"Guide to 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 tackle it alone. If you're eager to discover and enlist all possible allies in the game, this guide is your starting point.

Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained

In the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you can recruit two distinct types of allies. The first type enhances the functionality of your Hideout. For example, the blacksmith allows you to forge and upgrade your equipment. 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 from the Hideout or any unlocked kakurega. When summoned, these allies will deploy their initial skill and fight by your side until they are defeated or all foes are vanquished. Constructing a dojo in the Hideout enables you to level up these allies and deploy two at once, significantly boosting your combat capabilities.

While allies are optional and can be missed during your playthrough, having extra support can make all the difference.

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. The following are combat allies, essential for overcoming challenges in Assassin’s Creed Shadows:

Yaya

Yaya, a Buddhist monk, is introduced in the main quest, The Fatherless Monk. Her commitment to justice aligns well with Yasuke's values. To recruit her, during the Heads Will Roll quest, choose to spare the target known as The Wounded. This decision aligns with Yaya’s principles.

Next, engage in the Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs missions. Make the right choices by convincing her to forgive her wayward apprentice and seek forgiveness together. This will lead to the opportunity to ask her to join your cause.

Yaya’s abilities at each level are:

• Novice: Joins the fight and performs 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, specializes in ranged attacks using the Teppo, delivering instant high damage. In Omi, start her recruitment by hunting down The Naginata. Complete Showdown in Sakamoto and Requiem for Rokkaku, then proceed with the Letter from Katsuhime sidequest until you reach The Diary of Lady Rokkaku. Rescue the target and invite Katsuhime to join the league.

Katsuhime’s abilities include:

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

Gennojo

Gennojo, the sly thief, is first encountered during the Missing Missive quest while locating The Fool. After sparing him, continue through Lost Honor, Sake and Sword, Honor Among Thieves, and Stolen Hearts. Flirt with him and reinforce 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: Arrives at the fight with a bomb to shock the enemy.
• Initiate: Acts as a distraction to draw the attention of nearby enemies.
• Veteran: Prevents servants from reporting your crimes.

Ibuki

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

In Iga, you'll meet the ronin Ibuki, fighting corruption single-handedly. Start his recruitment with the Ambush Interrupted sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke and progress through his questline. Consistently side with Ibuki, and consider romancing him to solidify your bond. By the end of his quests, you'll have the chance to invite him to join your organization.

Ibuki’s capabilities include:

• Novice: Joins the fight and deals impact attacks.
• Initiate: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies upon joining the fight.
• Veteran: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies more often during combat.

Oni-yuri

For those preferring to disable rather than kill, Oni-yuri is your ally. Start her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the Sweet Lies sidequest. Despite her questionable methods, trust her throughout her quests. This will lead to the final decision to invite her into the league, hoping she changes her ways.

Oni-yuri’s abilities are:

• Novice: Enters the fray and puts an enemy to sleep.
• Initiate: Releases a poison cloud that causes affliction to 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 and tips, check out The Escapist.

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