players looking for a physical version ofAssassin’s Creed Shadowswith some added collectibles can purchase the Collector’s Edition fromGameStop.Currently listed at $229.99, this edition comes with everything in the Ultimate Edition in addition to its physical components.
This means the extra $100 is going toward collectibles like an approximately 16-inch character statue of Naoe and Yasuke, a SteelBook case, and an art book that GameStop confusingly lists as both 76 and 84 pages long. There is also a physical map, a wall scroll, and two lithographs featuring the game’s protagonists.
Naoe and Yasuke Statue
Two Sumi-e Lithographs
Whether the Collector’s Edition is worth it is likely up to how big of anAssassin’s Creedfan the buyer is. That said, its store listing is a valuable resource for predicting a potential price adjustment for the game’s editions going forward. This version was originally listed at $279.99 before the game’s delay.This discount may be partially due to one of the two DLC expansions now being offered free with all pre-orders. This could mean other editions ofAssassin’s Creed Shadowswill be getting a lower price tag when it is relisted digitally.
