Looking back at 2025, it’s clear that the Assassin’s Creed franchise remains the cornerstone of Ubisoft’s portfolio. After a tumultuous period marked by commercial disappointments from other major titles, the publisher’s November financial report delivered a beacon of hope. The report highlighted that Assassin’s Creed Shadows not only garnered critical acclaim but also "overperformed" commercially. More impressively, the entire franchise ecosystem generated a staggering 211 million session days, a testament to its enduring vitality. As we stand in 2026, with the future of several other Ubisoft IPs uncertain, the company’s strategy appears to be doubling down on its most valuable asset. This year is shaping up to be exceptionally busy for fans of the hidden blade, filled with confirmed updates, long-awaited reveals, and the potential culmination of years of rumors. For us, the players, it’s an exciting time to be part of this enduring saga.
🗾 The Legacy of Assassin's Creed Shadows
The journey through feudal Japan with Assassin’s Creed Shadows was a defining experience last year. Despite some divisive fan reactions, its strong critical reception and commercial success have solidified its place in the series' pantheon. However, Ubisoft has confirmed that the epic adventure will not receive a second major expansion on the scale of the Awaji Island DLC. This news, delivered by associate game director Simon Lemay-Comtois, was initially disappointing. Yet, all is not quiet in the Land of the Rising Sun. The precedent set by the recent, thrilling Attack on Titan-themed crossover quest suggests that smaller-scale content drops could continue throughout 2026. These updates could introduce new narrative threads, gear, or limited-time events to keep the world feeling alive. Furthermore, players who embarked on this journey via the Nintendo Switch 2 can likely anticipate performance patches and optimizations tailored for the handheld hybrid, ensuring a smooth shinobi experience on the go.
🎬 The Netflix Adaptation Gains Momentum
Beyond the games, the world of Assassin’s Creed is expanding onto our screens. The long-gestating partnership with Netflix is finally showing tangible progress. A live-action series is officially in active development, with Roberto Patino and David Wiener steering the project as showrunners. The casting announcements from late 2025—adding talents like Laura Marcus and Toby Wallace—signal that production is gathering significant momentum behind the scenes. While filming may not commence imminently and a release window remains under wraps, 2026 promises to bring us closer to this adaptation. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating further casting reveals and perhaps our first official glimpse at the show’s aesthetic and time period. This series represents a crucial step in bringing the brotherhood’s clandestine war to a broader, mainstream audience.
📱 Assassin's Creed Jade: A Mobile Frontier Awaits
Announced alongside giants like Hexe and Shadows, Assassin’s Creed Jade has been a tantalizing mystery. As the franchise’s first fully-realized foray into mobile gaming, set in ancient China, its prolonged development cycle has tested our patience. After multiple closed alpha and beta tests over three years, the silence has been palpable. However, the extended incubation period suggests a polished product is nearing completion. The potential return of Ubisoft Forward in Summer 2026 after its 2025 hiatus seems like the perfect stage for its grand unveiling. I expect we will finally receive a concrete release date or at least a firm launch window, allowing us to prepare for a pocket-sized Assassin’s Creed adventure of unprecedented scope.
🧙 Assassin's Creed Hexe: Peering into the Darkness
The most enigmatic project on the horizon is undoubtedly Assassin’s Creed Hexe. Since its haunting 2022 teaser hinted at 17th-century Germanic witch trials and occult themes, official information has been virtually non-existent. Leaks from early 2025 suggested its release would follow other projects, but the veil of secrecy remains thick. If development has progressed steadily, 2026 could be the year the shadows part. A Ubisoft Forward event would be the ideal venue to debut a proper trailer, finally introducing us to its protagonist, its dark, horror-tinged setting, and its unique gameplay mechanics. The anticipation for this bold, atmospheric departure is immense within the community.
⚔️ Assassin's Creed Invictus: The Multiplayer Renaissance
Similarly shrouded in mystery is Assassin’s Creed Invictus, the confirmed multiplayer-focused entry. With only the broadest premise known, its development status is a question mark. However, credible rumors from last year pointed to a 2025 release that ultimately didn’t materialize. This indicates the project is likely in an advanced state. Therefore, 2026 feels like the year we will finally see it. Whether through a full reveal or a debut trailer, I am excited to see how Ubisoft plans to revitalize the PvP and cooperative experiences that fans have cherished since the days of Brotherhood and III. A modern take on Assassin’s Creed multiplayer has phenomenal potential.
🏴☠️ The Rumored Black Flag Remake: Setting Sail Again?
Ah, the worst-kept secret in gaming. The rumored remake of the beloved Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag has been the subject of countless leaks. The evidence became almost official in late 2025 when a listing for "Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced" appeared on the PEGI ratings board. Subsequent rumors even suggested a potential March 2026 launch. While we must treat all leaks with healthy skepticism, the frequency and specificity of these reports make an announcement feel inevitable. Even if the game itself doesn’t release this year, I am highly confident that Ubisoft will formally announce the project in 2026. The prospect of returning to the golden age of piracy with modern graphics, refined naval combat, and expanded world design is enough to make any fan’s heart soar.
| Project | Expected 2026 Milestone | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Shadows Support | Minor content updates, Switch 2 patches | No second major DLC; focus on small events & optimizations. |
| Netflix Series | Further casting/development updates | Live-action show in active pre-production. |
| Jade | Official release date/window reveal | Mobile title set in ancient China; long in development. |
| Hexe | First proper gameplay/story trailer | 17th-century horror-themed entry. |
| Invictus | Debut trailer or official reveal | Multiplayer-focused project. |
| Black Flag Remake | Official announcement | Highly rumored; PEGI listing surfaced in 2025. |
🔮 Looking Beyond the Horizon
As if this slate wasn’t full enough, recent job listings from Ubisoft Quebec hint at the early stages of a new Assassin’s Creed RPG. Given the monumental success of titles like Odyssey and Valhalla, it’s no surprise the studio is looking to the future. However, these listings are fresh, meaning this project is undoubtedly years away from seeing the light of day. We shouldn’t expect any news on this front in 2026, but its mere existence confirms that the Animus will be running for many years to come.
In conclusion, 2026 is poised to be a landmark year for the Assassin’s Creed franchise. From supporting the successful Shadows to potentially unveiling multiple new adventures like Hexe and Invictus, and finally confirming the legendary Black Flag remake, Ubisoft is placing a colossal bet on its flagship series. For us in the player community, it’s a thrilling time filled with anticipation. We stand on the brink of new stories, revisited classics, and innovative gameplay experiences. The creed lives on, and its future has never looked brighter. I, for one, can’t wait to dive back into the Animus and see what secrets and adventures this year holds. ✨