Assassin’s Creed Shadows Brings Disappointing Update for Steam Deck Users

Ubisoft has recently announced that their upcoming game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, will not initially be playable on the Steam Deck due to hardware limitations. This news is a bit of a setback for players eager to experience the game on Valve’s portable console. While it’s poised to roll out for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, those keen on a handheld experience might have to hold on a bit longer.

The development journey for Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been anything but smooth. Ubisoft has faced multiple delays, striving to deliver a meticulously polished game on launch day, perhaps learning from the hurdles encountered by other titles such as Star Wars Outlaws. Adding to the drama, an unfinished version of the game leaked online prematurely, necessitating that fans dodge spoilers while counting down to the release. This unintentional exposure before the release of a day-one patch doesn’t do justice to Ubisoft’s vision for the final product.

During a recent technical Q&A with their fanbase, Ubisoft clarified the situation by stating, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows will not be compatible with the Steam Deck due to it falling short of our minimum specs for PC.” However, they offered a glimmer of hope, noting that this decision only applies “at launch.” As such, it’s possible we’ll see the game earning its Steam Deck compatibility badge at some point in the future. As of now, those with a Steam Deck who are eyeing a March 20 gameplay session will have to explore other platforms for the time being.

On the brighter side, the technical leap anticipated for Assassin’s Creed Shadows could be worthwhile. The game footage already released showcases stunning visuals, and trailers hint at cutting-edge features that have yet to make their debut in the franchise. This is sure to excite players capable of meeting the system demands.

With the release date looming, hopes are high that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will no longer face postponements—recent leaks and all considered. Furthermore, Ubisoft has already teased an upcoming expansion, intriguingly titled Claws of Awaji, promising to extend the adventure well beyond the game’s initial launch.