In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe and Yasuke face a daunting mission—but they don’t have to go it alone. If you're looking for the most effective way to locate and recruit every ally in the game, this guide will set you on the right path.
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Allies come in two main types in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. Some provide valuable functions within your Hideout, such as the blacksmith, who enables equipment forging and upgrades. Others serve as combat companions during missions, each equipped with unique, upgradeable abilities that prove useful across a variety of scenarios.
Once a combat ally joins your cause, you can manage them from your Hideout or any unlocked Kakurega. When summoned into battle, allies activate their signature skill and then fight alongside you until either all enemies are defeated or they are incapacitated. Building a dojo within your Hideout allows you to level up allies and equip two at the same time.
While allies are optional and can be missed depending on story progression, having additional support on the battlefield is always advantageous. A second blade can often mean the difference between success and failure.
All Allies You Can Find & Recruit in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
These non-combat allies become part of your roster through main and side quests:
- Tomiko – An Unpayable Debt
- Junjiro – From Spark to Flame
- Heiji (Blacksmith) – Way of the Blacksmith
The following characters can be recruited as active combat companions:
Yaya
Yaya first appears during the main quest “The Fatherless Monk.” She values justice over senseless violence—aligning well with Yasuke’s moral compass.
To gain her trust, choose to spare the target during the “Heads Will Roll” assassination mission. Later, in the “Find Yaya / The Stray Dogs” missions, make choices that promote forgiveness and unity. At the conclusion of her arc, you’ll have the option to recruit her as an ally.
As a close-quarters fighter, Yaya’s abilities progress as follows:
- Novice: Yaya joins the fight with pushback attacks.
- Initiate: Entering combat, she knocks down an enemy.
- Veteran: Yaya uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.
Katsuhime
If you prefer ranged damage, Katsuhime is your best bet. As a skilled Koga shinobi, she wields the Teppo with deadly precision.
Begin her recruitment in the Omi region by completing the “Naginata” hunt. Continue through “Showdown in Sakamoto,” “Requiem for Rokkaku,” and eventually the “Letter from Katsuhime” sidequest. After rescuing the target in “The Diary of Lady Rokkaku,” select the option to invite her into your ranks.
Her combat capabilities evolve like so:
- Novice: Katsuhime deals daze damage upon entering the fight.
- Initiate: She throws a dazing bomb with area-of-effect impact.
- Veteran: Her Teppo shots ricochet off dazed enemies to hit others.
Gennojo
Gennojo makes his debut in the “Missing Missive” sidequest tied to locating The Fool. Spare him, and he’ll reappear in later missions including “Lost Honor,” “Sake and Sword,” “Honor Among Thieves,” and “Stolen Hearts.”
Flirt with him and affirm his beliefs throughout these encounters. In “The Godless Harvest,” prevent him from using explosives and convince him to join your team permanently.
Here’s what Gennojo brings to the table:
- Novice: Arrives with a shock bomb to disrupt 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 single-handedly. Begin his journey with the “Ambush Interrupted” sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke.
Consistently side with Ibuki, even romantically if desired, and ultimately extend the offer to join your cause.
His combat enhancements include:
- Novice: Joins the fray with impact strikes.
- Initiate: Shatters armor on nearby enemies when entering combat.
- Veteran: Armor-shattering effect triggers more frequently in battle.
Oni-yuri
If your goal is to disable rather than destroy, Oni-yuri fits the role perfectly. Begin recruiting her in Tsuruga, Wakasa, through the “Sweet Lies” sidequest.
Despite questionable methods, gaining her loyalty requires consistent trust and support throughout her storyline. Eventually, you'll be given the option to bring her into the fold—offering her a chance to change her ways.
Here’s how Oni-yuri supports your mission:
- Novice: Puts an enemy to sleep upon entry.
- Initiate: Releases a poison cloud that inflicts status effects.
- Veteran: Delays enemy reinforcements during encounters.
That covers everything you need to know about finding and recruiting all allies in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips, strategies, and updates, stay tuned to [ttpp].
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.*
