Assassin's Creed Shadows: Preload Details, System Requirements & Bonuses

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to ignite the gaming scene, and preloading details across platforms have gamers buzzing. Whether you're a die-hard PC gamer running Windows 10 or 11, a PS5 enthusiast, or an Xbox aficionado, here’s everything you need to know about the preload sizes, system requirements, and pre-order bonuses.

Preload Sizes and Platform Details​

Ubisoft has rolled out the critical preload sizes and download instructions ahead of Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ release. Preloading gives you a head start, letting you download the game before its official launch once you secure a pre-order.
• On PS5, the preload size stands at a hefty 102.614 GB, as reported by PlayStationSize.
• Xbox Series X/S users can expect roughly the same storage requirement as on the PS5.
• PC gamers using Steam will need to have approximately 115 GB available – a size that reinforces the need for a reliable SSD for optimal performance.
For Windows users, this is more than just a download; it's a reminder of how modern AAA games push the limits of hardware and storage, making careful planning essential before launch day.

Detailed System Requirements for PC​

For those planning on immersing themselves in Assassin’s Creed Shadows on a Windows PC, Ubisoft provides a wide range of configurations. Whether you’re targeting 1080p, 2K, or 4K gaming, here’s how the game stacks up:

Minimum Specifications (1080p at 30 FPS, Low Graphics)​

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 @ 3.6 GHz or Intel Core i7-8700K @ 3.7 GHz (or better)
• RAM: 16 GB, running in dual-channel mode
• Video Card: Options include AMD Radeon RX 5700 (8 GB), Intel Arc A580 (8 GB with ReBAR), or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8 GB) (or better)
• Storage: SSD required
• DirectX Version: DirectX 12
This setup delivers a solid experience for gamers who prioritize smooth gameplay without splurging on high-end visuals.

Recommended Setup for 1080p at 60 FPS (Medium Graphics)​

To enjoy a boost in performance and visuals at 1080p, stepping up your hardware is key:
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X @ 3.7 GHz or Intel Core i5-11600K @ 3.9 GHz (or better)
• RAM: 16 GB in dual-channel mode
• Video Card: Choices include AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12 GB), Intel Arc B580 (12 GB with ReBAR), or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8 GB) (or better)
• Storage: SSD required
• DirectX Version: DirectX 12
This configuration makes for a balance between responsiveness and detail, ideal for gamers unwilling to compromise on speed.

Enhanced Configurations: 2K and 4K Gaming​

For those eyeing higher resolutions and smoother graphics, Ubisoft offers settings tuned for more demanding setups:

Recommended 2K (1440p at 60 FPS, High Graphics Preset)​

• Processor remains at the level of the 1080p recommended configuration.
• RAM: 16 GB (dual-channel)
• Video Card: Step up to options like the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (16 GB) or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (10 GB) (or better)
• Storage: SSD required
• DirectX Version: DirectX 12

Recommended 4K (2160p at 60 FPS, High Graphics Preset)​

For those with cutting-edge hardware:
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D @ 3.4 GHz or Intel Core i7-12700K @ 3.6 GHz (or better)
• RAM: 16 GB in dual-channel mode
• Video Card: Best suited configurations include the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (20 GB) or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super (16 GB) (or better)
• Storage: SSD required
• DirectX Version: DirectX 12
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the game has been officially Steam Deck verified ensuring that portable PC gamers can also experience the upcoming adventure.

Console Renditions: PS5 and Xbox Series​

Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t leaving console gamers out of the loop. Ubisoft has finely tuned the game’s performance modes to extract maximum quality from next-gen consoles.

PS5 and PS5 Pro​

The PS5 line-up now offers multiple visual and performance modes:
• Performance Mode:
– Resolution: 2160p upscaled
– Target Performance: 60 FPS
– Ray-Tracing: Utilized selectively to boost visual flair without sacrificing speed
• Balanced Mode:
– Resolution: 2160p upscaled
– Target Performance: 40 FPS
– Ray-Tracing: Standard usage, ensuring a smoother balance between performance and image quality
• Fidelity Mode:
– Resolution: 2160p upscaled
– Target Performance: 30 FPS
– Ray-Tracing: Standard, emphasizing richer visuals
For PS5 Pro, similar metrics apply but with slight adjustments to ray-tracing effects ensuring even more polished graphics.

Xbox Series S and Series X​

Xbox gamers get a tailored experience as well:
• Xbox Series S (Fidelity Mode):
– Resolution: 1620p upscaled
– Target Performance: 30 FPS
– Ray-Tracing: Selectively used
• Xbox Series X:
– Performance Mode:
• Resolution: 2160p upscaled
• Target Performance: 60 FPS
• Ray-Tracing: Selectively enhanced
– Balanced Mode:
• Resolution: 2160p upscaled
• Target Performance: 40 FPS
• Ray-Tracing: Standard usage
– Fidelity Mode:
• Resolution: 2160p upscaled
• Target Performance: 30 FPS
• Ray-Tracing: Standard
Console performance variations ensure that whether you’re playing on a high-end Xbox Series X or a more compact Series S, you can still enjoy the detailed environments and nuanced storytelling Ubisoft is famous for.

