I've just finished a marathon session of Assassin's Creed Shadows, and my fingers are still sore from all the button-mashing. The buzz around the game right now is the surprise addition of a beloved piece of gear from the franchise's past: Ezio Auditore's legendary robes from Assassin's Creed II. As a long-time fan who spent countless hours scaling the rooftops of Renaissance Italy, seeing that familiar outfit pop up in the menus of the latest entry gave me a serious dose of nostalgia. However, Ubisoft has decided to make us work for this piece of history. Unlike some of their previous free giveaways, this isn't a simple login reward or a quick purchase. Getting Ezio's signature look requires dedication and a willingness to dive deep into one of the game's new systems.

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So, how do you actually get the robes? The key is the Sanctuary Animus Project. This is a permanent, free addition to the game, so you don't need to rush. You won't find it in the in-game store for Helix Credits. Instead, you need to navigate to the Animus Hub menu. Think of Projects as mini, free battle passes that offer a ladder of rewards. You complete specific weekly in-game activities called Anomalies to earn points and level up the Project.

These Anomaly missions can be pretty varied, keeping the grind from becoming too monotonous. One week, you might be tasked with:

  • Assassinating specific high-value targets

  • Sabotaging enemy supply caravans 💥

  • Completing stealth sequences without detection

  • Liberating a set number of occupied areas ️

Each completed objective fills your progress bar. The Sanctuary Project has several tiers of rewards you must unlock in sequence before you can claim the grand prize. It's a journey, not a sprint.

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Let's talk about that journey. The Sanctuary Project is a love letter to Assassin's Creed II. Before you can even think about wearing Ezio's robes, you'll earn other thematic rewards that build the hype. The reward track looks something like this (though the exact order may vary):

Project Tier Reward Description
Tier 1 Firenze Trinket A cosmetic charm for your weapon, evoking the streets of Florence.
Tier 3 Villa Auditore Wall Art A decoration for your hideout.
Tier 5 "Rooftop Cat" Pet A feline companion that follows you, a nod to the iconic cats of Italian rooftops.
Final Tier Ezio's Robes The complete Master Assassin outfit.

Completing the entire project took me several focused play sessions over a couple of weeks. The time investment is real, but for me, it made finally unlocking the robes feel like a genuine achievement, not just a transaction.

The payoff is absolutely worth it. Once you fully complete the Sanctuary Project, Ezio's robes are permanently unlocked for your entire Ubisoft account. This has huge benefits:

  • New Game+ Ready: Start a fresh playthrough? The robes are available from the get-go in your inventory.

  • DLC Compatible: You can take your nostalgic fashion sense into the Claws of Awaji expansion and any future DLC.

  • A Statement Piece: Walking through the world of Shadows in this classic outfit is a powerful blend of old and new.

This move by Ubisoft is fascinating. It shows a shift towards rewarding sustained engagement over direct monetization for these iconic legacy items. The Sanctuary Project sets a precedent. I'm already keeping my eyes peeled for future Animus Projects. Could Altair's robes be next? Or perhaps Edward Kenway's pirate gear? The system is now in place, and it's a fantastic way to celebrate the series' rich history while giving players meaningful long-term goals.

My advice? Don't get discouraged by the grind. Pick away at the weekly Anomalies as you explore the beautiful and dangerous world of Shadows. The moment you finally slip on that familiar white-and-red robe, with the bracer on your wrist and the hood casting a shadow over your face, you'll understand why the journey was part of the reward. It connects you to decades of Assassin's Creed legacy in a way a simple store purchase never could. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some rooftops to run across—for old times' sake. 😉