In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe and Yasuke face a daunting challenge, but they don't have to go it alone. If you're eager to bolster their ranks by recruiting all possible allies, you're in the right place. This guide will help you navigate the recruitment process and understand the roles these allies play in enhancing your gameplay experience.
Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained
In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you can recruit two types of allies. The first type, such as the blacksmith, enhances your Hideout by allowing you to forge and upgrade equipment. The second type consists of combat companions who fight alongside you, offering upgradeable abilities that prove invaluable in various scenarios.
Once you've recruited a combat ally, you can manage them either at the Hideout or any unlocked kakuregas. When called into action, they'll deploy their initial skill and continue to fight until they're defeated or the battle is won. Constructing a dojo in the Hideout enables you to level up these allies and even have two equipped simultaneously, making your team more versatile.
While allies are optional and you can progress through the story without them, having additional support can significantly enhance your gameplay. They offer not just tactical advantages but also enrich the narrative experience.
All Allies You Can Find & Recruit in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
Let's start with the non-combat allies you can recruit through main and side quests:
- Tomiko – Recruited through the quest "An Unpayable Debt."
- Junjiro – Join forces with him via the quest "From Spark to Flame."
- Heiji (Blacksmith) – Unlock his services with the quest "Way of the Blacksmith."
The following allies can be recruited to assist you in combat, significantly impacting your strategies and success in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*:
Yaya
Yaya, a Buddhist monk, becomes available during the main quest "The Fatherless Monk." She values justice over unnecessary violence, resonating with Yasuke's principles. During the "Heads Will Roll" quest, choose to spare the target, "The Wounded," aligning with her values. Progress through the "Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs" missions, making choices that encourage forgiveness and reconciliation. Ultimately, invite her to join your cause. As a close-combat expert, 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
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
For ranged attack support, recruit Katsuhime, a Koga shinobi skilled with the Teppo. Begin her recruitment in the Omi region by completing quests like "Showdown in Sakamoto" and "Requiem for Rokkaku," followed by the "Letter from Katsuhime" sidequest. Progress through "The Diary of Lady Rokkaku," rescue the target, and invite Katsuhime to join your league. Her abilities focus on debilitating enemies:
- Novice: Deals daze damage upon entering the fight.
- Initiate: Uses a dazing bomb for area effect upon entering combat.
- Veteran: Teppo shots ricochet to another target if they hit a dazed enemy.
Gennojo
Encounter the sly thief Gennojo during the "Missing Missive" quest related to "The Fool." Spare him to unlock subsequent quests like "Lost Honor," "Sake and Sword," "Honor Among Thieves," and "Stolen Hearts." Flirt with him and affirm 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 include:
- Novice: Arrives with a bomb to shock the enemy.
- Initiate: Acts as a distraction to draw enemy attention.
- Veteran: Prevents servants from alerting others to your crimes.
Ibuki
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
In Iga, meet the ronin Ibuki, who fights corruption single-handedly. Start his recruitment with the "Ambush Interrupted" sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke. Consistently side with Ibuki and consider romancing him to strengthen your bond. Ultimately, invite him to join your organization. Ibuki's abilities focus on impact and armor shattering:
- Novice: Joins the fight with impact attacks.
- Initiate: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies upon joining the fight.
- Veteran: More frequently shatters the armor of nearby enemies during combat.
Oni-yuri
For those preferring to disable rather than kill, Oni-yuri is your ally. Start her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the "Sweet Lies" sidequest. Trust her methods throughout her questline, culminating in the decision to invite her to join your league, hoping she'll change her ways. Oni-yuri's abilities focus on incapacitating enemies:
- Novice: Puts an enemy to sleep upon entering the fight.
- Initiate: Releases a poison cloud affecting nearby enemies.
- Veteran: Delays enemy reinforcements.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about finding and recruiting all allies in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more insights and tips, visit The Escapist.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
