Becomes Second-Best-Selling Game of 2025
Despite online backlash and multiple delays, Assassin’s Creed Shadows silences critics, becoming a massive commercial success. The latest entry in Ubisoft’s long-running franchise has claimed the second spot on 2025’s best-selling games list in the US, trailing only behind Capcom’s monster hit, Monster Hunter Wilds.
Dominating the Charts
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has shown remarkable staying power since its March 20 release. Circana’s Retail Tracking Service said the game topped US sales charts for three consecutive weeks through April 5. Industry analyst Mat Piscatella shared this data on Bluesky, confirming Shadows’ impressive performance. “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has been the best-selling video game in the US for each of its first 3 weeks in market,” Piscatella reported. “Currently ranks #2 year-to-date, trailing only Monster Hunter Wilds.” This success comes despite fierce competition from Monster Hunter Wilds, which sold a staggering 10 million copies in its first month – setting a new record for Capcom. Monster Hunter Wilds reached 8 million sales in its opening week alone, making it a tough act to follow.
Breaking Records
Shadows has quickly established itself as one of the most successful titles in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Within hours of launch, the game reached 1 million players, firmly silencing critics with its success. By the end of its first week, that number had tripled to 3 million players across all platforms. Ubisoft has confirmed that Shadows delivered the second-highest day-one sales revenue in Assassin’s Creed history, trailing only behind 2020’s Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The game also broke records as Ubisoft’s biggest day-one launch ever on the PlayStation Digital Store. On Steam, Shadows peaked at 64,825 concurrent players, surpassing Odyssey’s previous record of 62,000 concurrent players from six years ago. This marks a significant achievement, especially considering this is Ubisoft’s first day-one Steam release since 2019.
A Critical Lifeline for Ubisoft
The game’s success couldn’t have come at a better time for Ubisoft. The publisher has struggled with recent underperforming titles like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and Skull and Bones. These disappointments led to severe financial troubles, and Ubisoft recently formed a new subsidiary backed by Tencent to handle some of its flagship franchises. Industry experts suggest that had Shadows flopped, it could have spelled disaster for the French publisher. Instead, Assassin’s Creed Shadows silences critics and the game has proven that Ubisoft can still produce blockbuster hits that resonate with players.
Silencing the Critics
Before release, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows faced significant online criticism. Some vocal internet users took issue with the game’s portrayal of historical figures, particularly the inclusion of Yasuke, a real historical Black samurai, as one of the game’s protagonists.
The game also suffered multiple delays and even a full game leak before launch. Despite these challenges, critics have praised Shadows as a return to form for the franchise, with many considering it superior to the smaller-scale Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
What Made Shadows Successful?
Several factors contributed to the game’s success:
Building anticipation: Each delay only increased player excitement and curiosity
Technical improvements: Enhanced graphics showcased on PlayStation 5 Pro
Limited-time rewards: Special items available through Twitch and PlayStation Stars
Steam availability: First day-one Steam release for the series since 2019
Franchise loyalty: Long-time fans eager to experience the Japan setting
Looking Ahead
With Assassin’s Creed: Shadows continuing to perform well, Ubisoft appears to have regained stability. The company has yet to release specific unit sales figures, but the game’s position as 2025’s second-best seller indicates it’s a significant commercial success.
As Shadows continues its strong sales run, all eyes now turn to upcoming DLC and whether the game can maintain its momentum throughout 2025. For now, it seems the haters will have to accept that, despite their vocal opposition, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has resonated with millions of players worldwide. The success of Shadows also raises interesting questions for upcoming feudal Japan-set games like Ghost of Yotei, which will now have to compete with Ubisoft’s well-received entry in the setting.
