AC Shadows Update 1.021.023 Patch Notes (v1.1.11) | New free story quest “Black Tides”

AC Shadows update 1.021.023 (v1.1.11) is available to download on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S. According to the official AC Shadows 1.021.023 patch notes, the latest update introduces the free Black Tides story quest, the Domains end-game challenge mode with exclusive rewards, Riptides and Undertow crossover Projects. Today’s AC Shadows patch 1.021.023 also adds the Horizon Animus Rift, stronger build customization through perk updates, and gameplay adjustments including enemy damage balancing and expanded Corrupted Castle availability.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Update 1.1.11 Summary

• Added the new free story quest “Black Tides.”
• Introduced the new Domains end-game challenge mode with exclusive rewards.
• Released Riptides and Undertow Animus HUB crossover Projects.
• Added the Horizon Animus Rift and multiple gameplay balance changes.
• Updated gear perks, UI, quests, and platform performance.

AC Shadows 1.021.023 Patch Notes – June 15, 2026

New Free Story Quest: Black Tides

• Added the free story quest “Black Tides.”
• Naoe and Yasuke face the elite Templar duo known as Black Cross.
• Players must complete Naoe & Yasuke’s main story.
• Requires completion of the post-launch quests “A Critical Encounter” and “A Puzzlement.”

New Crossover Projects

• Added the Animus HUB Projects “Riptides” and “Undertow.”
• Unlock themed outfits, weapons, trinkets, and additional rewards.
• Progress is earned by completing Anomalies in Shadows and Black Flag Resynced.
• Not available on Nintendo Switch 2.

New End-game Activity: Domains

• Introduced Domains, a new Animus challenge mode.
• Features 5 gameplay simulations across 10 difficulty levels.
• Unlocks after reaching level 30.
• Higher difficulties add more gameplay modifiers.
• Added MOD-exclusive currency, progression tree, and shop.
• Earn exclusive outfits, weapons, trinkets, engravings, and gear sets.
• Includes secret rewards and returning Animus-inspired equipment.
• Domain rewards remain exclusive and are not available in the store or exchange.

New Animus Rift

• Added the Horizon Animus Rift.
• Expands the Guide storyline.
• Requires completion of the previous two Animus Rifts.

Quality of Life

• Updated access to Animus HUB features in the main menu.
• System menu is now accessed through the Shadows Memory page.

Gameplay Changes

• Increased damage for Shurikens used with Bank Shot and Triple Threat mastery upgrades.
• Armor-destroying abilities are now 50% less effective against bosses.
• Fixed weak point engraving unlock issues.
• Fixed Yasuke’s melee and ranged damage reduction knowledge bonus.
• Enemies now take fall damage from shorter distances.
• Reduced enemy Poison Kunai damage.
• Reduced enemy Explosive Grenade damage.
• Up to six Corrupted Castles are now available each season.
• Fixed Naoe’s Katana Sheath remaining attached incorrectly.

UI Improvements

• Reordered Forge engraving lists.
• Added a new Critical Category.
• Fixed incorrect engraving categories.
• Corrected perk and knowledge skill icons.
• Added missing Damage when Hitting Vulnerable Enemies stat.
• Clarified Naoe’s Peasant Hat perk activation condition.
• Corrected Yasuke’s Combo Ender damage value display.
• Pins and world markers now remain saved while traveling between Japan and Awaji.

Gear and Perk Updates

• Reworked multiple adrenaline perks to use percentages of an adrenaline chunk.
• Rebalanced all affected adrenaline perks to lower values.
• Whisper of Gold Long Katana ability damage bonus increased to 100%.
• Fixed Kusarigama Affliction on Entangled Enemy damage scaling.
• Fixed Blade of Yumminess inventory issues.
• Teppo and Bow weapons now support armour damage and armour piercing engravings.
• Removed invalid engraving options from amulets.
• Ethereal Cloth Headgear now activates below 15% health.
• Pink Petal Kosode and Sakura Bloom Armour now restore 20% health on death by converting adrenaline.
• Fixed Riddle Scroll Beacon Trinket perk resetting.
• Fixed Consecutive Enemy Kills perk reset behavior.
• Restricted perk engravings to compatible weapon types.
• Fixed enhanced item scaling for affliction duration and adrenaline perks.
• Corrected Critical Chance with Melee Weapons engraving placement.

Quest Fixes

• Gather Mon: Fixed Anomaly Quest progression.
• Way of the Blacksmith: Fixed missing Heji and forge availability.
• Lost and Found: Fixed Sentinel B-Ser.0197 teleporting out of bounds.

Platform Updates

• Nintendo Switch 2: Improved GPU performance in handheld mode.

Recently, Assassins Creed Shadows update 1.003.179 added new features and changes. Unfortunately, since the release, players have been experiencing a number of issues. Today’s AC Shadows update 1.021.023 will address a few of these issues. Read the full details below.

Download links for AC Shadows update 1.021.023 will go live soon on Sony PlayStation 5, PC and Microsoft Xbox Series X/S.