In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke face a formidable challenge, but they don't have to tackle it alone. If you're eager to bolster your team by finding and recruiting all possible allies, you've come to the right place.
Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained
In the game, there are two categories of allies you can recruit. The first type enhances your Hideout with new functionalities, such as a blacksmith who can forge and upgrade your gear. The second type consists of combat companions who can join you in the field, equipped with upgradeable abilities that prove invaluable in various scenarios.
Once you've recruited a combat ally, you can manage them either from the Hideout or any unlocked kakurega. When summoned, they'll deploy their initial skill and fight by your side until they're defeated or all foes are vanquished. Constructing a dojo in the Hideout allows you to level them up and have two allies equipped simultaneously.
While allies are optional and it's possible to miss them during your journey through Assassin’s Creed Shadows, having extra support can significantly enhance your gameplay.
Related: Where to Find the Cat Island in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
All Allies You Can Find & Recruit in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
First, let's look at the non-combat allies who join through main and side quests:
- Tomiko – An Unpayable Debt
- Junjiro – From Spark to Flame
- Heiji (Blacksmith) – Way of the Blacksmith
These allies contribute to your Hideout's capabilities. Now, let's delve into the combat allies who can join your fight against the challenges in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Yaya
The Buddhist monk Yaya first appears during the main quest, The Fatherless Monk. Her commitment to justice over violence aligns with Yasuke’s principles. During the Heads Will Roll quest, choose to spare The Wounded, reflecting Yaya's values. Then, undertake the Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs missions, encouraging her to forgive her wayward apprentice and seek reconciliation. This will pave the way to invite Yaya to join your cause.
Yaya’s close-combat abilities evolve as follows:
- Novice: Yaya joins the fight and performs pushback attacks.
- Initiate: When joining the fight, Yaya will knock down an enemy.
- Veteran: Yaya uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.
Katsuhime
For a ranged ally in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Katsuhime is your best bet. The Koga shinobi excels with the Teppo, delivering high damage from a distance. Start her recruitment in Omi by completing quests like Showdown in Sakamoto and Requiem for Rokkaku, followed by the Letter from Katsuhime sidequest. Pursue the questline until The Diary of Lady Rokkaku, rescue the target, and invite Katsuhime to join your league.
Katsuhime’s abilities focus on debilitating enemies:
- Novice: Katsuhime deals daze damage when entering the fight.
- Initiate: She uses a dazing bomb for an area effect upon joining combat.
- Veteran: Katsuhime’s teppo shots ricochet to another target if they hit a dazed enemy.
Gennojo
Encounter the sly thief Gennojo during the Missing Missive quest, part of locating The Fool. Spare him, and he'll return in subsequent missions like Lost Honor, Sake and Sword, Honor Among Thieves, and Stolen Hearts. Flirt with him and affirm his convictions throughout these quests. In The Godless Harvest side quest, prevent him from choosing the explosive path and convince him to join your team.
Gennojo's abilities are centered around trickery:
- Novice: Gennojo arrives with a bomb to shock enemies.
- Initiate: He acts as a distraction, drawing enemy attention.
- Veteran: His presence prevents servants from alerting others to your actions.
Ibuki
In Iga, you'll meet Ibuki, a ronin fighting corruption. Begin his recruitment with the Ambush Interrupted sidequest near Kashiwara Village, using Yasuke. Consistently side with Ibuki and consider romancing him to foster a stronger bond. By the end of his questline, you'll have the opportunity to invite him to join your organization.
Ibuki's capabilities in combat are:
- Novice: Ibuki joins the fight and deals impact attacks.
- Initiate: Upon joining, he shatters the armor of nearby enemies.
- Veteran: Ibuki frequently shatters the armor of nearby enemies during fights.
Oni-yuri
For non-lethal tactics, Oni-yuri is your ally of choice. Begin her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the Sweet Lies sidequest. Despite her questionable methods, trust in her throughout her questline. This trust will lead to the final decision to invite her into the league, offering her a chance to change her ways.
Oni-yuri’s abilities focus on incapacitation:
- Novice: Oni-yuri enters the fight and puts an enemy to sleep.
- Initiate: She releases a poison cloud, afflicting nearby enemies.
- Veteran: Enemy reinforcements are delayed.
That's all 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.
