The main quest, The Lost Envoys, in Assassin’s Creed Shadows begins with the critical task of locating missing peace envoys within Yamato. These individuals, associated with Tsutsui Junkei, have gone missing, which poses a significant risk to the region’s fragile peace. This quest combines elements of interrogation, combat, stealth, and the urgency of retrieval, ultimately leading to an encounter at the Kasugataisha Shrine.
A Comprehensive Walkthrough of The Lost Envoys Quest
Initiating the Quest: Tracking the Missing Envoys
To start your adventure, access The Lost Envoys from the Objectives Board located in the Shinbakufu under the The Wise category. This quest becomes available after you complete A Chance Encounter. Your first destination is Mitsue, a small village situated in the Hidden River sub-region, southeast of Kofukuji Temple in the Nara Heartland.
Upon arrival, engage in a duel with an Akiyama Soldier, an imposing foe armed with a kanabo. If you choose to play as Yasuke, his brute strength will provide an advantage in this battle. Alternatively, if you select Naoe, focus on dodging and delivering swift strikes to overcome this opponent. We opted for Naoe in our playthrough.
After defeating the soldier, you will face a dialogue choice:
- Lord Junkei gave his approval.
- I work for no one.
Either selection leads to a similar outcome. Shortly after, Lady Ayako makes her appearance, directing you towards the last known location of the Tsutsui emissaries near Utano Tower.
Rescuing the Tsutsui Envoys
Your next objective takes you to Utano, known for its hostility and located to the east-southeast of Mitsue. The Iron Ore Storage to the north of Utano is where the envoys are confined. To minimize unnecessary confrontations, consider taking a stealthy route around the perimeter as you approach this area.
Once you breach the enemy defenses, eliminate all foes close to the envoys. Afterward, the envoy will request your assistance in retrieving an invitation that is located within Uda Matsuyama Castle, directly east of Uda.
Obtaining the Invitation from Uda Matsuyama Castle
The retrieval of the invitation can be approached in two distinct manners:
- Yasuke’s Approach: Charge in and confront the castle defenses head-on.
- Naoe’s Approach: Utilize the damaged northern wall to infiltrate the castle quietly.
For players inclined towards stealth, here’s how to navigate using Naoe:
- Look to the north upon your arrival at the castle to find the damaged wall. Scale it to enter.
- Once inside, utilize the swing point on the ladder to venture deeper into the castle.
- Seek refuge in the tall bushes near your target building to evade patrolling guards.
- Enter through the main door, head left, and collect the invitation.
With the invitation safely in hand, it’s time to return to Lady Ayako.
Final Encounter with Lady Ayako at Kasugataisha Shrine
Make your way to the Kasugataisha Shrine, where Lady Ayako will be waiting in the shrine’s southwest corner. After a brief dialogue, follow her gently eastward, away from the bustling crowd.
You will be presented with one last dialogue option:
- You are not the shadow.
- I am unsure.
Choosing either option does not affect the outcome of the quest, which concludes with a reward of 1,000 EXP. This finale wraps up the The Lost Envoys main quest, paving the way for the next thrilling chapter in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.