The return of the Assassin's Creed series to Steam is gaining attention, starting with the much-anticipated release of Mirage this month. This game will mark the initial foray of the franchise back onto the platform, making it a significant event for fans. Ubisoft announced a delay for Assassin's Creed Shadows, pushing its release from the previously scheduled November 12 to February 14, 2025.
This decision was made to allow additional time for the game's refinement to ensure a smoother launch experience. Notably, Shadows is set to make a simultaneous debut on Steam, alongside platforms such as PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Amazon Luna, differing from the release strategy seen in more recent entries of the series. While Shadows will be making a new entry, it is not the first of the series to return to Steam.
A newly revealed Steam store page for Assassin's Creed Mirage indicates that players will have the opportunity to purchase it in October 2024, hinting that an official announcement regarding the release date from Ubisoft may be forthcoming. The narrative in Mirage unfolds around Basim, a resourceful street thief on a quest for answers and justice within the vibrant streets of ninth-century Baghdad.
Through the influence of an ancient group known as the Hidden Ones, Basim embarks on a transformative journey to become a skilled Master Assassin, ultimately altering his destiny. While the game is not yet available for release, eager fans can begin wishlisting it on Steam. Assassin's Creed Mirage was initially launched in October 2023 for various platforms, including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC through Epic Games and Ubisoft Connect.
Since 2019, Ubisoft has refrained from releasing its PC titles on Steam, following the establishment of its own launcher, although the exact reasons remain unclear. Some speculate this move was influenced by the underperformance of Star Wars Outlaws, prompting a strategic reevaluation to boost sales.