Assassin’s Creed Shadows Unveils April 2025 Update

Patch 1.0.2 for Assassin’s Creed Shadows addresses significant performance issues, specifically rectifying frame rate problems in the Hideout. This new update also brings several improvements including horse auto-follow, item tagging functionality, and lifts the frame rate restrictions in the Hideout, enhancing overall gameplay smoothness. Ubisoft has worked on fixing numerous bugs while giving a visual boost to the PS5 Pro version.

Ubisoft recently rolled out the much-anticipated 1.0.2 patch for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, jam-packed with essential fixes and quality-of-life enhancements for players. Launched just last month, this title has quickly become a standout release of 2025. Assassin’s Creed Shadows has captivated fans with its captivating feudal Japan setting, dual protagonists, and intricate stealth mechanics. Garnering an impressive 82 on OpenCritic, the game’s strategic combat has also been widely applauded.

Despite its success, Assassin’s Creed Shadows hasn’t been without a few hiccups. Since its release, players have encountered some issues, notably dramatic frame rate drops within the game’s Hideout. Although players aren’t frequently required to visit this area, the severe frame rate reduction while constructing and decorating their base of operations has been a notable annoyance. However, Ubisoft assured fans that a fix was on the horizon, and they’ve delivered with this latest patch.

The details of the new patch have now been unveiled. Set to be released on April 8, Patch 1.0.2 is a hefty update, clocking in at 19 GB for Xbox users, around 12 GB for those on PS5, and up to 16 GB on PC. Performance Mode users will experience smoother Hideout visits, thanks to the uncapped frame rate. The update also streamlines the forge and vendor experience with a new item tagging system, allowing players to efficiently sell or dismantle gear.

For those playing on the PS5 Pro, the update is particularly exciting as it brings support for the console’s PSSR feature, enhancing the visuals even further.

A significant improvement in Patch 1.0.2 pertains to horse riding in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Navigating the game’s rugged and mountainous terrain has been challenging without sticking to established roads or paths. The patch introduces an auto-follow feature that allows horses to adhere to a guiding pathfinder line, analogous to features in earlier RPG-style Assassin’s Creed games. Previously, horses slowed to a near crawl when entering populated areas, forcing players to dismount and sprint through. But now, those horses can maintain their pace, even in bustling towns and villages—NPCs beware.

Though Patch 1.0.2 is fairly extensive, it hasn’t been labeled as the first big title update, suggesting that a larger update might be on the horizon. Meanwhile, fans can enjoy the tangible enhancements and streamlined gameplay experience this patch offers.

### Horses and Navigational Improvements

Returning to form is the auto-follow feature for horses, easing travel as players can now enable their mounts to automatically follow set paths. This change ensures smoother exploration, allowing quicker travel across expansive in-game cities.

### Mastery Nodes Reset

For those looking to tweak their stealth or combat strategies, the patch introduces the ability to reset Mastery Nodes. This means players can experiment with different playstyles for both main characters, Naoe and Yasuke.

### Item Management Enhancements

Players roaming the detailed world of feudal Japan can now manage their inventory more efficiently. With the ability to tag and sell or dismantle multiple items at once, merchants and forge interactions are notably less cumbersome.

### Improvements Specific to PS5 Pro

PS5 Pro users will appreciate further visual enhancements in the game. Players need to manually enable the PSSR setting post-update to enjoy these refined graphics. The game’s balance mode benefits from enhanced Raytraced Specular, bringing its visual fidelity closer to that of the PS5 Pro Quality mode than Performance mode.

### Additional Enhancements and Bug Fixes

Patch 1.0.2 also unknots several other player-reported issues:

– The Hideout’s cap is lifted to exceed 30 FPS in Performance mode.
– Boss fights see refined balancing.
– Various graphical and animation issues are resolved.

Alongside these adjustments, players will notice improved responsiveness and feature accuracy in combat, AI behavior, and stealth mechanics. Visuals and graphics receive general polish with finer textures and reduced floating props, making the game’s world even more immersive.

For those indulging in Photo Mode, pathfinder lines will no longer spoil your artistic captures. Meanwhile, countless quest and scripting improvements ensure seamless progression without unexpected glitches or interruptions.

This substantial patch brings a host of improvements making Assassin’s Creed Shadows an even richer and more engaging experience. Whether through performance tweaks, visual upgrades, or quality-of-life enhancements, Ubisoft demonstrates its commitment to refining this captivating journey through Japan’s storied past.