The Butterfly Collector is an intriguing side quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows that challenges players to locate ten origami butterflies hidden throughout Osaka. Completing this quest not only unravels a sinister storyline involving abducted children but also guides you towards the elimination of significant adversaries.
It’s important to note that if you are currently playing as Naoe, you must switch to Yasuke to embark on this mission. This guide will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to successfully completing The Butterfly Collector.
How to Complete The Butterfly Collector Side Quest
1. Initiating the Quest

To kick off The Butterfly Collector, eavesdrop on rumors from an NPC—typically a vendor or a person you assist during a random event. This will guide you to the town of Katano, which is positioned west of Katano Castle in the Izumi Settsu region.
2. Encounter the Gamekeeper

Once in Katano, make your way to the area near the Katano Oil Trading post. Here, you’ll meet the gamekeeper, who has organized a quest involving the search for hidden origami butterflies scattered across West Osaka. Accept her invitation to formally begin the quest.
3. Locating the Ten Origami Butterflies

The butterflies are cleverly concealed throughout western Osaka, primarily within trees. Sharpen your observational skills to identify them efficiently.
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Purple Origami Butterfly: Found in the northern region of Osaka, west of Nishinomaru Garden, near a lantern on a tree along the waterline.
- Green Origami Butterfly: Located in a back garden of a house in the village’s eastern district; it requires accessing the roof to spot it resting on a nearby tree.
- White Origami Butterfly 1: Positioned west of the green butterfly near a bridge over the water; collecting this butterfly provides a note about a kidnapped child.
- White Origami Butterfly 2: From the first white butterfly, cross the bridge and head south. Look for a tree along the southwest curve of the waterline, nestled among bushes.
- White Origami Butterfly 3: Found in the northwestern section of the village, above the Temple of Osaka on a tree near the water’s edge.
- Yellow Origami Butterfly: Situated east of the last white butterfly, this one rests at the base of a tree amidst some unmarked structures.
- Red Origami Butterfly: This butterfly is perched on a tree directly north of the Temple of Osaka along the primary path circling the temple.
- Blue Origami Butterfly: Located southwest of the Temple of Osaka next to a shrine at a Torii Gate, visible on a tree at the path’s corner.
- Orange Origami Butterfly: Found south of the Temple of Osaka resting on a tree along the waterline.
- Pink Origami Butterfly: This butterfly is positioned in the southwestern portion of the village, closely located to a stable near a bridge.
Upon collecting all ten butterflies, you’ll unlock additional quests centered around rescuing kidnapped children.
4. Locating the Kidnapped Children via Clues

Shucho’s Letter: A note from the first white butterfly directs you to a child near a horse in the Fisherman’s District. After finding this child, Shucho will appear, guarded by enemies. Eliminate the guards before engaging Shucho, who wields three health bars. Defeating her allows you to progress.
Mucho’s Letter: Another note guides you to the Kojo Ruins in the village’s northwestern area, where you’ll discover a child with Mucho. Although she is quick, her health is manageable, making her an easier target. Defeating Mucho allows you to continue.
Richo’s Letter: The final clue is located at a burnt well in the northeastern section of Osaka village. After finding the child, confront Richo near a small cabin, and after her defeat, lead the child back to her mother to fulfill this part of the quest.
5. Confronting Kacho

Following the rescue of the three children, you’ll gather intel about Kacho, the heads of the kidnapping operation. A paper merchant will inform you of Kacho’s presence at Nishinomaru Garden, a fortified location.
To find Kacho, locate the entrance of Nishinomaru Garden through an opening in the wooden platform wall. Engage with Kacho, a formidable opponent with rapid strikes and minimal recovery time. Focus on avoiding her red and blue circle attacks, looking for opportunities to counter effectively. Defeating Kacho will dismantle the kidnapping network.
6. Decide the Fate of the Gamekeeper
Upon defeating Kacho, return to the Gamekeeper in Katano. She will confess her coercion into the kidnapping scheme and express her desire for redemption. At this juncture, you must choose whether to kill her or permit her to adopt a new identity and forge a fresh start.
By completing The Butterfly Collector quest, you will earn the Ebisu’s Gamble, a standard bow suitable for Yasuke in ranged combat, along with the rare Butterfly of Benevolence trinket and amulet, both enhancing your character’s abilities. Additionally, you’ll receive 5,000 XP and 1 Mastery Point.
In summary, employ your observation skills throughout your journey to efficiently locate the butterflies. When confronting adversaries, prioritize eliminating their guards to maintain control during fights. Exercise patience while dueling Kacho, concentrating on interpreting her attack patterns for success.