Assassin's Creed Shadows Needs An Online Connection To Install Physical Copies

Players will need an internet connection to install Assassin's Creed Shadows if they purchase the game physically.

According to the game's physical box at retailers like GameStop, there's a notice at the bottom left corner that says, "Internet required to install the game." Ubisoft later confirmed this itself.

Despite a notice on the PlayStation Store that said an internet connection would also be required to play the game, Ubisoft has confirmed this is not true, and the entire game can be played offline.

Nowadays, Ubisoft requires an online connection to install its recent games. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora had this requirement, as will the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws. In March, Ubisoft shut down online servers for The Crew after almost a decade of support. Due to the game's always-online requirement, it's completely unplayable with the servers gone, including its single-player content.

Assassin's Creed Shadows launches on November 15 for PC, Amazon Luna, macOS, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Those who purchase the Gold, Ultimate, and physical Collector's editions will be able to play the game three days early on November 12.