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 find and recruit all the allies in the game, you're in the right place.
Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained
There are two main types of allies you can recruit in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The first type enhances your Hideout with new functions, such as the blacksmith, who enables equipment forging and upgrading. The second type consists of combat companions who can assist you in battles with their upgradeable abilities.
Once a combat ally joins you, you can manage them at the Hideout or any unlocked kakuregas. When summoned, they will use their initial skill and continue fighting beside you until defeated or all enemies are eliminated. Constructing a dojo in the Hideout allows you to level up your allies and equip two at once.
While allies are optional and you might miss recruiting them during your playthrough, 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
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
First, let's look at the non-combat allies you can recruit through main and side quests:
- Tomiko – Recruited through the quest "An Unpayable Debt."
- Junjiro – Joins via the quest "From Spark to Flame."
- Heiji (Blacksmith) – Recruited with the quest "Way of the Blacksmith."
These allies will enhance your Hideout. Now, let's delve into the combat allies who can help you overcome challenges in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Yaya
Yaya, a Buddhist monk, is introduced during the main quest "The Fatherless Monk." She values justice over violence, aligning her with Yasuke's principles. During the "Heads Will Roll" quest, choose to spare the target "The Wounded" to align with her values.
Next, complete the "Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs" missions, making choices that encourage forgiveness and redemption. This will lead to the opportunity to recruit her as an ally. Yaya's combat abilities include:
- Novice: Joins the fight with pushback attacks.
- Initiate: Knocks down an enemy when entering the fight.
- Veteran: Uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.
Katsuhime
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
For ranged attacks, Katsuhime is your best choice. She is skilled with the Teppo and can deliver high damage. Start her recruitment in Omi by completing the quest "The Naginata," followed by "Showdown in Sakamoto," "Requiem for Rokkaku," and the sidequest "Letter from Katsuhime." Finish the questline with "The Diary of Lady Rokkaku," rescue the target, and invite Katsuhime to join your league. Her abilities are:
- Novice: Deals daze damage when entering the fight.
- Initiate: Uses a dazing bomb for an area effect when joining the fight.
- Veteran: Teppo shots ricochet to another target when hitting a dazed one.
Gennojo
Gennojo, the sly thief, first appears in the "Missing Missive" quest. After sparing him, he reappears in "Lost Honor," "Sake and Sword," "Honor Among Thieves," and "Stolen Hearts." Flirt with him and support his convictions throughout these quests. In "The Godless Harvest," prevent him from using explosives and convince him to join your team. His abilities include:
- Novice: Enters the fight with a shock bomb.
- 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, you'll encounter Ibuki, a ronin fighting corruption. Begin his recruitment with the "Ambush Interrupted" sidequest near Kashiwara Village. Always side with Ibuki, and consider romancing him to strengthen your bond. Eventually, you can recruit him. His abilities are:
- Novice: Joins the fight with impact attacks.
- Initiate: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies when entering the fight.
- Veteran: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies more frequently during combat.
Oni-yuri
For non-lethal tactics, Oni-yuri is your ally. Start her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the "Sweet Lies" sidequest. Trust her throughout her quests, leading to the final decision to invite her into your league. Her abilities are:
- Novice: Puts an enemy to sleep when entering the fight.
- Initiate: Releases a poison cloud to afflict nearby enemies.
- Veteran: Delays enemy reinforcements.
That’s all you need to know about finding and recruiting all allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. For more information, please check out The Escapist.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
