The Spring and Fall main quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows immerses players in a dramatic confrontation between the Ukita clan and Lord Hideyoshi. As the game’s 45th quest, this chapter delivers a thrilling mix of combat, strategic infiltration, and a decisive duel with Ukita Naoie. Set against the backdrop of Harima, players must traverse hostile territory, eliminate pivotal adversaries, and ultimately determine the destiny of the scheming daimyo.
Guide to the Spring and Fall Main Quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Step 1: Warn Kuroda Kanbei
Your adventure begins west of Himeji Castle, where you need to locate Kuroda Kanbei. Although the area is flagged as hostile, you’ll encounter no immediate resistance. After a brief dialogue, you are presented with two choices:
- We are ready.
- We need more time.
Choosing “We are ready”will advance the plot. Following the cutscene, you’ll have the option to select either Yasuke or Naoe, each symbolizing a different combat style: Yasuke offers brute force, while Naoe provides a stealthier alternative.
Step 2: Navigate to the Honmaru Gate
Upon entering Himeji Castle, veer right along the path, steering clear of the locked routes to the left. Expect ambushes from hostile shinobi as you progress eastward and then north. Engage and defeat them with the help of allied forces. When you reach a barrier door, break through to proceed.
Step 3: Eliminate the Enemies at the Gate
As you penetrate the area, prepare for a skirmish with three adversaries, including Ukita’s Lieutenant, who poses a greater challenge. After dispatching these foes, interact with the door to progress, giving you another character-switch opportunity.
Step 4: Secure the Honmaru
Expect to face a large contingent of enemies in the Honmaru. Your objective here is to eliminate every hostile presence. Choose your character wisely to ensure success in this intense battle. Following the defeat of the last enemy, a cutscene triggers along with another chance to switch characters.
Step 5: Ascend the Tenshu to Assassinate Ukita Naoie
It’s time to scale the tower, where your approach will depend on the character you selected:
- As Yasuke: Charge through each room, dispatching guards with aggressive force.
- As Naoe: Utilize stealth tactics to navigate upwards, eliminating foes without raising alarms.
Upon reaching the final room, you once again need to choose between Yasuke and Naoe for the imminent boss encounter.
Step 6: Battle with Ukita Naoie
The duel commences as Ukita Naoie uses a smoke bomb, summoning two shinobi allies. Prioritize eliminating them, as a prolonged fight could lead him to call for additional reinforcements. Be wary if you’re under-leveled, indicated by a skull icon — consider taking a break to complete side missions for experience before continuing.
Once you weaken Ukita, you’ll face another dialogue choice:
- We fight now.
- Finish reading.
This choice doesn’t affect the quest’s conclusion but adds emotional weight to the encounter.
Step 7: Determine Ukita Naoie’s Fate
After the clash, you face one last critical decision concerning Ukita Naoie’s fate:
- Kill Ukita Naoie: End his life decisively.
- Spare Ukita Naoie: He dies slowly from his injuries.
No matter your choice, the narrative continues with a dialogue with Ukita Himie, where further options are presented:
- His life for your life.
- Do not be seduced by power.
- Your father recited a stanza.
These dialogue options provide slight variations in conversation but do not change the quest’s overall trajectory. Ultimately, you have one final opportunity to switch characters before wrapping up the Spring and Fall main quest.