Assassins Creed Shadows Free Dog Quest Sparks Backlash – Is the Criticism Fair?

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Ubisoft’s pre-order bonus for Assassins Creed Shadows—a free quest that rewards players with a loyal dog companion—has unexpectedly sparked backlash. While some fans are thrilled to adopt Tsuki-Maru, others argue the mission feels like a shallow incentive. So, is the outrage warranted, or are gamers just hard to please?

Assassins Creed Shadows Free Dog Quest Sparks Backlash - Is the Criticism Fair?
Assassins Creed Shadows Free Dog Quest Sparks Backlash – Is the Criticism Fair?

What the ‘Thrown to the Dogs’ Quest Offers

The pre-order bonus includes:

  • A short quest where players rescue Tsuki-Maru, an injured dog
  • The ability to keep the dog as a companion in your settlement
  • A small chest reward for completing the mission
    While the quest itself is brief, the real value lies in the emotional payoff—who doesn’t want a virtual dog by their side in feudal Japan?

Why Some Assassins Creed Shadows Fans Are Disappointed

Critics argue:

  • “It’s just a cut content mission” – Some believe the quest should’ve been part of the base game.
  • “Too short to be a meaningful bonus” – At roughly 10-15 minutes long, it doesn’t feel substantial.
  • “Misleading marketing” – Ubisoft heavily promoted the quest, making it seem like a bigger deal.

However, many overlook that pre-orders also include the Claws of Awaji expansion (10+ hours of content), making the dog quest more of a cute extra than the main incentive.

The Bigger Picture: Pre-Order Culture Debate

This backlash ties into a larger discussion about pre-order bonuses:

  • Are they genuine rewards or just recycled content?
  • Should publishers offer more meaningful incentives?
  • Does a free dog actually enhance the experience?
    While Tsuki-Maru won’t change gameplay drastically, he adds charm—something many fans appreciate.

Is the Hate Justified?

Let’s be real:
It’s a free bonus – Not mandatory, just a little extra.
The expansion is the real prize – 10+ hours of DLC is a solid deal.
Dogs make everything better – Emotional value matters in RPGs.
Critics might be missing the point—this was never meant to be a game-changing reward.

Also, Read

A Bark Worse Than Its Bite?

While the quest may not be groundbreaking, calling it “pointless” ignores the joy of having a virtual pet in an open-world game. The real pre-order value lies in the upcoming expansion—Tsuki-Maru is just a fluffy cherry on top.

What do you think? Is the dog quest a fun bonus or a lazy pre-order tactic? Sound off below!

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