In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke face a challenging journey, but they don't have to go it alone. If you're looking to bolster your team by finding and recruiting all possible allies, you've come to the right place.
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Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained
There are two types of allies you can recruit in the game. The first type enhances the Hideout with new functionalities, such as the blacksmith who enables you to forge and upgrade your equipment. The second type consists of combat companions who can be deployed in the field, equipped with upgradeable abilities that prove invaluable in various scenarios.
Once you've recruited a combat ally, you can manage them from the Hideout or any unlocked kakurega. When called into action, they'll use their initial skill and then continue to fight by your side until all enemies are defeated or they themselves are incapacitated. Constructing a dojo in the Hideout allows you to level up these allies and have two of them equipped simultaneously.
While allies are optional and you can complete the story without them, having extra support can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.
Related: Where to Find the Cat Island in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
All Allies You Can Find & Recruit in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Here are the non-combat allies you can recruit through main and side quests:
- Tomiko – An Unpayable Debt
- Junjiro – From Spark to Flame
- Heiji (Blacksmith) – Way of the Blacksmith
These allies enhance your Hideout's capabilities. The following allies can be recruited to aid you in combat:
Yaya
The Buddhist monk Yaya is introduced during the main quest, The Fatherless Monk. She values justice over violence, aligning closely with Yasuke's principles. To recruit her, you must make specific choices:
- During the Heads Will Roll quest, spare the main target, The Wounded, to align with her values.
- Complete the Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs missions, choosing to convince her to forgive her wayward apprentice and seek forgiveness together.
- Finally, ask her to join your cause.
Yaya's combat abilities evolve as follows:
- Novice: Joins the fight and performs pushback attacks.
- Initiate: Knocks down an enemy upon joining the fight.
- Veteran: Uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.
Katsuhime
Katsuhime, a Koga shinobi skilled in ranged combat, can be recruited in the Omi region. Start by completing the Showdown in Sakamoto and Requiem for Rokkaku quests, followed by the Letter from Katsuhime sidequest. Continue the questline until The Diary of Lady Rokkaku, where you must rescue the target and invite Katsuhime to join your league.
Her abilities include:
- Novice: Deals daze damage upon entering the fight.
- Initiate: Uses a dazing bomb for an area effect upon entering combat.
- Veteran: Her teppo shots ricochet to another target when hitting a dazed enemy.
Gennojo
Gennojo, a cunning thief, is first encountered during the Missing Missive quest. After sparing him, continue through the Lost Honor, Sake and Sword, Honor Among Thieves, and Stolen Hearts missions. Flirt with him and support his convictions. In the 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 the enemy.
- Initiate: Acts as a distraction to draw enemy attention.
- Veteran: Prevents servants from alerting others to your crimes.
Ibuki
In Iga, you'll meet Ibuki, a ronin fighting corruption. Start with the Ambush Interrupted sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke and continue his questline. Always side with Ibuki, and consider romancing him to strengthen your bond. At the end of his questline, invite him to join your organization.
Ibuki's abilities are:
- Novice: Joins the fight and deals impact attacks.
- Initiate: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies upon joining the fight.
- Veteran: Frequently shatters the armor of nearby enemies during combat.
Oni-yuri
For those preferring to disable rather than kill, Oni-yuri is your ally. Begin her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the Sweet Lies sidequest. Trust her throughout her quests, culminating in the decision to allow her to join your league and potentially reform.
Oni-yuri's abilities include:
- Novice: Puts an enemy to sleep upon entering the fray.
- Initiate: Releases a poison cloud affecting 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 available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
