In the tumultuous landscapes of Feudal Japan depicted in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players Naoe and Yasuke have the opportunity to recruit a diverse range of allies. This feature echoes the recruitment mechanics from previous Assassin’s Creed titles, allowing these characters to join the fray as reinforcements—much like the iconic Assassin initiates from the Ezio trilogy.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to all recruitable allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows and outlines the steps needed to bring them into your squad.
Guide to Recruitable Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Allies can be recruited by encountering them throughout the main storyline and completing their respective personal side quests, known as League Quests. Successfully finishing these missions unlocks additional characters who can assist you in battle.
1. Yaya
- Recruitment Requirement: Available during the Stray Dogs quest.
- Special Ability: Rikishi—Yaya unleashes powerful pushback attacks.
Yaya, a formidable warrior monk, can be recruited once you complete the Stray Dogs questline, which becomes accessible after defeating Wada Koretake. Players will first encounter her during the The Fatherless Monk quest.
2. Ibuki
- Recruitment Requirement: Available during the Homecoming quest.
- Special Ability: Petals in the Wind—Ibuki delivers impactful attacks.
You can recruit Ibuki early in Act 2 after completing the missions Ambush Interrupted and Homecoming in Iga while playing as Yasuke. She can be found near Kashiwara Village in the Iga province.
3. Oni-Yuri
- Recruitment Requirement: Available during the Sweet Revenge quest.
- Special Ability: Sleet Dart—Oni-Yuri can put enemies to sleep.
Oni-Yuri can be recruited from the Wakasa region after completing her quests, Sweet Lies and Sweet Revenge. You can start these quests by traveling to Satomo Gate in Wakasa.
4. Gennojo
- Recruitment Requirement: Available during The Godless Harvest quest.
- Special Ability: Mischievous Sabotage—Gennojo throws a startling projectile.
Gennojo’s questline becomes available post-defeating the Fool of Shinbakufu, and players are advised to engage in Immersive mode to recruit him. During his quest, make the following selections:
Honor Among Thieves
- Choice: “I’m keeping it, then.”
The Godless Harvest
- Choice: Soothe Gennojo.
Choose these options and note that you must play as Naoe to unlock Gennojo as an ally.
5. Katsuhime
- Recruitment Requirement: Available during The Diary of Lady Rokkaku quest.
- Special Ability: Teppodo—Katsuhime deals dazing attacks.
Katsuhime is not only a formidable ally but also serves as a romantic interest for Naoe. She can be met during the Showdown in Sakamoto main quest, with her story quest unlocking after completing Requiem for Rokkaku. Successfully complete The Diary of Lady Rokkaku to recruit her, ensuring that you play as Naoe.
6. Yagoro
- Recruitment Requirement: Available during the A Blade in the Dark quest.
- Special Ability: Assassinate—Yagoro can eliminate an enemy with 3 or fewer health chunks.
Yagoro’s recruitment is contingent upon defeating all targets associated with the Shinbakufu. Players can find him in Harima, but first, they must engage in a duel with him. After their victory, players need to eliminate a samurai located in the Mitsunodo Hall to recruit Yagoro as an ally in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
For more detailed strategies on recruiting these allies and enhancing your gameplay experience, check the full guide here.