Ubisoft’s latest blockbuster, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has stormed onto the gaming scene, crossing an impressive 2 million players within two days of its March 20, 2025 launch. This milestone marks the fastest-growing RPG entry in the franchise’s history, surpassing the early player counts of Assassin’s Creed Origins and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. With its immersive feudal Japan setting and dual protagonists, the game has captured the attention of fans worldwide.
A Record-Breaking Launch for Ubisoft
The numbers speak for themselves. According to a report from Sportskeeda, Assassin’s Creed Shadows hit 1 million players within the first 24 hours, doubling that figure by March 22. Ubisoft confirmed this achievement in an official X post, stating, “2 MILLION PLAYERS! We’re thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone!” The game’s rapid rise has outpaced the launches of its RPG predecessors, Origins (2017) and Odyssey (2018), cementing its place as a standout title in the franchise.
On Steam, Shadows peaked at over 60,000 concurrent players by Saturday, climbing into the platform’s top 30 most-played games. This figure eclipses Origins (41,541 peak) and edges closer to Odyssey’s record of 61,984, with potential to overtake it as the weekend progresses.
Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows Is Resonating
What’s driving this success? The game’s setting in feudal Japan—a fan-requested backdrop for years—has clearly struck a chord. Players step into the shoes of Naoe, a stealthy shinobi, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai, navigating a visually stunning open world. This dual-protagonist approach blends classic Assassin’s Creed stealth with robust RPG mechanics, offering something for both longtime fans and newcomers.
The reception has been overwhelmingly positive. On Steam, Shadows boasts a “Very Positive” rating from over 3,000 reviews, reflecting strong player approval. Critics have also praised its refined gameplay and breathtaking visuals, with Sportskeeda noting its “successful debut” across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Comparing Shadows to Past RPG Titles
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows has outdone Origins and Odyssey in early player engagement, it’s worth noting that Ubisoft hasn’t released specific sales figures yet. The 2 million player count likely includes Ubisoft+ subscribers alongside direct purchases, making direct comparisons to past titles tricky. For context, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020) remains the franchise’s biggest PC launch, though exact player numbers from its debut are unavailable.
Still, Shadows is on track to challenge franchise records. Its Steam performance already surpasses Valhalla’s peak of 15,431 concurrent players, a notable feat given Valhalla’s delayed Steam release.
What’s Next for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
With the launch weekend in full swing, Ubisoft anticipates even higher numbers as more players dive in. The game’s momentum suggests it could redefine the franchise’s RPG era, building on the foundation laid by Origins and Odyssey. Future updates and expansions, like the promised Awaji Island content, may further boost its staying power.
For now, Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands as a triumph for Ubisoft, proving that a bold setting and polished execution can still captivate millions.