"Guide to Finding and Recruiting All Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows"

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe and Yasuke face a daunting challenge, but they don't have to tackle it alone. If you're eager to bolster your forces by finding and recruiting all available allies, you're in the right place to start your journey.

Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained

Allies in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* come in two essential varieties. The first type enhances your Hideout with new functionalities, such as a blacksmith who can forge and upgrade your gear. The second type are combat allies, who can join you in the field with upgradeable abilities that prove invaluable in various scenarios.

Once you've recruited a combat ally, you can manage them from the Hideout or any kakurega you've unlocked. When called into action, they'll deploy their initial skill and continue fighting by your side until either they are defeated or all enemies are vanquished. Constructing a dojo in your hideout allows you to level up your allies and have two of them equipped simultaneously.

While allies are optional and you can complete the game without them, having extra support can significantly enhance your gameplay experience in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

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

Begin your recruitment journey with these non-combat allies, who join your cause through main and side quests:

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

The remaining allies can be recruited to aid you in overcoming the challenges of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

Yaya

Yaya, the Buddhist monk, is introduced during the main quest, The Fatherless Monk. Her commitment to justice aligns closely with Yasuke's, making her a valuable ally. During the Heads Will Roll quest, choose to spare The Wounded to honor Yaya's values. Progress through the Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs missions, ensuring you make decisions that align with her principles—convince her to forgive her apprentice and seek forgiveness together. At the end, invite Yaya to join your cause.

Yaya’s abilities at each level are:

• Novice: Yaya joins the fight and performs pushback attacks.
• Initiate: Yaya knocks down an enemy when joining the fight.
• Veteran: Yaya uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.

Katsuhime

For ranged combat, Katsuhime is your ally of choice. Her expertise with the Teppo allows her to deliver significant damage from a distance. Begin her recruitment in the Omi region by hunting down The Naginata, which leads to her questline. Complete Showdown in Sakamoto and Requiem for Rokkaku, and follow the Letter from Katsuhime sidequest until you reach The Diary of Lady Rokkaku. Rescue the target and invite Katsuhime to join your league.

Katsuhime’s abilities at each level are:

• Novice: Katsuhime deals daze damage when entering the fight.
• Initiate: She uses a dazing bomb for an added area effect when entering the fight.
• Veteran: Katsuhime’s teppo shots ricochet to another target if they hit a dazed one.

Gennojo

Gennojo, the sly thief, is first encountered in the Missing Missive quest. After sparing him, continue through the Lost Honor, Sake and Sword, Honor Among Thieves, and Stolen Hearts missions. Make sure to 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 at each level are:

• Novice: Gennojo arrives with a bomb to shock the enemy.
• Initiate: He acts as a distraction to draw the attention of nearby enemies.
• Veteran: His presence prevents servants from reporting your crimes.

Ibuki

In Iga, you'll meet Ibuki, a ronin fighting corruption. Begin his recruitment with the Ambush Interrupted sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke. Throughout his questline, consistently side with Ibuki and consider romancing him to strengthen your bond. At the end of his storyline, invite him to join your organization.

Ibuki’s abilities at each level are:

• Novice: Ibuki joins the fight and deals impact attacks.
• Initiate: When joining the fight, Ibuki shatters the armor of nearby enemies.
• Veteran: Ibuki shatters the armor of nearby enemies more frequently during combat.

Oni-yuri

For a non-lethal approach, Oni-yuri is your ally. Begin her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the Sweet Lies sidequest. Despite potential doubts about her methods, trust her throughout her questline to secure her loyalty. At the end, invite her to join your league and guide her towards redemption.

Oni-yuri’s abilities at each level are:

• Novice: Oni-yuri enters the fray and puts an enemy to sleep.
• Initiate: She releases a poison cloud that afflicts nearby enemies.
• Veteran: Enemy reinforcements are now delayed.

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

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