Assassin's Creed Shadows Update Removes Controversial Content

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Summary

The removal of shrine destruction due to cultural sensitivity sparked debate and prompted changes.
Ubisoft's responsiveness to player feedback and cultural concerns is evident through quick updates.

Ubisoft has quietly released a day-one update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows that removes the option to destroy certain objects in shrines and temples—a change that’s sure to spark plenty of discussion among fans.

After facing multiple delays, the long-awaited game has finally landed. Set in feudal Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows lets you play as either Naoe—a stealthy Assassin with all the expected traits—or Yasuke, a fierce Samurai known for his brute strength and ability to handle multiple foes at once. Although the game was originally slated for a November 2024 launch, it was postponed twice, first to February and then to March 2025. Despite these setbacks, early reviews have been mostly positive.

What’s Changed in the Update?

The latest patch brings several tweaks and fixes, but the most talked-about update is the removal of the ability to destroy tables and racks in temples and shrines. This decision comes after a controversial clip circulated on Twitter in February showing Yasuke demolishing a shrine. That clip sparked a heated debate: some players felt that the action disrespected Japanese culture, while others argued that it was simply an expression of the character’s rebellious nature.

Why the Change?

The issue of shrine destruction became so divisive that even Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, weighed in on the matter. He stressed that respecting a nation’s culture and religion is fundamental, a sentiment that echoes the concerns raised by many players. By making certain objects in these sacred areas indestructible, Ubisoft appears to be addressing these cultural sensitivities head-on.

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Other Improvements and Fixes

Besides the controversial change, the update also includes a variety of quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes, such as:

Improved Movement and Collision: Players should no longer get stuck inside movable objects after dodging forward or interacting with them during gameplay.
Weapon Fixes: A bug that caused procedural weapons to be removed incorrectly when selling items has been addressed.
Boundary Adjustments: Tweaks have been made to prevent players from going out of bounds while proning against objects.
Better Horse Navigation: Horse movement has been improved, reducing issues with turning and blocked paths.
Lighting Adjustments: Lighting for cave entrances, kofun, and other architectural areas has been refined.
Cloth Clipping Fixes: Problems with cloth clipping on Yasuke’s and Naoe’s outfits have been resolved.
Reduced Blood Effects: Citizens without weapons no longer bleed when attacked, which helps reduce unwanted blood effects in temples and shrines.
Dynamic Objects: Although tables and racks are now indestructible in sacred sites, some generic objects like drums or bowls remain breakable. Tables, however, still move and can be pushed around.

Community Reaction

The update comes barely 24 hours after the game’s release, highlighting how quickly Ubisoft is responding to player feedback and cultural concerns. The issue of shrine destruction had already stirred significant debate before launch, and this update is expected to reopen discussions among the community. Some players might miss the original freedom of being able to interact destructively with the environment, while others will appreciate the respectful treatment of culturally significant sites.

A Final Word

Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues the series’ tradition of mixing historical settings with action-packed gameplay, even if some creative choices have sparked controversy. Ubisoft’s decision to remove the shrine destruction element reflects a broader awareness of cultural sensitivity in modern game design. Whether you’re here for the stealthy adventures of Naoe or the powerful strikes of Yasuke, this update shows that the developers are listening and willing to make changes—even after launch.

With this update, Ubisoft not only fixes various gameplay bugs but also addresses concerns that could have undermined the game’s reception. It’s a reminder that even in large-scale game development, attention to detail—and to the community’s cultural values—can make a significant difference in the final experience.

Enjoy your adventure in feudal Japan, and keep an eye out for any further updates as Ubisoft continues to refine the game based on player feedback.