How to Preload Assassin’s Creed Shadows​

So, how exactly do you secure your early playing time? Preloading is straightforward once you’ve pre-ordered your copy. Here’s a simplified guide:

1. Visit your platform’s digital store – be it PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Steam for PC.
2. Pre-order the game by choosing either the Standard or Deluxe edition.
3. Once pre-ordered, the platform will automatically unlock the preload option ahead of the official release.
4. Ensure you have sufficient storage space (102+ GB on consoles or 115 GB on PC).
5. Begin the download at the indicated time, so you’re ready to jump into the action as soon as launch day comes.

This early download opportunity ensures that you can get right into the fray once the game goes live, without the frustration of long waiting times on your launch day connection.

Pre-Order Bonuses and Special Editions​

Pre-order bonuses sweeten the deal even further, turning a simple early download into a tailored gaming experience. Here’s what you need to know about the bonus content included in the pre-order choices:

Standard Edition Bonuses​

• Claws of Awaji Expansion
• Thrown to the Dogs Bonus Quest

Deluxe Edition Enhancements​

In addition to the Standard Edition bonuses, the Deluxe edition offers further content to enrich your gameplay.
• Sekiryu Dual Pack:
– Sekiryu Gear Set for both Naoe and Yasuke
– Eye of the Dragon Katana
– Claw of the Dragon
– Long Katana
– Sekiryu Beast Mount
– Dragon Tooth Trinket
• Hideout Pack:
– Sekiryu Wagasa
– Sekiryu Tapestry
– Sekiryu Mask
– Sekiryu Mizubachi
– Mastery Points
For gamers looking for that extra edge and more immersive experience, the Deluxe edition bonuses are a compelling add-on. And with the game priced under £50 at its entry point, the pre-order deal is as hard to pass up as a rare in-game find.

Expert Analysis: Beyond the Preload​

For WindowsForum readers, especially those invested in high-performance PC gaming, the preload size and system requirements of Assassin’s Creed Shadows are a clear indicator of the evolving demands of modern gaming. With 115 GB needed on the PC side, it emphasizes the importance of having a robust SSD and a machine that can manage the graphically intensive environments and detailed character models Ubisoft is known for.
• The relatively larger preload size on PC compared to consoles might be attributed to higher quality assets and less aggressive compression, allowing for richer textures and more detailed world-building.
• Preloading ensures that PC gamers on Windows can mitigate potential network bottlenecks on launch day, a strategy that’s been successful across various high-demand titles recently.
• It’s also a nod to the importance of storage planning – a lesson in digital asset management that resonates with IT professionals and casual gamers alike.
How do these developments influence the broader gaming and tech landscape? Preloading as a strategy is becoming a new norm, ensuring that players can focus on in-game performance rather than waiting on servers during high-traffic release windows. It also signifies how game developers are continuously adapting to utilize the full potential of modern hardware and next-generation consoles.

Windows PC Considerations​

For the dedicated Windows user, Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings up several points to consider:
• Storage Management: With installations requiring over 100 GB, users should plan ahead. SSD upgrades and regular maintenance become crucial, especially in a time where digital game libraries are growing in size.
• Compatibility and Performance: The detailed system requirements provide a roadmap for ensuring your PC is ready for modern gaming challenges. This is particularly important as many are still running older hardware setups which might struggle with the fast-paced action and detailed environments.
• Future-proofing: Investing in higher-tier graphics cards and processors not only enhances the current gaming experience but also prepares your setup for future updates and titles. The multiples configurations—from 1080p to 4K—mean there is room for growth as software optimizations continue down the line.

Wrapping It Up​

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to be one of the key titles of the year, and Ubisoft’s detailed approach to preloading and performance settings across platforms makes it an exciting prospect for all gamers. Whether you’re stepping into ancient conflicts on a console or diving deep into the graphical excellence on your Windows PC, the preload sizes and system requirements are a clear indicator that this title is built to impress.
To summarize:
• PS5 and Xbox users will manage around 102 GB of preloaded data, while PC gamers need about 115 GB.
• Comprehensive system requirements ensure that PC players have options from minimum to elite 4K gaming setups.
• Pre-order bonuses, split between Standard and Deluxe editions, add significant extra content, making early reservations worthwhile.
As always, WindowsForum readers should consider their hardware compatibility and storage management best practices in anticipation of this exciting release. Prepare your systems, secure your pre-orders, and get ready to experience Ubisoft’s latest adventure with both the power of next-gen consoles and the robust performance of modern Windows gaming PCs.

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Source: Video Gamer Assassin’s Creed Shadows preload size PC, PS5, Xbox and how to download