For a little while now, some players have been looking out for games that let them pet dogs and cats, with entire social media accounts being built around that feature. Over the years, more and more games seem to be adopting it, which has made for some pretty adorable encounters. With Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft has once again decided to let players do that very thing. However, this time around, it seems to be taking a few cues from Pokemon.
At first glance, Pokemon and Assassin’s Creed Shadows seem to have nothing in common. One is a family-friendly franchise about collecting all sorts of adorable creatures while the other follows an assassin and a samurai as they fight their way through 16th-century Japan. But, if players look closer, there is one feature that seems to share some similarities with Nintendo’s massive franchise. While it may not be changing the way players approach this game, the new pet collecting feature in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a nice little addition to the formula.
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AC Shadows and Pokemon May Be More Alike Than Players Think
Players Can Collect All Sorts of Pets Throughout AC Shadows
Throughout Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players will encounter a wide variety of dogs and cats just waiting to be pet. If players do so, and they have never petted that type before, they actually end up being able to add it to their collection. That then lets them place said pet in their hideout, letting them fill it to the brim with all sorts of cute animals. This gives the experience a bit of a “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” feel as players head out into the world hoping they can pet all the pets that litter the world. Luckily, that is not the only way they can gather these pets.
Players can also unlock pets in Assassin’s Creed Shadows by completing certain quests, like the Thrown to the Dogs pre-order quest. Along with that, some merchants will sell various unique pets under the Hideout tab, like an Ox. And if that was not enough, there is even a chance players can unlock special animals once they complete a Sumi-e Painting. With all of these different ways, there is seemingly no shortage of collecting to be had here.
Assassin’s Creed Could Take This Feature Even Further
This pet feature feels very similar to Pokemon in that some players may be spending a lot of time attempting to collect every pet that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has to offer. Unlike Pokemon, there is no way to actually battle other pets with them, nor are there any evolution mechanics, as these are supposed to resemble real-world animals from 16th-century Japan. But, as a fun optional cosmetic that players can gather, it makes for a pretty great addition to the formula. And through updates, Ubisoft could take it even further.
Already, a special pet is being offered through Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ pre-order quest. So, there is seemingly no reason that Ubisoft could not add even more pets through post-launch content. With new lands comes new pets just waiting to be discovered, and some players would likely love to be able to add even more to their Hideout. Of course, the core story and content need to be worth it, but as an additional cosmetic, more pets seem like an easy win.
These collectible pets are a nice addition to the Assassin’s Creed Shadows adventure for those looking to make their Hideouts even better. While Ubisoft likely did not actually take cues from Pokemon for this feature, it does still give the game a bit of that same feeling. Plus, it serves as a great incentive to actually pet all of those animals running around.
- Released
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March 20, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language