Assassin’s Creed ShadowsTitle Update 1.0.6 is now available for download. This release introduces new story content, expandsAssassin’s Creed Shadows' roster of allies, and adds an extra-hard difficulty setting, among other novelties.
The latest mainlineAssassin’s Creedgamehas received a handful of patches since its late March launch. Two such updates, identified by version numbers 1.0.4 and 1.0.5, were rolled out over the course of May 2025.
Another patch bumping the game’s version number up to 1.0.6 debuted on June 25. Its headline addition is anewAssassin’s Creed Shadowsally Rufino, voiced by Robbie Daymond of theCritical Rolefame. The character is introduced over the course of a new quest that sees Naoe and Yasuke unravel a shadowy conspiracy. Recruiting Rufino is one of the rewards for completing his newly added storyline, which is a free addition available to all players.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Nightmare Difficulty Is Here
Another standout feature included in the 1.0.6 update is the Nightmare difficulty setting. Much like the lower difficulty levels, the new addition impacts both stealth andcombat inAssassin’s Creed Shadows. While Nightmare unsurprisingly boosts enemy damage, it also makes other changes, like tweaking parry windows to the point of requiring perfect timing in order to avoid all damage. Imperfect parries still reduce damage but no longer provide complete protection. Ubisoft says enemy AI under this setting is “smarter, faster, and more aggressive.” In terms of stealth, the new difficulty makes Naoe emit some noise even while crouching. She will also always remain visible at point-blank, even in the shadows. Additionally, placing enemies into a vulnerable state now requires the use of abilities—parrying or dodging alone no longer does the job on Nightmare.
By popular request, the ability to toggle headgear in cutscenes has been added to the game, bringing it in line withAssassin’s Creed Originsand later series entries. Granular VFX settings have also been introduced and can now be found under the Interface menu. Moreover,Assassin’s Creed Shadows' regional alert systemhas been expanded from castles to entire provinces, meaning high-profile actions like attacking patrols or civilians will now prompt Guardians to actively hunt down the player.
Three horse camera presets—activated by holding “X” on a keyboard or the down button on a controller—are part of the package as well, together with a new, “Ultra Low” visual quality mode. The 1.0.6 update also introduces over two dozen bug fixes, targetingAssassin’s Creed Shadowsgameplay systems, quests, and visuals, among other elements.
6.27 GB
19 GB
macOS
9 GB
PC (UConnect)
17 GB
PC (Steam)
8.5 GB
New Free Story Pack: “A Critical Encounter”
Rufino, an old friend of Tomiko and Heiji, calls in a life debt after uncovering a deadly conspiracy. While working as a translator, he discovered evidence that a secretive organization has been hiring assassins to eliminate influential commoners.
Now, he turns to Naoe and Yasuke for help in stopping these killers.
With this collaboration, we will also release a Critical Role Weapon Pack inspired by the Critical Role universe, available for purchase in the game store! This pack includes 2 weapons for both characters, a Tanto and Katana for Naoe and a Kanabo and Teppo for Yasuke.
New Nightmare Difficulty Setting
We are adding a new Difficulty Setting (Nightmare) that will introduce additional challenges to your journey. This mode will impact both combat and stealth, requiring more tactical planning and greater attention to your surroundings. Prepare for tougher enemies and a more intense overall experience.
Here is a tease of some changes you can expect from this new difficulty:
This is just a glimpse of how this new difficulty setting will impact the game. Don’t hesitate to share your most intense moments with us by posting your clips onDiscordorXusing #AssassinsCreedShadows.
Toggle Headgear in Cutscenes
We’re excited to introduce a highly requested feature: players can now choose to show headgear, whether it’s a hood, helmet, headband, or more during cutscenes. Now your style can shine through dialogue scenes too!
You will find the option available in the in-game settings.
Headgear will not be displayed in cinematics or in some specific instances where a rule overrides this setting (romance-specific cutscenes).
VFX Toggles
Players can now disable/enable specific VFX to further customize their experience. These include the ability to hide or show the loot on dead bodies, the last known position of the player, the special attacks indicators of the enemies, and more.
All will be accessible in the Interface option menu.
Open World Alarm
We have expanded the Regional Alert System available in Castles to the whole Province. Now by repetitively attacking Civilians or Military units outside Castles, the alarm can be triggered, and a group of Guardians will hunt you in the world.
Horse Camera Presets
You can now toggle between 3 different camera presets while riding on your mount (hold the down button on controller/‘X’ key on keyboard while riding) allowing for a more cinematic experience to take in the full beauty of Japan.
Ultra Low Specs for PC
We are adding a new visual quality level, the Ultra Low mode. This will allow PC players with a limited GPU configuration to experience the game in better framerate conditions.
