Ubisoft has rolled out patch 1.0.2 for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, targeting some pressing concerns players faced since its release. Unveiled just at the tail end of last month, this title has quickly made waves as one of the standout games of 2025, largely due to its engaging setting in feudal Japan, a compelling protagonist duo, and deep-seated, strategic gameplay. With a solid score of 82 on OpenCritic, the fanfare is justified, but no launch is without its hurdles.
One major gripe among players was the significant frame rate issues encountered within the Hideout, an area integral for building and decorating. Even if visits here weren’t frequent, the sluggish experience was notable enough that Ubisoft promised it was a priority fix—and now, it’s here.
The patch, scheduled to be available from April 8, is hefty, clocking in at 19 GB for Xbox, 12 GB for PS5, and 16 GB for PC. It not only lifts the frame rate cap at the Hideout for those using Performance Mode but also introduces a convenient item tagging system. This new feature simplifies how players manage their inventory, allowing for bulk selling or dismantling at the game’s forge, making experiences with vendors breezier.
PS5 Pro players will notice a visual step up with enhanced support for the console’s ray tracing specifications, bringing more polish to their adventures.
A highlight of the update is the revamped horse riding experience. Previously absent from Shadows, the auto-follow feature now returns, enabling mounts to automatically track the pathfinder, which is a blessing given the game’s intricate landscapes. Moreover, horses will gallop faster through bustling towns, sparing players the hassle of dismounting frequently.
Despite its scale, Ubisoft is reserving the term “major update” for future patches, suggesting even bigger developments are on the horizon. Until then, players are encouraged to take full advantage of these enhancements and bug fixes that elevate the game’s enjoyment and smooth out previous rough spots.
In terms of game enhancements, there’s plenty to celebrate. The inclusion of faster horse movement in urban areas can turn tedious journeys into swift rides. Offering a new way to reset skill allocations facilitates experimentation with different abilities and styles, allowing players to tailor their characters for optimal performance. Streamlining inventory management by tagging multiple items for sale or dismantling at once brings efficiency to in-game trading.
A number of visual and stability improvements are also on the docket. PlayStation 5 Pro owners, in particular, can explore the improved graphics, benefiting from PSSR support which players must enable in the settings post-update. Boss fights receive balancing modifications to ensure they remain challenging yet fair, keeping players engaged in these climactic moments.
Graphical fidelity receives attention too with fixes addressing a range of texture, model, and frame rate inconsistencies, reinforcing the game’s aesthetics and immersion. Meanwhile, usability tweaks like easier access to the Investigation Board and refined menu shortcuts enhance navigation, ensuring players spend more time immersed in the action rather than fumbling through menus.
For those savoring the fields and castles of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, these updates underscore Ubisoft’s commitment to player feedback and continued enhancement of their gaming worlds. Whether through improved combat maneuvers, better visuals, or smoother gameplay, patch 1.0.2 cements Shadows as a refined journey into the cinematic and exhilarating landscapes of medieval Japan.
