"Recruit All Allies in Assassin's Creed Shadows: A Guide"

In Assassin's Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke face a challenging journey, but they don't have to go it alone. If you're looking to find and recruit all allies in the game, you're in the right place. Let's dive into the world of allies and how they can enhance your gameplay.

Allies in Assassin's Creed Shadows, Explained

In Assassin's Creed Shadows, there are two types of allies you can recruit. The first type enhances your Hideout with new functions, such as the blacksmith, who allows for equipment forging and upgrading. The second type are combat allies who fight alongside you in the world, equipped with upgradeable abilities that prove useful in various situations.

Once a combat ally joins your ranks, you can manage them from your Hideout or any kakurega you've unlocked. When called into action, they'll use their initial skill and continue fighting until defeated or all enemies are eliminated. Building a dojo in your Hideout not only allows you to level up your allies but also lets you equip two allies at once.

While allies are optional and you can progress through the story without them, having extra support can make a significant difference in your gameplay.

Related: Where to Find the Cat Island in Assassin's Creed Shadows

All Allies You Can Find & Recruit in Assassin's Creed Shadows

Here are the non-combat allies you'll encounter through main and side quests:

• Tomiko – An Unpayable Debt
• Junjiro – From Spark to Flame
• Heiji (Blacksmith) – Way of the Blacksmith

These allies enhance your Hideout's capabilities. The rest are combat allies who join your fight against the game's challenges.

Yaya

Yaya, a Buddhist monk, is first introduced in the main quest, The Fatherless Monk. She values justice over violence, aligning closely with Yasuke's ideals. During the Heads Will Roll quest, choose to spare the main target, The Wounded, to progress your relationship with her. Continue through the Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs missions, making the right choices to convince her to forgive her apprentice and seek forgiveness together. Finally, invite her to join your cause.

Yaya's combat abilities evolve as she levels up:

• Novice: Joins the fight with pushback attacks.
• Initiate: Knocks down an enemy upon joining the fight.
• Veteran: Uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.

Katsuhime

For ranged combat, Katsuhime is your ally. She's skilled with the Teppo, delivering high damage. Start her recruitment in Omi by completing the Showdown in Sakamoto and Requiem for Rokkaku quests, followed by the Letter from Katsuhime sidequest. Continue through The Diary of Lady Rokkaku, rescue the target, and invite Katsuhime to join your league.

Katsuhime's abilities include:

• Novice: Deals daze damage upon entering the fight.
• Initiate: Uses a dazing bomb for an area of effect upon entering combat.
• Veteran: Her teppo shots ricochet to another target when hitting a dazed enemy.

Gennojo

Gennojo, the sly thief, first appears 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 choosing explosives and convince him to join your team.

Gennojo's abilities are:

• Novice: Arrives with a bomb to shock enemies.
• Initiate: Acts as a distraction, drawing enemy attention.
• Veteran: Prevents servants from reporting your crimes.

Ibuki

In Iga, you'll meet Ibuki, a ronin fighting corruption. Start his recruitment with the Ambush Interrupted sidequest near Kashiwara Village. Choose to support and possibly romance him to ensure he joins your organization.

Ibuki's abilities include:

• Novice: Joins the fight with impact attacks.
• Initiate: Shatters nearby enemies' armor upon joining combat.
• Veteran: Frequently shatters nearby enemies' armor during fights.

Oni-yuri

Oni-yuri is perfect for disabling enemies without killing them. 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 to change her ways.

Oni-yuri's abilities are:

• Novice: Puts an enemy to sleep upon entering combat.
• Initiate: Releases a poison cloud affecting nearby enemies.
• Veteran: Delays enemy reinforcements.

That's everything you need to know about finding and recruiting all allies in Assassin's Creed Shadows. For more tips and guides, visit The Escapist.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.