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 bolster your team by finding and recruiting all possible allies, you're in the right place.
Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained
In the game, you can recruit two types of allies. The first type enhances your Hideout by adding new functions, such as a blacksmith who can forge and upgrade your equipment. The second type consists of combat companions who can join you in the field with upgradeable abilities that prove invaluable in various scenarios.
Once you've recruited a combat ally, you can manage them either at the Hideout or any of the unlocked kakuregas. When called into action, they'll deploy their initial skill and fight alongside you until they are defeated or all enemies are vanquished. Constructing a dojo in the Hideout allows you to level up your allies and have two equipped simultaneously.
While allies are optional and you can complete the game without them, having additional 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
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. Now, let's explore the combat allies who can aid you in your missions.
Yaya
Yaya, a Buddhist monk, first appears during the main quest, "The Fatherless Monk." She values justice over violence, aligning well with Yasuke's philosophy. To recruit her, complete these steps:
- During the "Heads Will Roll" quest, spare the main target, The Wounded, to align with her values.
- Complete the "Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs" missions, making choices that lead to forgiveness for her wayward apprentice.
- Finally, ask her to join your cause.
Yaya's abilities progress 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
Katsuhime, a Koga shinobi, excels in ranged attacks. To recruit her, follow these steps:
- In Omi, complete the quest to hunt down "The Naginata."
- Finish "Showdown in Sakamoto" and "Requiem for Rokkaku."
- Complete the "Letter from Katsuhime" sidequest and follow it to "The Diary of Lady Rokkaku."
- Rescue the target and invite Katsuhime to join.
Katsuhime's abilities are:
- Novice: Deals daze damage upon entering the fight.
- Initiate: Uses a dazing bomb for an area effect.
- Veteran: Teppo shots ricochet to another target if they hit a dazed enemy.
Gennojo
Gennojo, the sly thief, is first encountered during the "Missing Missive" quest. To recruit him:
- Spare him during the quest.
- Continue with "Lost Honor," "Sake and Sword," "Honor Among Thieves," and "Stolen Hearts," flirting and affirming his convictions.
- In "The Godless Harvest," prevent him from using explosives and convince him to join your team.
Gennojo's abilities include:
- Novice: Arrives with a bomb to shock enemies.
- Initiate: Acts as a distraction, drawing enemy attention.
- Veteran: Prevents servants from reporting your actions.
Ibuki
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
Ibuki, a ronin fighting corruption in Iga, can be recruited by:
- Starting with the "Ambush Interrupted" sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke.
- Consistently siding with and romancing him if desired.
- Inviting him to join at the end of his questline.
Ibuki's abilities are:
- Novice: Joins the fight with impact attacks.
- Initiate: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies upon joining.
- Veteran: Frequently shatters the armor of nearby enemies during combat.
Oni-yuri
Oni-yuri specializes in disabling enemies rather than killing them. To recruit her:
- Start her quests in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with "Sweet Lies."
- Trust her throughout her questline.
- Invite her to join at the end to help her change her ways.
Oni-yuri's abilities include:
- 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 information, check out The Escapist.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
