Downloading cracked files from third-party sites is one of the most common vectors for malware. Because these files require administrative privileges to "patch" game data, they provide a backdoor for various threats:

From a development perspective, the revenue from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey funded the years of labor required to recreate Ancient Greece. Piracy often hits the developers and artists hardest, as publishers use sales data to justify future projects and studio budgets.

Programs that use your PC’s hardware to mine cryptocurrency for hackers, significantly slowing down your system and increasing electricity costs. The Loss of the "Live" Experience

Odyssey was designed as a "live service" title. A significant portion of the game’s value lies in its continuous updates, which a cracked version cannot access:

The search for an represents a intersection of digital ethics, cybersecurity risks, and the evolving landscape of Digital Rights Management (DRM). While the desire to access a massive open-world RPG without the initial financial barrier is common, the reality of downloading "cracked" software involves significant trade-offs that impact both the user and the gaming industry. The Mechanism of Protection: Denuvo and DRM

You miss out on the "Lost Tales of Greece" free DLC quests, crossover stories (like the Kassandra/Eivor arc), and seasonal events.