The shadows have returned, and this time they’ve fallen over a new land. We’ve had some time to explore the latest expansion for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the much-anticipated Claws of Awaji, and we’re here to give you our take. This DLC, which was released today, September 16, promises to tie up some of the narrative loose ends from the main game and expand upon the journey of our dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke.
Picking Up the Thread
For those who felt the base game’s ending left some things unresolved, Claws of Awaji is a welcome addition. It picks up immediately after the main story, with Naoe and Yasuke heading to the mysterious island of Awaji to investigate a lead concerning Naoe’s long-lost mother, Tsuyu. The story is a more focused, personal quest for Naoe, as she grapples with new revelations about her family and her past. While the narrative is a bit more linear than the main game’s open-ended structure, it provides a satisfying conclusion to Naoe’s character arc. Yasuke also gets his share of the spotlight, with the expansion doing a good job of balancing the two protagonists’ roles and ensuring neither feels like a supporting character.
The Island of Awaji
The new open-world region of Awaji Island is a key feature of this expansion. It’s a new, separate map from mainland Japan, but it feels just as meticulously crafted. From dense forests to eerie swamps, the island offers a fresh setting for stealth and combat. Reviewers have noted that the island’s atmosphere is more tense and dangerous than the mainland, with enemies who are more aggressive and intelligent. The new threats and traps scattered throughout the environment make every exploration a more calculated risk, which is a great change of pace for veteran players.
New Tools, New Challenges
One of the most exciting additions is a new weapon for Naoe: the bo staff. This weapon is a game-changer, offering a new combat style with three different stances—high, neutral, and low—each with unique attacks. Mastering the bo staff’s fluid combos and crowd-control abilities is incredibly rewarding. While the bo staff is a highlight, Yasuke also receives new skills and upgrades to his existing arsenal, ensuring both characters feel fresh and powerful.
The Claws of Awaji expansion isn’t just about the new content, though. A recent update for the base game also added quality-of-life improvements that many players have been requesting, such as the ability to fast-forward time by meditating and auto-clearing the fog from a region’s map after completing all synchronisation points. These changes, along with an increased level cap, make for a much smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Our Verdict
Overall, Claws of Awaji is a strong and welcome addition to Assassin’s Creed Shadows. It provides a compelling conclusion to the main story, a beautifully designed new environment to explore, and a fantastic new weapon to master. For those who finished the base game and wanted more, this expansion delivers over 10 hours of solid content that is sure to satisfy. Whether you’re a fan of Naoe’s stealthy assassinations or Yasuke’s brutal open combat, the island of Awaji is waiting to challenge your skills.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji https://ubi.li/rEDXA
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