In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke face a challenging journey, but they don't have to face it alone. If you're eager to discover and recruit all possible allies, you're in the right place.

Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained

There are two categories of allies you can recruit in the game. The first type enhances the functionality of your Hideout, such as the blacksmith, who enables equipment forging and upgrading. The second type consists of combat allies who fight alongside you in the world, equipped with upgradeable abilities that prove invaluable in various scenarios.

Once a combat ally joins your cause, you can manage them from the Hideout or any kakurega you've unlocked. When summoned, they deploy their initial skill and continue to battle until they are defeated or all enemies are vanquished. Constructing a dojo in the Hideout allows you to level up your allies and equip two at once, maximizing your strategic options.

While allies are optional and you can complete the story without them, having extra support can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.

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

• Tomiko – Recruited through the quest "An Unpayable Debt".
• Junjiro – Joins during "From Spark to Flame".
• Heiji (Blacksmith) – Available after completing "Way of the Blacksmith".

These allies enhance your Hideout's capabilities. For combat support, consider recruiting the following:

Yaya

Yaya, a Buddhist monk, is introduced during the main quest "The Fatherless Monk". Her commitment to justice aligns well with Yasuke's values. To recruit her, during the "Heads Will Roll" quest, choose to spare the main target, The Wounded. Progress further by completing the "Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs" missions, making choices that align with her principles, such as convincing her to forgive her apprentice and seek forgiveness. Ultimately, you can invite her to join your cause.

Yaya's combat abilities evolve as follows:

• 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

Katsuhime's abilities include:

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

Gennojo

Gennojo, the sly thief, is first encountered in the "Missing Missive" quest while locating The Fool. Spare him, and he will reappear in subsequent quests like "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 invite him to join your team.

Gennojo's skills are:

• Novice: Arrives with a bomb to shock the enemy.
• Initiate: Acts as a distraction, drawing enemy attention.
• Veteran: Prevents servants from alerting others to your presence.

Ibuki

Ibuki's abilities are:

• Novice: Deals impact attacks upon joining the fight.
• Initiate: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies upon joining.
• Veteran: Frequently shatters the armor of nearby enemies during combat.

Oni-yuri

Oni-yuri specializes in disabling rather than killing enemies. Begin her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the "Sweet Lies" sidequest. Trust in her methods throughout her questline, leading to the final decision to invite her to join your league and potentially change her ways.

Oni-yuri's abilities include:

• 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 now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.