If you pre-ordered your copy of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you’re in for a treat with some exclusive goodies to claim right at the start of the game. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to redeem your pre-order bonuses in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

How to Start Thrown to the Dogs in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

First off, if you pre-ordered *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a unique quest called Thrown to the Dogs. This quest becomes available as soon as you take control of Naoe and gain access to the open world for the first time.

To begin, follow the quest marker on your map to locate a dog. Once you find the dog, follow it to a nearby farm. Your next task is to find a key hidden underneath a house. After securing the key, return to the grave site where you initially found the dog. Completing these steps will allow you to befriend the dog, marking the quest as completed.

If you're struggling to find the key, look for a small crawlspace at the bottom of the house. Naoe can go prone and crawl inside to retrieve the key. It's easy to miss, so keep an eye out for it.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Preorder Bonuses

Upon successfully completing Thrown to the Dogs, you’ll unlock your pre-order bonuses, which include:

• Tsuki-maru as a pet at the Hideout
• 1,000 XP

While the bonuses might seem modest, they have their perks. Tsuki-maru adds a charming touch to your Hideout, though it doesn’t serve any functional purpose. On the other hand, the 1,000 XP is a significant boost in the early game, providing you with a few Mastery Points to experiment with. Remember, you'll need to rank up your Knowledge to unlock more skills, but this XP can give you a head start.

And that’s how you redeem your pre-order bonuses in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and detailed information on the game, including what happens if you climb the torii gate and a comprehensive list of all main quests, be sure to check out The Escapist.