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

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 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, like the blacksmith, who enables you to forge and upgrade your equipment. The second type serves as combat companions, equipped with upgradeable abilities that prove invaluable in various scenarios.

Once a combat ally joins your cause, you can manage them from the Hideout or any unlocked kakurega. When summoned, they deploy their initial skill and fight alongside you until defeated or all enemies are eliminated. Building a dojo in the Hideout not only allows you to level up your allies but also enables you to equip two allies simultaneously.

While allies are optional and you can complete the story 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

Here are the non-combat allies you can recruit through main and side quests:

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

These allies enhance your Hideout. The rest can be recruited as combat companions to tackle the challenges in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Yaya

The Buddhist monk Yaya is introduced during the main quest, "The Fatherless Monk." She values justice over violence, aligning with Yasuke's principles. During the "Heads Will Roll" quest, spare the main target, The Wounded, to progress your relationship with her. Next, complete the "Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs" missions, convincing 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 and performs pushback attacks.
• Initiate: Knocks down an enemy upon joining the fight.
• Veteran: Uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.

Katsuhime

For ranged combat, Katsuhime is your best bet. This Koga shinobi excels with the Teppo, delivering high damage. Start her recruitment in Omi by hunting down "The Naginata." Complete "Showdown in Sakamoto" and "Requiem for Rokkaku," then pursue the "Letter from Katsuhime" sidequest until you reach "The Diary of Lady Rokkaku." Rescue the target and invite Katsuhime to join your league.

Katsuhime's abilities at each level include:

• Novice: Deals daze damage upon entering the fight.
• Initiate: Uses a dazing bomb for an area effect upon entering a fight.
• Veteran: Her teppo shots ricochet to another target if they hit a dazed enemy.

Gennojo

Encounter the sly thief Gennojo during the "Missing Missive" quest, part of locating "The Fool." Spare him, and he will reappear in subsequent quests like "Lost Honor," "Sake and Sword," "Honor Among Thieves," and "Stolen Hearts." Flirt with him and reinforce his convictions. During "The Godless Harvest" sidequest, prevent him from choosing the explosive option 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 nearby enemies' attention.
• Veteran: Prevents servants from reporting your crimes.

Ibuki

In Iga, you'll meet the ronin Ibuki, fighting corruption. Begin his recruitment with the "Ambust Interrupted" sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke. Side with Ibuki and, if desired, pursue a romantic relationship. At the end of his questline, invite him to join your organization.

Ibuki's abilities are:

• 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

For non-lethal takedowns, Oni-yuri is your ally. Start her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the "Sweet Lies" sidequest. Trust in her methods and integrity throughout her quests, culminating in the decision to invite her to join your league and potentially change her ways.

Oni-yuri's abilities are:

• Novice: Enters the fight and puts an enemy to sleep.
• Initiate: Releases a poison cloud, afflicting 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 insights, check out The Escapist.

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