It’s not uncommon for any game, especially anAssassin’s Creedgame, to include an extra quest as a pre-order bonus. In the case ofAssassin’s Creed Shadows,“Thrown to the Dogs"is available to those who pre-order the game, and it seems like it may be worth it in the end.
Game Rant recently spoke withAssassin’s Creed Shadows' creative director Jonathan Dumont about the game’s “Thrown to the Dogs” pre-order bonus quest. While Dumont didn’t disclose too many explicit details about the quest—apart from what has already been revealed about it—he did leave us with an intriguing cliffhanger regarding its story.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows' ‘Thrown to the Dogs’ Pre-Order Bonus Quest
The thought of getting an extra quest as a pre-order bonus may not appeal to everyone, butAssassin’s Creed Shadows' “Thrown to the Dogs” quest may be more than enough reason to do so. Based on what has been revealed about it so far, the quest’s story sounds like it could not only be one of the game’s more relatable quests but also one of its most emotional. When asked for more details about “Thrown to the Dogs,“creative director Jonathan Dumontwas tight-lipped about its specific contents, but he did divulge enough to pique one’s curiosity:
Thrown to the Dogs is a simple yet heartfelt side quest. Since it’s a standalone story, we can say that it’s reminiscent of Odyssey’s side content. In this quest, the protagonists stumble upon a beaten-up, stray dog that is waiting at a grave. The dog attracts your attention to follow him to the former house of the deceased. There our protagonists undercover some family secrets.
For Dumont to say that “Thrown to the Dogs” is reminiscent ofAssassin’s Creed Odyssey’s side content may seem like a simple comparison, but it says a lot about the quest’s design and the impact that it might have onAssassin’s Creed Shadows' storyand its players. A hallmark of some ofAssassin’s Creed Odyssey’s stronger side quests was their ability to be simple in nature and yet evoke an emotional depth that many side quests aren’t known to achieve.
The premise for “Thrown to the Dogs,” a stray dog waiting at a grave, immediately signals an emotional hook, possibly dealing with themes of loss, loyalty, and uncovering past tragedies. As such, this quest is likely to be far more than a mere bonus quest and might be reason enough for players topre-orderAssassin’s Creed Shadows. This would especially be the case if the “Thrown to the Dogs” quest offers a much more substantial reward besides a captivating short story.
TheAssassin’s Creedseries is no stranger toanimal companions, especiallyAssassin’s Creed Valhalla, which even gave players a wolf companion upon completing a certain quest in the game. Thereafter, players could summon the wolf in battle, and it would assist them in subduing their foes. While Ubisoft hasn’t said anything about the possibility of the “Thrown to the Dogs” dog joining them as a companion once the quest is complete, it would make sense, considering his owners are deceased and he now has nowhere else to go.
While pre-order bonuses can sometimes feel like mere extras,Assassin’s Creed Shadows' “Thrown to the Dogs” quest has the potential to be something far more meaningful. With its emotionally charged premise and hints of deeper narrative significance, this quest could be a standout moment in the game, delivering the kind of heartfeltstorytelling thatAssassin’s Creed Odysseyexcelled at. Whether it leads to a loyal companion or offers a glimpse into the world’s personal tragedies, it seems like an experience worth having. For those already eager to exploreAssassin’s Creed Shadows, “Thrown to the Dogs” might just be the perfect incentive to jump in from day one.
