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 forces by finding and recruiting all possible allies, you're in the right place to learn how.
Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained
There are two main types of allies you can recruit in the game. The first type enhances the functionality of your Hideout, such as the blacksmith, who enables you to forge and upgrade your equipment. The second type consists of combat allies who join you in the field, equipped with upgradeable abilities that can be crucial in various scenarios.
Once a combat ally is recruited, you can manage them either at the Hideout or at any kakurega you've unlocked. When called into action, they will deploy their initial skill and then continue to fight by your side 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 could potentially miss them during your playthrough, 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. The rest are combat allies who can help you tackle the challenges in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Yaya
Yaya, a Buddhist monk, first appears during the main quest, The Fatherless Monk. She values justice over violence, aligning closely with Yasuke’s principles. To recruit her, during the Heads Will Roll quest, choose to spare The Wounded. This decision aligns with her values and is crucial for strengthening your bond.
Next, undertake the Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs missions. Make the right choices by encouraging her to forgive her wayward apprentice and seek forgiveness together. This will lead to the final decision where you can invite her to join your team.
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 is your go-to for ranged attacks. This Koga shinobi is skilled with the Teppo, delivering high damage instantly. To recruit her, head to the Omi region and pursue The Naginata. Complete Showdown in Sakamoto and Requiem for Rokkaku, and then the Letter from Katsuhime sidequest will unlock. Follow the questline to The Diary of Lady Rokkaku, rescue the target, and invite Katsuhime to join your league.
Katsuhime's abilities include:
- Novice: Deals daze damage when entering the fight.
- Initiate: Uses a dazing bomb for an area effect upon joining a fight.
- Veteran: Teppo shots that hit a dazed target ricochet to another.
Gennojo
Encounter the sly thief, Gennojo, during the Missing Missive quest linked to The Fool. After sparing him, he'll return in Lost Honor, Sake and Sword, Honor Among Thieves, and Stolen Hearts. Flirt with him and affirm his convictions at each step. In 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 nearby enemies' attention.
- Veteran: Prevents servants from alerting others to your crimes.
Ibuki
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
In Iga, you'll meet Ibuki, a ronin fighting corruption. Start with the Ambush Interrupted sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke and continue his questline. Consistently side with Ibuki, and even consider romancing him if you wish. At the end of his storyline, you'll have the opportunity to recruit him.
Ibuki's abilities 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 frequently during combat.
Oni-yuri
If you prefer disabling rather than killing your enemies, Oni-yuri is your ally. Start her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the Sweet Lies sidequest. Despite doubts about her methods, trust her throughout her quests. This trust will lead to the final decision to invite her to join your league and hopefully guide her toward redemption.
Oni-yuri's abilities are:
- Novice: Enters the fray and puts an enemy to sleep.
- 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.
