Assassin's Creed Shadows DLC Gives Naoe's Story Closure

The upcoming Claws of Awaji DLC for Assassin's Creed Shadows will resolve key unanswered questions from the main storyline, according to the expansion's content director. Here's a look at what's coming in the DLC and its associated base game update.

Claws of Awaji DLC Wraps Up Base Game Narrative Threads

DLC Continues Directly from the Main Campaign's End

Simon Arsenault, content director for Assassin's Creed Shadows' Claws of Awaji, recently explained that the DLC will primarily address two unresolved plot points from the main game: the fate of protagonist Naoe's mother and the location of the third Imperial Regalia box.

WARNING: Claws of Awaji is accessible only after completing the main campaign, so major story spoilers follow.

During the main story, Naoe uncovers evidence that her mother is still alive and begins tracking her down. This search leads players away from mainland Japan to the new island region of Awaji. Arsenault confirmed this journey will bring a definitive conclusion to this personal quest, though he avoided specific details.

"We aimed to give Naoe a sense of closure for her personal story," Arsenault told IGN. "We're not shutting the door forever, but players can expect a proper resolution to Naoe's arc."

This mission also reveals that the third and final Imperial Regalia box is located on Awaji. These artifacts drive the core narrative—the theft of the first box sets Naoe on her path of vengeance, while the second expands the conflict. Although the 40-hour campaign heavily features the first two boxes, the third is only hinted at. Claws of Awaji now concludes this overarching storyline, finishing Naoe and co-protagonist Yasuke's pursuit of the Regalia.

Claws of Awaji Expands Beyond the Story

Beyond narrative content, the DLC introduces new gameplay elements. First, it adds several fresh biomes to explore, including beaches, swamps, and jungles, as detailed by Ubisoft's Director of Editorial Communications, Lucy O'Brien.

New territory brings new threats. Players will confront a hostile new faction, the Sanzoku Ippa, along with unique bosses. To aid in these fights, Naoe gains access to an exclusive new weapon: the Bo staff.

O'Brien's article also notes that danger is pervasive on Awaji; new enemies will constantly attempt to ambush players, with some even disguising themselves as harmless civilians.

Free Update Adds Content for All Players

The version 1.1.1 update releasing alongside the DLC also brings new features for base game players. Most notably, the level cap is increased a second time, now reaching 100. Ubisoft recommends players first reach the original cap of 60 before venturing into the DLC.

A new time-skip ability will be added. After the patch, players can unlock this by leveling up the Nando once and then meditating to skip to either 6 AM or 6 PM. Another quality-of-life improvement removes all fog from a region's map once all its viewpoints have been discovered.

Finally, a new project is being added to the Animus HUB, rewarding players with Assassin's Creed II protagonist Ezio Auditore's outfit, the Eagle Head kusarigama, the Charm of Firenze trinket, and a Rooftop Cat pet for the hideout.

The Claws of Awaji DLC launches on September 16 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. For all the latest news on Assassin's Creed Shadows, check out our article below!