Ubisoft Removes Controversial Shrine Destruction in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Update

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Summary

  • Ubisoft quietly removed the ability to destroy objects in shrines and temples in a day-one update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
  • Controversy arose before the game’s release over shrine destruction, prompting Japan’s Prime Minister to weigh in on cultural respect.
  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ first update also attempts to reduce “unintended blood spill in temples/shrines.”

In a subtle move, Ubisoft has unveiled an initial update for “Assassin’s Creed Shadows.” This update eliminates the option to demolish certain items within shrines and temples. The first patch for “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” also incorporates several enhancements and bug fixes, but its modification regarding shrine destructibility is expected to generate significant discussion among gamers due to the pre-release debate it has stirred.

After repeated setbacks, “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows” has finally made its debut. This new addition to the “Assassin’s Creed” series transports fans into feudal Japan, where players can assume the roles of both Naoe, a stealthy Assassin with all the expected traits of an “Assassin’s Creed” character, and Yasuke, a fierce Samurai and formidable warrior capable of swiftly dispatching multiple adversaries. Now that “Shadows” has been released globally, it appears Ubisoft faced significant challenges. Originally slated for launch in November 2024, the game was postponed to February 2025, then again to March 2025. However, the wait seems to have been justified, as “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows” has garnered largely favorable reviews.

Ubisoft Quietly Removes Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Shrine Destruction

I’ve only just started my journey in Assassin’s Creed: Shadow, but even before the dust has settled on the game’s launch, Ubisoft has rolled out a fresh update. As reported by IGN, this new patch for Assassin’s Creed: Shadows makes certain items in temples and shrines indestructible, along with other adjustments.

The first update also addresses an issue where players could get trapped inside moveable objects after a dodge roll. But the most buzz-worthy change is probably the removal of destructible objects from Assassin’s Creed: Shadows’ shrines, which seems to echo the controversy we saw earlier this year.

Previously, in February, just a month before its launch, the game “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” stirred up debate once more when a video of Yasuke destroying a shrine spread on Twitter. Some people felt that this in-game feature demonstrated disregard for Japanese culture, while others maintained it was a reflection of the player, not Ubisoft. The discussion split the community, and unfortunately, it’s not the only controversy associated with the game. The character Yasuke has also been under scrutiny since the game’s announcement, with some questioning his status as a Samurai.

The destruction of shrines in the game “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” has sparked much debate within the gaming community, leading Japan’s current Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, to voice his opinion on the matter. When queried about whether such depictions might encourage real-life vandalism and desecration, Ishiba emphasized the importance of respecting a nation’s culture and religion, stating that it is “essential.” He further added, “We should unequivocally condemn actions that disregard them​​​​​.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Day-One Update Patch Notes

This update brings various improvements and fixes, including:

  • Players no longer getting stuck inside movable objects after dodging forward and interacting with them in kofuns
  • Fix for procedural weapons being removed incorrectly when selling items
  • Adjustments to prevent players from going out of bounds when proning against objects
  • Improved horse navigation, reducing issues with turning and blocked paths
  • Lighting adjustments for cave, kofun, and architectural entrances/exits
  • Fixes for cloth clipping on Yasuke’s outfits (while riding) and Naoe’s outfits (while crouching)
  • Citizens without weapons no longer bleed when attacked, reducing unintended blood spill in temples/shrines
  • Tables and racks in temples/shrines are now indestructible (Some objects like drums or bowls can still be broken as they are generic ones present everywhere in the world) (Tables are still dynamic objects, so players can still move/push them).

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2025-03-20 19:56