Ubisoft’s Surprising Move: Assassin’s Creed Mirage Gets Free DLC After Claiming No Post-Launch Plans

The world of gaming is no stranger to unexpected announcements, but Ubisoft has truly outdone itself. Just two years after the release of Assassin’s Creed Mirage and months after the successful launch of its latest mainline title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the company has announced a “surprise” free DLC for Mirage. This is a significant turn of events, as the publisher and the game’s narrative director previously stated that there were “no post-launch content” plans for the smaller, more focused title. This unexpected act of goodwill, announced via social media, has sparked a mix of excitement, gratitude, and a healthy dose of speculation among the community. The new content will include a new story chapter and missions set in a new location: the ancient Saudi Arabian city of AlUla.

A New Story and a New City

The upcoming DLC is not just a cosmetic update; it’s a new, substantial story chapter that takes players to a new, fully explorable city. AlUla, a historically significant oasis city in modern-day Saudi Arabia, will serve as the backdrop for Basim’s new adventure. The city is known for its stunning rock-cut tombs and ancient ruins, providing a perfect playground for classic Assassin’s Creed parkour and stealth. This is a particularly noteworthy addition given that Mirage was celebrated for its return to a tighter, more focused single-city map. The addition of a new, separate zone is a major expansion that feels like a full-blown mini-expansion. The developers have also promised “gameplay improvements for the base game and the new location,” suggesting that this is a comprehensive update aimed at refining the experience for both new and returning players.

The decision to set the DLC in AlUla has led to some interesting speculation. A French newspaper report from earlier this year claimed that Ubisoft had received investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to develop additional content for Mirage. While Ubisoft has not officially commented on the report, the new DLC’s setting and its timing—following the massive success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows—suggests that this could be a strategic move. It could be a way for Ubisoft to both honor its commitments and generate renewed interest in Mirage in a post-Shadows world, as a new wave of players might be inspired to check out the series’ roots. This free DLC serves as a compelling incentive, offering a high-quality experience at no extra cost.

• New Story Chapter: The DLC provides a fresh narrative for Basim, taking him to a new city and offering new missions to complete.
• A Second City: The addition of AlUla expands the game’s world, offering a new, fully realized environment for players to explore.
• Free Content: The DLC is a “surprise” free update for all owners of the game, a generous and unexpected gift from Ubisoft.

The Perfect Time for a Return

The timing of this announcement is a calculated risk that appears to be paying off. Assassin’s Creed Shadows, with its more open-world RPG approach, has been a critical success, and its release has brought renewed attention to the entire franchise. By offering a free DLC for Mirage, Ubisoft is not only rewarding its loyal fanbase but also providing a perfect on-ramp for new players who might be interested in the series’s classic, stealth-focused gameplay. This move could encourage players who are new to the franchise via Shadows to go back and experience the more traditional stealth-focused gameplay that Mirage offers. The free DLC ensures that this transition is a smooth and enticing one. It’s a testament to the developers’ commitment to the project, and it solidifies Mirage’s place as a beloved entry in the franchise, a game that truly serves as a stepping stone to the future while honoring the past.