Wake-Up Call is a pivotal main story mission in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, placing players in the shoes of Naoe. The narrative begins with a fierce attack on Iga Province by the forces of Oda Nobunaga, coupled with a mysterious faction of masked adversaries. Naoe’s objective is to secure a vital secret box; however, she faces an ambush, leading to a theft of the precious item.
Resolved to retrieve the stolen box, Naoe makes her way into Katano Castle, where she confronts and defeats Ido Yoshihiro, the Onryo Samurai, ultimately escaping with the coveted red box. However, her victory is short-lived as she is ambushed and shot, leaving her and Nagato—her ally—vulnerable to further attacks from the masked enemies, who steal the box once again.
The mission opens with a flashback to Naoe two years prior, presenting a rich context for her character development. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough to help players successfully complete the Wake Up Call mission.
Walkthrough: Completing the Wake-Up Call Mission in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The journey begins on October 6, 1579, in Iga Province, represented in a cinematic flashback. Naoe awakens to find her father, Nagato, playing a musical instrument outside. He chides her for being late, reminding her of her sluggishness during their previous training session.
As gameplay initiates, players will engage in a sparring match with Nagato, which serves as an introduction to the combat mechanics pivotal for later challenges.
Step 1: Acquire Your Bokken
Your first task involves retrieving the bokken, a wooden training sword, from behind Nagato. To accomplish this, follow these steps:
- Approach Nagato while keeping your focus on him.
- Dodge his attacks promptly as he strikes, maneuvering past him.
- You may need to perform several dodges to find an opening for the bokken (PlayStation 5: Press Circle to dodge).
Step 2: Break Nagato’s Guard (Four Times)
Once you gain possession of the bokken, Nagato enters a defensive posture. Your goal is to break his guard four times:
- Execute a heavy attack by holding down the attack button (PlayStation 5: Hold R1/R2).
- After each successful break, Nagato will reset his stance. Repeat until you’ve broken his guard four times.
Step 3: Deflect Nagato’s Attacks (Four Times)
The next phase requires you to deflect four of Nagato’s attacks:
- Pay attention to the white flash signaling his strike.
- Press the deflect button at the exact moment to successfully parry (PlayStation 5: Press L1 to deflect).
Step 4: Duel Nagato
Upon deflecting four attacks, engage in a duel with Nagato, where the victor escapes dinner preparations. Winning this duel is essential to advance the story.
After the duel, a cutscene unfolds where Naoe expresses her eagerness to train with others, but Nagato redirects her to assist Auntie Matsu instead.
Step 5: Follow Nagato
Accompany Nagato as he emphasizes the significance of community support in Iga. Here, players are introduced to the Auto-Follow feature, facilitating character movement (PlayStation 5: Hold Circle to activate Auto-Follow).
Step 6: Converse with Auntie Matsu
Eventually, Nagato takes a different path, prompting you to locate Auntie Matsu’s house at the indicated location. Follow these instructions:
- Activate Observation Mode to scout the southern area.
- Identify Matsu’s house beyond the hill.
- Approach her while she tends to her garden.
The ensuing cutscene reveals Matsu’s concerns about her forgetfulness and missing crops. She enlists Naoe to investigate the theft and suggests observing the fields from an elevated spot, recommending the old tower.
Step 7: Locate the Source of Trouble
- Head west towards the designated old tower.
- Ascend the tower—it provides an uncomplicated climb.
- From the roof’s peak, utilize Observation Mode to gather information.
- Spot a dead deer close by.
Descend into the hay below and examine the deer.
Step 8: Track Down the Poachers
- Once again, employ Observation Mode to look west.
- Identify and approach highlighted objects of interest.
- Confront and defeat the two poachers responsible for the theft.
- They will flee upon losing the battle.
Step 9: Return to Matsu
After dealing with the poachers, make your way back to Auntie Matsu’s house. Following a short cutscene, you will choose between two dialogue options with no impact on the outcome:
- I’m scared for you
- I’ll go with you
Unexpectedly, Nagato bursts in, warning that Oda Nobunaga’s forces are on the verge of attacking Iga, and he must confront them. Regardless of your prior choice, Nagato insists that Naoe remain behind to protect Matsu.
As time progresses, Naoe grows increasingly anxious to aid her father. Matsu supports her decision, and just as they gear up to leave, the mission Wake Up Call concludes in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.