Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows is expanding its post-launch content with the Claws of Awaji DLC this fall, while the highly anticipated co-op mode “LEAGUE” is now expected to release in 2026. Here’s everything we know so far.
Ubisoft’s latest entry in the long-running franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, continues to draw attention with its evolving post-launch roadmap. While the game has already seen a strong debut, reportedly crossing over three million players since launch, fans eager for co-op gameplay will need to wait a bit longer. According to new reports from Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson, the co-op mode, codenamed “LEAGUE,” is still in development and won’t be released until sometime in 2026.
“LEAGUE” is expected to introduce a deeper narrative experience that expands beyond the main protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. Although these two characters remain central to the overall story, sources suggest that the co-op mode will allow players to explore other perspectives and potentially control additional characters. These may include allies recruited throughout the campaign, each with unique skills. This setup hints at a gameplay style similar to Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, offering a more hero-based cooperative experience.
Unfortunately, despite high demand, the “LEAGUE” mode will not be part of the upcoming Claws of Awaji DLC. That expansion, reportedly targeting a September release (with the possibility of a delay to October), focuses instead on single-player content. The DLC will add over 10 hours of new gameplay, a new enemy type, fresh gear and weapons, additional skills and abilities, and other feature enhancements.
Ubisoft is also working on introducing an open-world alarm system, New Game Plus mode, more difficulty settings, and other long-requested features as part of the game’s broader post-launch support. The next game update, releasing May 27, will also include a crossover event with Dead by Daylight.
Despite initial speculation that the co-op experience would let players team up as Naoe and Yasuke, current information reveals a broader scope. The developers seem to be aiming for a richer, more expansive narrative that goes “beyond just the two of them,” though exact details remain under wraps.
It’s also worth noting that Ubisoft has additional multiplayer projects in development, including a separate game codenamed Invictus, reportedly inspired by Fall Guys, featuring up to 18 players. Another major title in the works is a Black Flag remake, codenamed Obsidian.
As Ubisoft continues to evolve Assassin’s Creed Shadows through new content and updates, fans will have plenty to look forward to in both the near and distant future—even if the wait for true co-op gameplay extends into next year. Stay tuned for more news as development progresses.
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