Ubisoft has always pushed the boundaries with each new installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows is no exception. If early indications are anything to go by, Shadows is shaping up to be the biggest entry in the series to date—not just in terms of ambition and scope, but in sheer file size as well.

According to a listing on the Apple App Store, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will require a staggering 123GB of storage space at launch. That’s a massive jump compared to previous games in the franchise. For context, Assassin’s Creed Origins—which was already considered large at the time—debuted with a 42.3GB file size. Its successor, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, pushed things slightly further at 45GB. Even Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, which many considered one of the most expansive entries, launched at just 50GB.

Of course, these numbers are just launch sizes. Over time, thanks to major updates and DLC expansions, these games grew significantly. In fact, Valhalla—after receiving several expansions—has ballooned to a whopping 158GB. With Shadows already confirmed to receive post-launch content, it’s safe to assume that its file size will only get bigger as time goes on. If you’re planning to dive into Shadows on release day, now might be a good time to clear out some space on your SSD.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that Valhalla eventually received an update that reduced its file size, streamlining its storage footprint without cutting content. Ubisoft might implement a similar optimization strategy for Shadows in the future, but for now, players should prepare for a sizable download.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows install size listed as 123.24 GB (macOS)
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Why is Assassin’s Creed Shadows So Big?

The dramatic increase in file size isn’t just due to higher-resolution textures or larger open-world maps—though those certainly contribute. A few key factors are likely responsible for Shadows’ massive footprint:

1. A More Detailed Open World

Ubisoft has promised that Shadows will deliver a historically rich and immersive rendition of Feudal Japan, with incredibly detailed environments, expansive cities, and vast countryside areas. Given the increase in fidelity and density of NPCs, buildings, and interactable objects, it’s no surprise that the game requires so much storage space.

2. Dual Protagonists and More Complex Animations

For the first time in the series, Shadows will feature two distinct protagonists with unique playstyles: Yasuke, a powerful samurai, and Naoe, a skilled shinobi. This dual-character approach means more animations, different combat mechanics, and additional narrative depth—all of which contribute to a heftier file size.

3. Enhanced AI and Physics Systems

Ubisoft is implementing more advanced AI behavior, improved physics, and dynamic weather effects that change the way players interact with the world. All of these technological advancements add to the game’s storage requirements.

4. Bigger and Better Audio Design

One of the less obvious but significant contributors to file size is audio. Shadows is expected to feature a fully voiced Japanese audio track along with English and other languages, increasing the amount of high-quality sound files. Additionally, the game’s soundtrack—composed to authentically capture Feudal Japan’s atmosphere—will likely be extensive.

Whatever the case, one thing is certain: Shadows is shaping up to be a behemoth of a game, both in content and storage requirements.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Marks the Series’ Return to macOS After 14 Years

For longtime Apple users and Assassin’s Creed fans, Shadows carries another significant milestone—it’s the first mainline entry in the franchise to be released on macOS since Assassin’s Creed Revelations in 2011.

When Revelations hit the market, it marked the conclusion of Ezio Auditore’s saga, capping off what is widely regarded as the golden era of Assassin’s Creed. However, after that release, Ubisoft largely abandoned macOS as a platform for its flagship franchise.

But now, after more than a decade, Assassin’s Creed is making a comeback on Apple computers with Shadows. This move signals a broader effort by Ubisoft to make the franchise more accessible to a wider audience. The company has already made several consumer-friendly decisions in recent years, including the return of day-one releases on Steam—something that had been missing for a long time. Ubisoft has also been revisiting older titles, adding achievements to classics like Far Cry 3 to keep them relevant for modern players.

Why Bring Assassin’s Creed Back to Mac Now?

The decision to reintroduce Assassin’s Creed to macOS isn’t random. It comes at a time when Apple has been making major strides in gaming. With the transition to Apple Silicon and the introduction of the M1, M2, and M3 chips, Mac computers are now more powerful and gaming-capable than ever before. More developers have started taking advantage of Metal API (Apple’s graphics technology), allowing for smoother performance and better optimization on macOS devices.

Additionally, Apple’s recent push into gaming, with initiatives like Apple Arcade and improved game support on the Mac App Store, likely played a role in Ubisoft’s decision. The gaming industry is shifting toward broader accessibility, with more developers targeting multiple platforms, including Mac. Shadows arriving on macOS is just one piece of this larger puzzle.

Will More Assassin’s Creed Games Come to Mac?

With the reintroduction of Assassin’s Creed on macOS, one has to wonder whether other titles in the franchise will follow. Ubisoft has yet to make any official statements about backporting older Assassin’s Creed games to Mac, but given the company’s renewed interest in platform expansion, it’s not out of the question.

One possible avenue is through the new Animus Hub, an upcoming central hub that aims to unify all Assassin’s Creed experiences in one place. If Ubisoft wants to bring past games to Mac users, this could be an ideal way to do it.

For now, though, Shadows will stand as a test case. If the macOS version performs well and garners a strong player base, it could pave the way for more Ubisoft games making their way to Apple’s ecosystem.

Final Thoughts: A Landmark Entry for Assassin’s Creed

There’s no doubt that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a landmark release for the franchise. It’s the biggest game in the series in terms of file size, but it’s also poised to be one of the most ambitious in scope, storytelling, and technical advancements. Ubisoft’s decision to return to macOS, embrace a more expansive open world, and introduce new gameplay mechanics demonstrates that Shadows isn’t just another Assassin’s Creed game—it’s a bold step forward.

Of course, as with any massive game, there are lingering questions. Will Ubisoft optimize Shadows post-launch to reduce its file size? How well will the macOS version perform? Will the game’s expansions make it even larger than Valhalla? Only time will tell.

One thing is certain: If you’re planning to play Shadows, make sure you have enough storage space—and be ready for one of the most immersive Assassin’s Creed experiences yet.