Finding every member of the Winter Raiders in Assassin’s Creed Shadows presents a unique challenge. As their name suggests, these characters are exclusively located in specific areas during the winter season. Fortunately, the majority of them reside within a singular region of the map, allowing players to complete their objectives without the hassle of traveling between seasons too frequently.
The quest to locate the Winter Raiders begins with a conversation with the elder in Gobo, which is situated on the southern coastline of the Kii Region in the southeastern part of the game’s map. During this initial conversation, players receive foundational clues to guide their quest. If you can’t engage with them right away, it’s advisable to keep the task in mind for the next winter season. Interestingly, while there are strategies to tackle the raiders outside of winter, doing so involves considerably higher risks.
Quick Links
- Winter Raider Sobei Location & Rewards
- Winter Raider Hayate Location & Rewards
- Winter Raider Yasha Location & Rewards
- Winter Raider Akumu Location & Rewards
- Winter Raider Jinbei Location & Rewards
Winter Raider Sobei Location & Rewards
Epic Katana For Naoe
Winter Raider Sobei is located in Gobo. If you initiate this quest during the winter by speaking to the elder, he will be your first target. Sobei is often seen patrolling the poorer sections of Gobo, particularly between the docks and Dojoji Temple. If you’re unfamiliar with Gobo or haven’t yet visited, it’s found in the southeastern region of Kii.
Accompanied by bodyguards, approaching Sobei as Naoe requires stealth; I recommend employing a tanto for a double assassination on him and a nearby guard. This can be executed effectively with a drop assassination technique. Upon successfully eliminating Sobei, rewards include the Sharpened Hail Epic Katana, 2,000 XP, and 2 Mastery Points.
Winter Raider Hayate Location & Rewards
Epic Teppo For Yasuke
The elusive Winter Raider Hayate can be found in the northeastern part of Kii. He has been known to ambush travelers, making him relatively easy to track if you know the right path. Head north from Kumano Hayatama Taisha towards Shingu, crossing a bridge until reaching the end of the road, located just southeast of the Yamato region.
Once on this road, it’s beneficial to dismount your horse and approach stealthily to catch Hayate off guard. He tends to be positioned on an elevated area beside the road, allowing for a strategic ambush using the surrounding foliage as cover. Defeating Hayate grants you the Epic Teppo Kagutsuchi’s Deed, alongside 2,000 XP and 2 Mastery Points.
Winter Raider Yasha Location & Rewards
Epic Naginata For Yasuke
In contrast to her fellow raiders, Yasha can be located in Yamato, rather than Kii. Start with a lead from a contact in the shrine town of Kawakami, which can be found near the river in northwestern Kumano Sanzan. Here, you’ll discover a letter containing hints that direct you toward Yasha in Kawakami.
Yasha is positioned by the bridge northeast of Kawakami in the northern Yoshino region. If you’d prefer not to make several trips, you can save her for last, as the other raiders remain in Kii. However, hitting Kawakami is necessary if you wish to follow through on the complete questline. After defeating Yasha, you will receive 2,000 XP, 2 Mastery Points, and the Epic Naginata named Boreal Wind.
Winter Raider Akumu Location & Rewards
Legendary Bow For Yasuke
Finding Akumu poses a slightly greater challenge as she is not near prominent landmarks. You can locate her in the central area of the Nakehechi Route. If you refer to the map, a village named Takahara lies nearby. Just northeast of Takahara, you will spot a camp housing Akumu and her band of companions.
If you’ve previously explored Takahara, note that it features a Kakurega location, which allows for easier access via fast travel to approach Akumu quickly.
Defeating Akumu rewards players with the Legendary Bow A Thousand Cuts, alongside the Knock Down Shot engraving, as well as 2,000 XP and 2 Mastery Points. Be sure to get close before initiating an attack, as her primary weapon is a bow, making her formidable at a distance.
Winter Raider Jinbei Location & Rewards
Epic Kanabo For Yasuke
As the leader of the Winter Raiders, Jinbei is located within a cave at the southern part of Kii. I discovered the entrance from the sea, set within an outcrop south of Tanabe. To reach him, gaining access to a boat in Tanabe would facilitate your journey into the cave. You will find Jinbei near the cave’s entrance, and a swift assassination strategy can help you conclude the Winter Raiders quest efficiently.
Upon eliminating Jinbei, you’ll receive the Epic Kanabo Pupil’s Promise, an additional 2,000 XP, and 2 Mastery Points. The cave also contains other loot for exploration, but be cautious of additional enemies within. It’s worth noting that if you opt to hunt the raiders during any non-winter seasons, they will all be hiding in the same cave, making it a faster but riskier endeavor due to the likelihood of confronting multiple high-level targets in a single skirmish.
Once all the Winter Raiders have been dispatched, return to the elder in Gobo. You’ll not only gain all the rewards collected throughout the quest but also a substantial amount of XP and a Mastery Point for completion. There’s an option to accept 200 mon as a reward, however, feel free to decline it if you wish, especially after discovering the elder’s connection to the Winter Raiders. Regardless, you will still attain the XP and Mastery Point reward, ultimately ensuring that your efforts contribute to a safer Kii region in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.