Assassin’s Creed fans have a big surprise coming their way. Ubisoft has officially announced that Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the 2023 Baghdad-set installment of the legendary franchise, will soon receive brand-new downloadable content (DLC). What makes this addition special is not only that it’s free, but also that it transports players to AlUla, an ancient oasis city in modern-day Saudi Arabia.
The new chapter promises to introduce fresh story missions, gameplay enhancements, and immersive exploration opportunities. Ubisoft shared the news through social media, catching many gamers off guard at the end of an already busy Gamescom week. For fans who have been waiting for more Mirage content, this announcement couldn’t have come at a better time.
Ubisoft Expands the World of Mirage
Ubisoft Bordeaux, the studio behind Assassin’s Creed Mirage, designed the game as a return to the series’ roots—smaller, stealth-focused adventures set in historically rich cities. Unlike the sprawling Assassin’s Creed Valhalla or the massive open-world approach of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Mirage was crafted as a more refined experience, reminiscent of the very first Assassin’s Creed.
The protagonist, Basim Ibn Ishaq, is a character shrouded in mystery who plays a crucial role in Valhalla’s storyline. Mirage originally started as an expansion for Valhalla, but its narrative potential and fan demand eventually led Ubisoft to develop it as a standalone title. With the announcement of this DLC, players may finally uncover more about Basim’s journey and his deeper role within the Assassin Brotherhood.
Why AlUla Is the Perfect Fit for Assassin’s Creed
AlUla is one of the most historically significant locations in Saudi Arabia. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region boasts more than 7,000 years of history, with ancient tombs, rock formations, and archaeological sites that tell the story of civilizations long gone.
The stunning landscape is filled with massive cliffs and desert structures that naturally lend themselves to the parkour mechanics that Assassin’s Creed is famous for. Imagine scaling towering sandstone formations, leaping across ancient structures, and uncovering secrets hidden within ancient ruins—all while experiencing the historical setting through Ubisoft’s unique blend of storytelling and research.
It’s no exaggeration to say that AlUla could become one of the most breathtaking Assassin’s Creed maps ever created. With its unique mixture of desert beauty and cultural depth, the location feels tailor-made for the series.
Rumors, Reports, and the Saudi Arabia Connection
Interestingly, the arrival of Mirage DLC in Saudi Arabia had been hinted at earlier in the year. A French financial newspaper, Les Échos, reported on a possible deal between Ubisoft and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has been making headlines for investing in major global entertainment and gaming companies. At the time, Ubisoft refused to confirm or deny the rumors.
Now that the AlUla content has been officially announced, those early reports seem to have been accurate. While some fans have raised concerns about the involvement of Saudi funding, many are simply excited to experience a new chapter set in one of the world’s most historically rich locations.
What Players Can Expect from the Free DLC
Ubisoft has yet to share all the details, but the announcement confirmed that the expansion will include:
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A new story chapter – Players will embark on missions that expand the narrative of Mirage. While Ubisoft hasn’t confirmed whether Basim’s ultimate fate will be addressed, the possibility has sparked significant speculation.
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Additional missions – The DLC won’t just be a small add-on; it will provide new quests and challenges for players who want to dive back into Mirage’s stealth-driven gameplay.
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Gameplay improvements – Alongside the DLC, Ubisoft plans to roll out general updates and optimizations that enhance the overall experience.
Given Ubisoft’s track record with post-launch support, players can expect high-quality content that blends seamlessly with the existing game.
A Mystery That Might Finally Be Solved
After Mirage’s release in 2023, players discovered a hidden post-credits scene buried in the game’s files. Ubisoft acknowledged its existence but never fully explained its meaning. This secret has remained a topic of speculation within the community, with theories ranging from hidden lore to hints about future Assassin’s Creed entries.
With the upcoming DLC, fans are hopeful that Ubisoft will finally provide answers. Could this expansion reveal more about Basim’s mysterious destiny? Or will it tease connections to the broader Assassin’s Creed universe, including the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Time will tell, but anticipation is already sky-high.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage: A Bridge Between Eras
When it launched, Assassin’s Creed Mirage was seen as a “palate cleanser”—a game that stripped back the RPG elements of recent entries and refocused on the core formula of stealth, parkour, and assassinations. It was praised for its richly detailed recreation of 9th-century Baghdad, immersive atmosphere, and a tighter, more narrative-driven campaign.
Mirage served as a nostalgic reminder of what made Assassin’s Creed special in the first place, while still innovating with updated mechanics and visuals. The upcoming AlUla expansion continues this spirit, bridging the old and the new by exploring a fresh setting while staying true to the franchise’s identity.
Why This DLC Matters for the Future of Assassin’s Creed
Ubisoft has already confirmed several new Assassin’s Creed projects, including Assassin’s Creed Codename Red (set in feudal Japan) and Assassin’s Creed Hexe (rumored to be centered around witch trials). While these projects aim to push the franchise in bold new directions, Mirage’s DLC shows that Ubisoft is also committed to supporting fans who appreciate the classic, stealth-oriented gameplay.
By offering this content for free, Ubisoft is sending a clear message: the company values the loyalty of its community. Free expansions not only strengthen goodwill but also keep the game alive for returning players while attracting newcomers who may have missed it at launch.
Final Thoughts
The announcement of free Assassin’s Creed Mirage DLC set in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, is more than just an extra chapter—it’s a celebration of history, culture, and storytelling. The combination of AlUla’s breathtaking landscapes, Mirage’s focus on stealth gameplay, and the mystery surrounding Basim’s character make this one of the most exciting updates of the year for Assassin’s Creed fans.
With its historical depth, cultural significance, and gameplay potential, the AlUla expansion has the chance to become one of the franchise’s most memorable settings. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or someone who just discovered Mirage, this free DLC is shaping up to be a must-play experience.
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