Assassin's Creed Shadows represents a significant leap forward, thanks in part to the newly enhanced Anvil Engine.

One of the standout features is real-time global illumination (RTGI), promising breathtaking visuals. But how does this high-tech feature hold up on mainstream PCs, especially when high-end consoles like the PS5 Pro are struggling to maintain 60fps with these effects?

PC Performance Overview

Starting up Assassin's Creed Shadows, you’ll encounter an initial shader compilation process that lasts around 30 seconds, even on a moderately dated Ryzen 5 3600. The absence of additional shader compilation during gameplay is a notable plus, which hints at Ubisoft's effective optimization techniques.

While gameplay is generally smooth, players with older CPUs might experience frame time spikes during transitions, particularly in high-density areas like towns. Thankfully, more advanced processors, such as the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, see a significant reduction in these issues. While these spikes can disrupt the experience, a frame-rate cap or enabling v-sync can offer a temporary solution.

User Experience Enhancements

The menu system in Shadows is intuitive, featuring useful scaling options and informative previews. One highlight is the game's dynamic resolution feature, which can be adjusted in conjunction with NVIDIA's DLSS for an optimized experience. Even though the dynamic resolution may react slightly slower than other titles, it remains effective for those adjusting quality settings.

However, there are still areas needing attention. Certain graphics settings require a full game restart after being adjusted, which might not be the most user-friendly approach. Players should toggle settings in real-time to check visual differences and then restart to ensure performances remain stable.

Cutscene Discrepancies

One glaring issue lies in the cutscene presentation. These segments are locked to a 16:9 aspect ratio and a relatively choppy 30fps. This creates a jarring contrast with the seamless 60fps gameplay. Moreover, the current frame-rate limiter fails to effectively manage 30fps during cutscenes, often capping at an awkward 31fps, which can lead to visual stuttering even with v-sync enabled. Fixes in future patches are essential to align cutscene performance with gameplay.

Performance Variability

Players should be aware of unexpected performance dips related to the in-game time of day. Frame rates have been observed to drop up to 25% based on lighting conditions, only to rebound once settings like shadows are toggled. This inconsistency raises questions about the effectiveness of GPU load management and calls for further developer evaluation.

Optimized Settings Guide

For players keen on maintaining ray tracing while optimizing their gameplay, specific settings should be prioritized. Settings adjustments can significantly enhance performance without compromising the visual fidelity brought by RTGI and the advanced hair system. Testing on powerful GPUs, such as the RTX 4070 Ti Super, has shown that optimized settings at 1440p can yield a substantial performance boost—up to 40% compared to maximum settings.

For more modest setups, like an RTX 4060 running at 1080p with DLSS quality mode, performance ranged from 50fps to 70fps, showcasing the game’s ability to cater to various hardware configurations while still delivering stunning visuals.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Assassin's Creed Shadows proves to be a highly scalable experience, accommodating even entry-level systems like the Ryzen 5 3600 paired with the RTX 4060 for solid performance. While there are some annoying stutters and issues—such as pesky frame-time spikes and fluctuating GPU performance tied to the in-game time—it's worth noting that recent patches have not always improved the situation.

The expectation is that Ubisoft will continue to enhance the game with future updates, but based on current performance, Assassin's Creed Shadows remains a noteworthy entry in the series and an impressive PC port overall. Keep your eyes peeled for patches that might resolve these lingering issues, and get ready for an immersive gaming experience!