In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe and Yasuke face a challenging journey, but they don't have to tackle it alone. If you're looking to bolster your forces with the best allies, you're in the right spot to learn how to find and recruit them all.
Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained
In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you have the opportunity to recruit two distinct types of allies. The first type enhances your Hideout with new functionalities, such as the blacksmith, who allows for the forging and upgrading of your equipment. The second type serves as combat companions in the field, equipped with upgradeable abilities that can be crucial in various scenarios.
Once a combat ally is recruited, you can manage them from the Hideout or any of the kakuregas you've unlocked. When called into action, they unleash their initial skill and continue to fight alongside you until they are defeated or all enemies are eliminated. Constructing a dojo in the hideout not only allows you to level up your allies but also enables you to equip two allies simultaneously.
While allies are optional and can be missed during your story progression, having an extra ally can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.
All Allies You Can Find & Recruit in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Begin your recruitment journey with these non-combat allies, who can be found through main and side quests:
- Tomiko – An Unpayable Debt
- Junjiro – From Spark to Flame
- Heiji (Blacksmith) – Way of the Blacksmith
The following allies can be enlisted to aid you in overcoming challenges in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*:
Yaya
Encounter Yaya, the Buddhist monk, during the main quest, The Fatherless Monk. Yaya values justice over violence, aligning well with Yasuke’s principles. During the Heads Will Roll quest, choose to spare the main target, The Wounded, to align with her values. Proceed with the Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs missions, making choices that promote forgiveness and reconciliation. Ultimately, you can invite her to join your cause.
Yaya's abilities evolve as follows:
- Novice: Joins the fight with pushback attacks.
- Initiate: Knocks down an enemy upon joining the fight.
- Veteran: Uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.
Katsuhime
If you prefer a ranged combat ally, Katsuhime, the Koga shinobi, is your best bet. Her expertise with the Teppo allows her to deal significant damage. Begin her recruitment in the Omi region by completing the quests Showdown in Sakamoto and Requiem for Rokkaku, followed by the Letter from Katsuhime sidequest. Continue through to The Diary of Lady Rokkaku, rescue the target, and invite Katsuhime to join your league.
Katsuhime's abilities include:
- Novice: Deals daze damage when entering the fight.
- Initiate: Uses a dazing bomb for an area effect upon joining.
- Veteran: Her teppo shots ricochet to another target when hitting a dazed enemy.
Gennojo
Meet Gennojo, the cunning thief, during the Missing Missive quest while tracking The Fool. Spare him, and he'll reappear in subsequent quests like Lost Honor, Sake and Sword, Honor Among Thieves, and Stolen Hearts. Flirt with him and support his convictions throughout these missions. In The Godless Harvest side quest, prevent him from using explosives and convince him to join your team.
Gennojo's abilities are:
- Novice: Arrives with a bomb to shock enemies.
- Initiate: Acts as a distraction to draw enemy attention.
- Veteran: Prevents servants from alerting others to your crimes.
Ibuki
In Iga, you'll encounter Ibuki, a ronin fighting corruption. Start his recruitment with the Ambush Interrupted sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke. Consistently side with Ibuki and, if you choose, romance him. At the end of his questline, you can invite him to join your organization.
Ibuki's abilities are:
- Novice: Joins the fight with impact attacks.
- Initiate: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies upon joining.
- Veteran: Frequently shatters the armor of nearby enemies during combat.
Oni-yuri
For a non-lethal approach, Oni-yuri is your ally. Begin her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the Sweet Lies sidequest. Despite her questionable methods, trust in her throughout her quests. This will lead to the final decision to invite her to join your league, potentially guiding her towards a better path.
Oni-yuri's abilities include:
- Novice: Puts an enemy to sleep upon entering the fray.
- Initiate: Releases a poison cloud to afflict nearby enemies.
- Veteran: Delays enemy reinforcements.
That's everything you need to know about finding and recruiting all allies in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more information, visit The Escapist.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
