Ubisoft has quietly rolled out a day-one patch for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, addressing various gameplay issues and implementing crucial changes to the way shrines and temples are treated within the game. The update, which was not part of any prior public announcement, was confirmed by Ubisoft in response to inquiries from IGN.
The patch includes fixes for several in-game mechanics, such as preventing players from getting stuck in objects, refining horse navigation, and improving lighting in underground structures. However, the most notable updates involve adjustments to how players can interact with religious and cultural landmarks in the game, a move widely seen as a response to recent criticism from Japanese officials.
Key Changes in the Patch
- Players will no longer get stuck inside movable objects after dodging forward and interacting with them in kofuns.
- Fix for procedural weapons being incorrectly removed when selling items.
- Adjustments to prevent out-of-bounds exploits when pruning against objects.
- Improved horse navigation, reducing issues with blocked paths and tight turns.
- Lighting adjustments for caves, kofuns, and architectural entrances/exits.
- Fixes for cloth clipping on Yasuke’s and Naoe’s outfits in various scenarios.
- Citizens without weapons will no longer bleed when attacked, reducing unintended blood spill in temples and shrines.
- Tables and racks in temples and shrines are now indestructible, preventing environmental damage to these locations.
While some objects like drums and bowls remain destructible as they are common across the game world, this patch ensures that historically significant elements remain intact, preserving the sanctity of these virtual spaces.
Political Pressure and Cultural Sensitivities
The update comes in the wake of rising concerns from Japanese politicians and shrine officials, who voiced objections over the depiction of real-world locations in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Hiroyuki Kada, a member of Japan’s House of Councillors, raised the issue in an official government conference, arguing that allowing players to attack and destroy shrines in the game could promote similar behavior in real life.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba responded, emphasizing the importance of respecting cultural and religious sites. “Defacing a shrine is out of the question—it is an insult to the nation itself,” Ishiba stated. He added that the matter would be reviewed by multiple government agencies, though legal action against Ubisoft remains unlikely.
The controversy stemmed from pre-release footage showcasing the defacement of Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, which falls within Kada’s constituency. Shrine representatives later confirmed that Ubisoft had not sought permission to include the location in the game, prompting further backlash.
A Critical Moment for Ubisoft
This patch represents an important moment for Ubisoft, as the company seeks to ensure the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows amid recent struggles. With the disappointment of Star Wars Outlaws and multiple studio closures, Ubisoft needs this game to perform well both commercially and critically.
So far, the game’s reception has been positive, with IGN awarding it an 8/10, praising its refinements to the open-world formula that Assassin’s Creed has been perfecting over the years. Whether the changes in this patch will be enough to placate Japanese audiences remains to be seen, but Ubisoft’s swift response suggests a willingness to adapt to cultural sensitivities while maintaining creative integrity.
As Assassin’s Creed Shadows makes its way into players’ hands, all eyes will be on its global reception and the lasting impact of this day-one update.
