"Guide to Finding and Recruiting All Allies in Assassin's Creed Shadows"

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke face a challenging journey, but they don't have to face it alone. If you're looking for the best strategies to find and recruit all 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 the functionality of your Hideout. For example, recruiting a blacksmith allows you to forge and upgrade your equipment. The second type consists of combat allies who join you in the field, offering valuable skills that can be upgraded for various situations.

Once you've recruited a combat ally, you can manage them from your Hideout or any unlocked kakuregas. When called into action, they will use their initial skill and continue to fight alongside you until all enemies are defeated or they are taken down. Constructing a dojo in the Hideout not only lets you level up these allies but also allows you to equip two allies simultaneously.

While allies are optional and you could complete the game without them, having extra support can make a significant difference in 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, however, can be recruited as combat companions to aid you in overcoming the game's challenges.

Yaya

Yaya, a Buddhist monk, is first encountered 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 to assassinate The Wounded. Opt to spare the target, as this aligns with Yaya's values.

Next, complete the Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs missions, making the right choices to convince her to forgive her wayward apprentice and seek forgiveness together. Finally, invite her to join your cause. Yaya's combat abilities at each level are:

• 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

For ranged combat support, Katsuhime is your best bet. This Koga shinobi excels with the Teppo, dealing significant damage. Start her recruitment in the Omi region by completing the quests Showdown in Sakamoto, Requiem for Rokkaku, and the subsequent Letter from Katsuhime sidequest. Follow the questline to The Diary of Lady Rokkaku, rescue the target, and invite Katsuhime to join you. Her abilities include:

• Novice: Deals daze damage upon entering the fight.
• Initiate: Uses a dazing bomb for an area of effect.
• Veteran: Teppo shots ricochet to another target when hitting a dazed enemy.

Gennojo

Gennojo, a cunning thief, is first encountered during the Missing Missive quest while locating The Fool. After sparing him, continue with Lost Honor, Sake and Sword, Honor Among Thieves, and Stolen Hearts. Flirt with him and affirm his convictions at each opportunity. During 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 his recruitment with the Ambush Interrupted sidequest near Kashiwara Village, using Yasuke. Consistently side with Ibuki, and if you choose, romance him. At the end of his questline, invite him to join your organization. Ibuki's capabilities are:

• Novice: Joins the fight with 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 non-lethal takedowns, Oni-yuri is your ally. Begin her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the Sweet Lies sidequest. Trust in her throughout her quests despite her questionable methods. At the end, invite her to join your league, hoping to guide her towards a better path. Oni-yuri's abilities are:

• Novice: Puts an enemy to sleep upon entering the fray.
• Initiate: Releases a poison cloud affecting 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 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.