Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the latest instalment in Ubisoft’s critically acclaimed franchise, is set to take players to 16th-century Japan. This game will introduce two protagonists — Naoe, a skilled shinobi, and Yasuke, an African-American samurai inspired by a namesake real-life historical figure. Many are hoping for it to be the first true next-gen game in the series. Therefore, it only makes sense for them to try and understand the differences between the Assassin’s Creed Shadows PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC versions.
Being a true next-gen game primarily means that the title won’t be launched on consoles such as the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. It should also have some visual features that are characteristic of its generation. Ubisoft has already demonstrated that the PC version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows will support most current-generation visual features, but what about the consoles? How do they compare to each other and the PC variant? Scroll away to find out.
‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ versions difference: A detailed breakdown by platform
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is currently set to launch on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. There are also rumours of its Nintendo Switch 2 port in the coming future, but we will have to wait for an official confirmation.
Here is a look at the different versions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows for you to figure out which gives the biggest bang for the buck:
‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro console visuals and performance
Performance mode
Both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro will run Assassin’s Creed Shadows at 60 FPS in Performance mode at an upscaled 2160P resolution. The difference is that the PS5 will support selective ray tracing, while the PS5 Pro version will feature standard ray tracing.
Balanced mode
The balanced mode is meant for 120Hz displays and will run the game at 40 FPS. The resolution will be at an upscaled 2160P and will feature standard ray tracing on both the PS5 and PS5 Pro.
Fidelity Mode
The fidelity mode will run at 30 FPS and will feature standard ray tracing on the PS5 and extended ray tracing on the PS5 Pro at an upscaled 2160P resolution.
In addition, we will probably see some differences in the quality of upscaled visuals in all the modes.
‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S console visuals and performance
Performance mode
Only the Xbox Series X will support performance mode and run at 60 FPS with an upscaled 2160P resolution and selective ray tracing.
Balanced mode
This mode will also be exclusive to the Xbox Series X and feature an upscaled 2160P resolution running at 40 FPS with standard ray tracing.
Fidelity mode
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will feature a fidelity mode on the Xbox Series S which will run at an upscaled 1620p resolution with 30 FPS and selective ray tracing. On the other hand, this mode will run at an upscaled 2160p resolution with 30 FPS and standard ray tracing on the Xbox Series X.
According to Ubisoft, selective ray tracing will feature global illumination (GI) for diffused lighting in hideout portions of the game. Meanwhile, standard ray tracing will feature GI throughout the game world. Extended ray tracing will feature GI as well as reflective surfaces throughout the game world.
‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ PC exclusive features
We understand that the PC version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has some demanding system requirements. But is it justified?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows on the PC will feature all the latest upscaling technologies, such as Intel XeSS, Nvidia DLSS and AMD FSR 3. It will also feature an in-game benchmark tool for players to analyse their system’s performance and optimise the game accordingly.
For fans of epic cinematic experiences, this title will come with an ultra-wide resolution support that would look incredible on widescreen displays.
Additionally, it will come with a full range of ray tracing options — ranging from GI to reflections — provided your PC can handle them. Players can also optimise the performance even further with features such as an upscaled frame rate and dynamic resolution scaling support.
Shadows is, without question, one of the biggest PC games to launch in 2025, and it will surely push your gaming rigs to their limits. For what it’s worth, we don’t see too many people complaining, either, as they are eager to enjoy the next-gen Assassin’s Creed experience.
(Hero Image and Featured Images Credit: Ubisoft)
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