In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke face a challenging journey, but they don't have to face it alone. If you're looking to bolster your ranks with the best allies, you've come to the right place.
Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained
In the game, you can recruit two types of allies. The first type enhances your Hideout with new functions, such as a blacksmith who can forge and upgrade your equipment. The second type are combat companions who join you in the field, equipped with upgradeable abilities to aid you in various situations.
Once a combat ally joins you, you can manage them from your Hideout or any unlocked kakurega. When summoned, they will use their initial skill and fight alongside you until they are defeated or all enemies are vanquished. Building a dojo in the Hideout allows you to level up your allies and equip up to two at a time.
While allies are optional and you might miss them during your main story progression, having extra support can be a significant advantage.
Related: Where to Find the Cat Island in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
All Allies You Can Find & Recruit in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
First, let's look at the non-combat allies you can recruit through main and side quests:
- Tomiko – Recruited through the quest An Unpayable Debt.
- Junjiro – Recruited through the quest From Spark to Flame.
- Heiji (Blacksmith) – Recruited through the quest Way of the Blacksmith.
These allies enhance your Hideout's capabilities. Now, let's dive into the combat allies who can join you in battle:
Yaya
Yaya, a Buddhist monk, first appears in the main quest The Fatherless Monk. She values justice over violence, aligning with Yasuke's principles. To recruit her, during the Heads Will Roll quest, choose to spare The Wounded. Later, in the Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs missions, convince her to forgive her apprentice and seek forgiveness. Finally, ask her to join your cause.
Yaya's abilities at each level are:
- Novice: Joins the fight and performs pushback attacks.
- Initiate: Knocks down an enemy upon joining the fight.
- Veteran: Uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.
Katsuhime
For ranged combat support, Katsuhime is your ally. She excels with the Teppo and can deal high damage instantly. Start her recruitment in Omi by completing Showdown in Sakamoto and Requiem for Rokkaku, then follow the Letter from Katsuhime sidequest until The Diary of Lady Rokkaku. Rescue the target and invite Katsuhime to join your league.
Katsuhime's abilities are:
- Novice: Deals daze damage upon entering the fight.
- Initiate: Uses a dazing bomb for an area of effect.
- Veteran: Teppo shots ricochet to another target when hitting a dazed enemy.
Gennojo
Gennojo, a sly thief, is first encountered in the Missing Missive quest. After sparing him, continue through Lost Honor, Sake and Sword, Honor Among Thieves, and Stolen Hearts. Flirt with him and support his convictions. In The Godless Harvest side quest, prevent him from using explosives and convince him to join your team.
Gennojo's abilities include:
- Novice: Arrives with a bomb to shock enemies.
- Initiate: Acts as a distraction to draw enemy attention.
- Veteran: Prevents servants from reporting your crimes.
Ibuki
Ibuki, a ronin in Iga, fights corruption. Start his recruitment with the Ambush Interrupted sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke. Side with him throughout his questline and, if you wish, romance him. At the end, invite him to join your organization.
Ibuki's abilities are:
- Novice: Joins the fight and deals impact attacks.
- Initiate: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies upon joining.
- Veteran: More frequently shatters the armor of nearby enemies during combat.
Oni-yuri
For non-lethal takedowns, Oni-yuri is your ally. Begin her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the Sweet Lies sidequest. Trust her throughout her quests, and at the end, invite her to join your league, hoping she'll change her ways.
Oni-yuri's abilities include:
- Novice: Puts an enemy to sleep upon entering the fray.
- Initiate: Releases a poison cloud affecting nearby enemies.
- Veteran: Delays enemy reinforcements.
That's all you need to know about finding and recruiting all allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. For more tips and guides, check out The Escapist.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
