Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji Will Have Unique Mechanics Inspired by Other Stealth Games

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In just under a week, Ubisoft will unveil the “Claws of Awaji” DLC for “Assassin’s Creed Shadows.” Recognizing that some players may have already invested over 50 hours in this open-world game, Ubisoft aims to offer something unique to draw these players back. According to Simon Arsenault, content director for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, after spending considerable time (50, 70, or even 100 hours), a bit of novelty is necessary.

To create unique experiences for players in Claws of Awaji, the company has drawn inspiration from successful and well-regarded stealth games currently on the market. One such influence, as pointed out by IGN, draws parallels with Metal Gear Solid. In this encounter, players will hunt for Awaki in a thick forest, a fight that requires Naoe or Yasuke to identify and locate Awaki who is known to be an expert in stealth and disguise.

The interaction resembles some secretive boss battles from the game “Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater” – specifically, The Fear and The End. Both enemies excel in stealth, with The Fear even having the ability to become nearly invisible at a cost of stamina. Dealing with their abilities is largely up to players within an open arena setting, similar to how The End operates. Similarly, Awaki from “Claws of Awaji” can utilize a long-range weapon against you if you’re noticed from a strategic position.

In the encounter, it feels like facing off with bosses from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – The Fear and The End, who are skilled in stealth. Somewhat like them, Awaki in Claws of Awaji can use a long-range weapon against you if spotted from an advantageous position.

Based on information from IGN, the interaction with Awaki serves to strengthen certain themes within the Claws of Awaji DLC, particularly the sense of isolation heightened by the expansion’s island environment.

Arsenault described their preference for an enclosed island setting, which offers a sense of seclusion and isolation that enhances the overall experience by adding tension and danger. By introducing a new faction within this world, players are essentially intruders, invading someone else’s territory, thus losing control.

In the game Claws of Awaji, twisting player assumptions has been a significant focus, particularly in the major boss battles within the DLC – Kimura Yukari, Imagawa Tomeji, Yasuhira, and Nowaki. Instead of merely counteracting expectations, Arsenault discusses turning them around. This can manifest through innovative gameplay features, such as sending scouts to identify an enemy’s location only for the scout to inadvertently reveal their position instead.

He pondered, “What’s the best course of action? Should I devise a new strategy? Or perhaps I should reconsider sending out scouts, maybe redirect them elsewhere? That’s what makes it intriguing,” he mused. “You see, we’ve established patterns and routines, but now let’s shake things up a bit. We’ve done this with many systems before. You’re accustomed to helping civilians or merchants, but now some can even attack you – that’s something new.

The upcoming expansion for Assassin’s Creed, titled “Shadows: Claws of Awaji,” will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S starting September 16th. For additional information, learn about how this DLC will feature enemies camouflaged among regular citizens.

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2025-09-11 15:21