It's been a long time coming, but the wait for a new mainline Assassin's Creed game is almost over, as AC Shadows prepares to make its debut on , Xbox Series X|S and PC (via ).

The new Assassin's Creed game takes place in feudal Japan, and features a dual protagonists system previously used in titles like Assassin's Creed Syndicate.

After a rocky road to launch and following some high-profile flops from publisher Ubisoft, all eyes are on Assassin's Creed Shadows and whether it can steady the ship for the ailing video game company.

Assassin's Creed Shadows has a March 20 release date and a midnight UK release time on consoles. Similar to other big releases, Steam users will have to wait a little longer to start playing, with AC Shadows having a delayed 4am GMT UK launch time on PC. (However, the Steam countdown suggests it will release at 6am UK time.)

To ensure you can start playing the moment the game goes live, Assassin's Creed Shadows can be pre-loaded ahead of launch.

Pre-order customers can download and install the game now, which is worth doing based on the 100GB plus file size.

While PC users have to wait a little longer for the game to release, the good news is that Assassin's Creed Shadows will be Steam Deck Verified and won't require an Ubisoft Connect account.

According to Ubisoft, the Steam Deck version will feature locked graphical settings, although upscalers will be enabled. More graphical options will be added a later date.

Also, despite all of the delays and setbacks, don't be surprised if Assassin's Creed Shadows comes with an update or two in the days after launch.

If you're more of a console player and are thinking of buying the game on PS5, there's a way you can save almost £10 on the price of the game at launch.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is listed at £69.99 on PSN, although you can pick it up for just £60.99 by purchasing a PlayStation Store card at CD Keys. (Prices correct at the time of publication.)

After purchasing a top-up card from CD Keys, the retailer will send you a link with the code that can redeemed on the PlayStation Store.

Once you've added the credit to your PlayStation account, you can pick up the £69.99 Assassin's Creed Shadows having only spent £60.99. You'll even have some spare PSN credit to put towards another game.

There's also an £84.99 Deluxe Edition, which comes with additional in-game bonuses. This includes the Sekiryu Dual Pack, Sekiryu Hideout Pack and five mastery points.

That's on top of the same pre-order bonuses from the Standard Edition, including the Thrown to the Dogs quest and Claws of Awaji expansion.

Ubisoft explains more: "Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and powerful, legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos.

"Switch between these two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customise your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan."