How and When to Preload

As the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows approaches on March 20, anticipation among fans is building. Following past delays and some controversy, this latest chapter in the beloved series is set to captivate players. To ensure they can dive into the action without a hitch on launch day, enthusiasts are advised to take advantage of the opportunity to preload their game.

Preloading allows players to download essential game files in advance, providing immediate access once the game officially launches. Players on certain platforms currently have the opportunity to preload the game. Details about the specific timings and process for preloading are available to help ensure a seamless experience on release day.

Game Installation and Launch Schedule for Assassin's Creed Shadows

The installation timeline for Assassin's Creed Shadows presents a varied schedule depending on the gaming platform. Those who have secured a pre-order for any version of the game can begin preparations on their Xbox Series X|S. Xbox users are in a unique position, being allowed to preload the game well ahead of its official release date, an advantage not shared with other platforms like PlayStation 5 or PC.

For PC enthusiasts, the opportunity to prepare for the game's arrival kicks off on March 17. The timeline for initiating the preload is set for 11 am ET/8 am PT/4 pm UTC. This schedule offers PC users a full spectrum of time to ready themselves for the upcoming adventure.

PlayStation 5 users, on the other hand, experience the longest wait. For them, the window to begin the preload opens at midnight local time, starting on March 18. The initiation of the preload is uniformly synchronized to each user's respective time zone, ensuring everyone starts at the same relative moment globally.

Regarding the official game launch, both Xbox and PS5 players will have access beginning precisely at midnight as March 20 arrives. This seamless transition allows for immediate gameplay as soon as the date changes from the 19th to the 20th.

Conversely, PC gamers face a staggered access schedule. Those on the Eastern Time Zone benefit from a punctual midnight release, while others in differing time zones, notably Central and Pacific, can play slightly earlier relative to Eastern Standard Time. The global nature of PC gaming also introduces further variables. When accessing Assassin's Creed Shadows through Steam, users worldwide need to align their expectations with Eastern Time for launch access.

Exceptions arise for those utilizing Ubisoft Connect, where European and Asian players might find themselves able to jump into the game sooner. This platform-specific disparity highlights the inherent challenges and benefits within international PC gaming parties.

Ultimately, while the timelines vary, by March 18, all users can rest assured that the preload process will be complete. This strategic variety in preload and launch phases caters to different geographical zones and platforms, ensuring preparedness and a unified release moment on March 20 for the majority of players globally.