Fighting for the Cause is a narrative-driven quest found in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This quest begins right after you complete The Path He Walks, immersing players in the Templar storyline linked to Kimura Kei. While the start may seem straightforward, complexities unfold swiftly. It’s advisable for players below level 35 to postpone this quest since it culminates in a challenging boss fight that demands significant preparation.
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for accomplishing the Fighting for the Cause quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Comprehensive Walkthrough for Fighting for the Cause in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Step 1: Locate the Ronin in Takahara Village
To initiate the Fighting for the Cause quest, make your way to Takahara Village via the Nakahechi Route. If this area is unexplored, the easiest method is to head south from Katsuragi. Once you’ve reached the village, switch to Yasuke and enter the inn to engage with the ronin character.
The ensuing dialogue presents a brief choice, but rest assured, your selection does not affect the quest’s trajectory.
Step 2: Make Your Way to Okunoin Cemetery
Your next destination is Koyasan. From there, proceed east until you encounter a fork in the path; take the left route leading to Okunoin Cemetery. Inside the cemetery, a statue will prompt the appearance of the antagonist, Kumabe Ujiie.
You have the option to confront and defeat Kumabe immediately, obtaining a key item for progression, or engage him in conversation. Whichever choice you make will propel the story toward the Training Grounds.
Step 3: Decide Your Approach with Kumabe
You have two routes to choose from:
- Opt to assassinate Kumabe. This will trigger a wave of enemies while skipping additional dialogue, but you’ll secure a vital item directing you to the Training Grounds.
- Alternatively, choose to converse with him. This dialogue offers two rounds of choices:
- I seek guidance.
- That sounds too good to be true.
Additionally:
- You’ve convinced me.
- That’s enough.
Selecting “That’s enough”leads to an immediate confrontation, while “You’ve convinced me”results in a guided walk, ultimately steering you toward the same destination—either choice leads to the Training Grounds.
Step 4: Accompanying Kumabe to the Training Grounds
If you opt to walk with Kumabe, you’ll automatically traverse through a picturesque path. At a certain point, he will pause to provide further direction toward the Training Grounds, propelling you into the main action of the quest.
Step 5: Entering the Training Grounds
After departing Koyasan, head west and then south until you find a derelict structure. Approach the entrance to interact with the door; here, you’ll receive a final warning to prepare as what lies ahead is an intense, multi-stage combat scenario.
Confirm by saying, “I’m ready to enter the training grounds,” to proceed.
Should you find your character under-leveled, particularly when facing enemies highlighted with skulls, consider leveling up before proceeding, as this journey can be arduous.
Step 6: Overcoming the Onslaught
Upon entering, tread carefully towards a large group of enemies. Kimura Kei will quickly recognize you and launch an ambush. It’s advisable to handle them in smaller groups. Navigate to the right path leading up the hill until you come across a locked building. Stay close to the door, as enemies will eventually break it down for you. Once inside, ascend the ladder and exit through the window.
Step 7: Eliminating Ranged Enemies
In this expansive area, you’ll encounter numerous archers. Be vigilant; dodge quickly upon seeing the red shot indicator. You must clear this section of enemies to unlock the final door. The building at the far end provides an effective choke point, allowing you to funnel enemies towards you.
Step 8: Defeating the Elite Fighters
Once you’ve eliminated the archers, ascend the stairs to face a squad of three elite fighters—two melee tanks and one wielding a hand cannon.
Position yourself strategically against the right rock to lure enemies individually instead of facing them in a three-on-one scenario. Once you dispatch them, proceed through the final door.
Step 9: The Boss Encounter with Kimura Kei
The battle with Kimura Kei stands out as one of the more challenging encounters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This duel unfolds over three distinct phases, each showcasing varied weapon tactics and increasing damage potential.
Initially, Kimura employs both the Katana and Long Katana, executing a series of attacks, including unblockable red strikes and chainable blue hits. Watch for his rhythm throughout 4- to 5-hit combos that can severely diminish your health.
In the second phase, his aggression ramps up as he twirls his Long Katana, introducing new attack patterns. By the third phase, his long blade shatters, and he resorts to using both weapons simultaneously, increasing attack speed and damage—this phase is chaotic and potentially lethal.
To ensure survival, maintain your distance and bait out Kimura’s combos. After he finishes a sequence, rush in with a charged heavy attack, then withdraw quickly to reset. Although this strategy requires patience, it’s effective.
Utilizing Yasuke’s Impenetrable Defense from the Samurai skill set enhances your survivability, enabling you to deflect considerable damage for a limited time. Combine this with Power Dash from the Long Katana skill tree for an optimized counter-attack strategy.
Following this tactic systematically will eventually trigger a cutscene that concludes the Fighting for the Cause quest, leading to the completion of this exhilarating segment of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.