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 enhance your gameplay by recruiting all available allies, you're in the right place. Let's dive into the world of allies and how they can transform your experience in this thrilling game.
Allies in Assassin's Creed Shadows, Explained
In *Assassin's Creed Shadows*, allies come in two distinct flavors: those who enhance your Hideout with new functions, and those who join you in combat. For instance, the blacksmith, Heiji, allows you to forge and upgrade your equipment, significantly boosting your capabilities. On the other hand, combat allies can be summoned during missions, bringing unique abilities to the fight. Once recruited, these combat allies can be managed from the Hideout or any unlocked kakurega. When called upon, they'll unleash an initial skill and fight by your side until the battle is won or they're defeated. Building a dojo in the Hideout not only lets you level up these allies but also allows you to equip two at once, doubling your combat support.
While allies are optional and you can progress through the story without them, having extra help can make all the difference in tight situations.
All Allies You Can Find & Recruit in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
Here's a rundown of the non-combat allies you can recruit through various main and side quests:
- Tomiko – Recruited through the quest "An Unpayable Debt"
- Junjiro – Joins in "From Spark to Flame"
- Heiji (Blacksmith) – Found in "Way of the Blacksmith"
These allies enhance your Hideout and provide essential services. Now, let's look at the combat allies who can be your partners in crime:
Yaya
Yaya, the Buddhist monk, enters your story during the main quest "The Fatherless Monk." She values justice over violence, aligning closely with Yasuke's principles. To recruit her, during the "Heads Will Roll" quest, choose to spare The Wounded, reflecting her values. Progress through "Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs" missions, making choices that promote forgiveness and reconciliation. Finally, invite her to join you as an ally. Her combat 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
If you prefer a ranged combat ally, Katsuhime is your best bet. This Koga shinobi excels with the Teppo, delivering high damage from a distance. Start her recruitment in the Omi region during "The Naginata" quest. Complete "Showdown in Sakamoto" and "Requiem for Rokkaku," then take on the "Letter from Katsuhime" sidequest, leading to "The Diary of Lady Rokkaku." Rescue the target and invite Katsuhime to join your cause. Her abilities include:
- Novice: Deals daze damage upon entering the fight.
- Initiate: Uses a dazing bomb for area effect.
- Veteran: Teppo shots ricochet to another target if they hit a dazed enemy.
Gennojo
Gennojo, the cunning thief, first appears in "Missing Missive" during your hunt for 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 reinforce his convictions. In "The Godless Harvest" side quest, prevent him from using explosives and convince him to join your team. His abilities are:
- Novice: Arrives with a bomb to shock enemies.
- Initiate: Acts as a distraction, drawing enemy attention.
- Veteran: Prevents servants from alerting others to your crimes.
Ibuki
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
Ibuki, a ronin fighting corruption in Iga, can be met during the "Ambush Interrupted" sidequest near Kashiwara Village. Use Yasuke to navigate his questline, consistently siding with Ibuki, and even consider romancing him if you wish. At the end of his story, invite him to join your organization. His combat skills include:
- Novice: Joins the fight with impact attacks.
- Initiate: Shatters armor of nearby enemies upon joining the fight.
- Veteran: More frequently shatters the armor of nearby enemies during fights.
Oni-yuri
If disabling enemies rather than killing them is your strategy, Oni-yuri is the ally for you. Begin her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the "Sweet Lies" quest. Trust her throughout her series of quests, despite her questionable methods. At the end, invite her to join your league, hoping she'll change her ways. Her abilities are:
- Novice: Puts an enemy to sleep upon entering the fight.
- 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 tips and guides, be sure to visit The Escapist.
*Assassin's Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.*
