"Recruit All Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Guide"

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke face a daunting challenge, but they don't have to tackle it alone. If you're looking to bolster your team by finding and recruiting all possible allies, you're in the right place.

Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained

There are two main types of allies you can recruit in the game. The first type enhances your Hideout by adding new functionalities, such as the blacksmith who enables you to forge and upgrade your equipment. The second type consists of combat allies who fight alongside you in the world, equipped with upgradeable abilities that can be invaluable in various situations.

Once you've recruited a combat ally, you can manage them either in the Hideout or at any kakurega you've unlocked. When summoned, they will deploy their initial skill and continue to fight by your side until they are defeated or all enemies are vanquished. Building a dojo in the Hideout not only allows you to level up your allies but also enables you to have two allies equipped simultaneously.

While allies are optional and you might miss them during your story progression in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, having extra support can be a significant advantage.

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 you can recruit through main and side quests:

• Tomiko – Recruited through the quest An Unpayable Debt.
• Junjiro – Found during the quest From Spark to Flame.
• Heiji (Blacksmith) – Recruited via the quest Way of the Blacksmith.

Now, let's delve into the combat allies who can enhance your gameplay in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Yaya

You'll first encounter Yaya, the Buddhist monk, during the main quest The Fatherless Monk. Yaya is committed to justice rather than violence, much like Yasuke. To recruit her, ensure you make choices that align with her values:

• During the Heads Will Roll quest, choose to spare the target, The Wounded.
• In the Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs missions, persuade her to forgive her wayward apprentice and seek forgiveness together.
• Finally, invite her to join your team.

Yaya's abilities at each level are:

• Novice: Yaya joins the fight and performs pushback attacks.
• Initiate: Yaya knocks down an enemy upon joining the fight.
• Veteran: Yaya uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.

Katsuhime

For ranged combat, Katsuhime, the Koga shinobi, is your best bet. Her proficiency with the Teppo can deal high damage quickly. Start her recruitment in the Omi region during the quest to hunt down The Naginata. Complete the quests Showdown in Sakamoto and Requiem for Rokkaku, then proceed to the Letter from Katsuhime sidequest. Follow the questline to The Diary of Lady Rokkaku, rescue the target, and invite Katsuhime to join your cause.

Katsuhime's abilities at each level include:

• Novice: Katsuhime deals daze damage when entering the fight.
• Initiate: She uses a dazing bomb for an area effect upon entering a fight.
• Veteran: Her teppo shots that hit a dazed target now ricochet to another target.

Gennojo

Gennojo, the sly thief, is first encountered in the Missing Missive quest while locating The Fool. After sparing him, continue through the Lost Honor, Sake and Sword, Honor Among Thieves, and Stolen Hearts quests. Flirt with him and affirm his convictions at each opportunity. In the The Godless Harvest side quest, prevent him from choosing the explosive option and convince him to join your team.

Gennojo's abilities are:

• Novice: Gennojo arrives with a bomb to shock the enemy.
• Initiate: He distracts and draws the attention of nearby enemies.
• Veteran: His presence prevents servants from reporting your crimes.

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, if desired, romance him. At the end of his questline, invite him to join your organization.

Ibuki's capabilities are:

• Novice: Ibuki joins the fight and deals impact attacks.
• Initiate: He shatters the armor of nearby enemies when joining the fight.
• Veteran: He more frequently shatters the armor of nearby enemies 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 in her methods throughout her quests, and at the end, invite her to join your league with the hope of changing her ways.

Oni-yuri's abilities include:

• Novice: She enters the fray and puts an enemy to sleep.
• Initiate: She releases a poison cloud affecting nearby enemies.
• Veteran: She delays enemy reinforcements.

That's everything you need to know about finding and recruiting all allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. For more information, be sure to check out The Escapist.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.