Assassin’s Creed: Shadows Multiplayer Just Got Leaked

Assassin’s Creed Multiplayer Might Be Coming Back, and It’s Hiding in Shadows

If you've ever missed sneaking around Renaissance rooftops trying to stab your friends in the back (literally), you’re not alone. And you might be in luck—because dataminers just uncovered evidence that Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is getting a multiplayer mode. Possibly PvP. Possibly co-op. Something big.

“Files named ‘RED_PVP_Maps’, ‘RED_PVP_Gym’, and ‘TST_Multiplayer’ were found in the game’s code.” — Sliderv2 via Insider Gaming

For context, “RED” was the original codename for Shadows, and Ubisoft clearly left some breadcrumbs behind. The inclusion of test maps and gym files screams internal developer testing for PvP. It's not a stretch to imagine these might connect to the rumored “League” co-op mode Insider Gaming mentioned months ago.

Assassin’s Creed Has Always Had a Thing for Multiplayer

Let’s not forget—multiplayer in Assassin’s Creed isn’t new. It’s just been gone for a while. Some of the franchise’s most loved modes weren’t even tied to the story. They were social, sneaky, competitive, and absolutely brutal.

Here are a few that players still talk about:

• Wanted (Brotherhood) – a PvP mode where players hunted each other using stealth and disguises.
• Manhunt (Revelations) – two teams of Assassins trying to outsmart each other with coordinated kills.
• Wolfpack (AC3) – PvE wave-based mode where players executed stylish assassinations as a team.
• Co-op Missions (Unity) – story-driven multiplayer heists that were fun, chaotic, and honestly underappreciated.

So yeah, if Shadows is bringing this back—especially with Naoe and Yasuke already offering two playable characters—it could be a perfect setup.

The Best Assassin’s Creed Games by Metacritic

If you’re wondering where Shadows might land in the series pantheon, here’s a quick look at how the franchise’s best entries rank by Metacritic:

Shadows already looks set to be massive, and with post-launch expansions like Claws of Awaji confirmed, it's clear Ubisoft is in long-game mode. But throw multiplayer into the mix? You’ve got a title that might push this series back into must-play territory.

What This Means for the Future of Assassin’s Creed

Ubisoft has already confirmed they're revealing the Shadows' post-launch roadmap very soon—potentially even today. If multiplayer or co-op gets officially announced, it could redefine how the game is played.

“Shadows already feels halfway to being a co-op game as is.” — TheGamer article

Think about it. We’ve got two main characters with distinct playstyles. We’ve got huge open-world areas set in feudal Japan, rich with stealth options and combat-heavy strongholds. If Ubisoft doesn’t add co-op, it would feel like a massive missed opportunity.

And if PvP returns in the vein of the Brotherhood/Unity era? That’s a nostalgia trip and a smart way to bring back long-time fans.

The Leak That Could Change Everything

This datamine is more than just some leftover test code—it might be the start of a multiplayer comeback in a franchise that used to own social stealth.

The fanbase has been asking for this for years. Ubisoft may finally be listening.

So, whether you’re all about stabbing friends in a bush again or running heists in 18th-century Japan, keep your eyes on the upcoming official announcement. This could be the most exciting shift Assassin’s Creed has seen in a decade.

And hey, Ubisoft—if you're bringing back co-op, please let us throw our friend off a pagoda. In the spirit of brotherhood, of course.