Assassin’s Creed Shadows’main quest is an epic story of revenge and redemption, spanning the chaoticSengoku Period of Japanese history. Like most RPGs of its type,AC Shadows' campaign is divided up into quests, like chapters in its story: players will advance the plot by completing one objective at a time. Owing toits new, unique scout system,Assassin’s Creed Shadowsrequires a lot of searching, especially when it comes to main story quests.
You’re rarely given a concrete objective - more like a general investigation area that you’ll have to deploy your scouts to explore - and even then, the exact location of your objective may not be totally clear. Whether you’re struggling with a particular quest step or are just wondering what comes next, this guide serves as a hub for all our main quest walkthroughs. Note thatthis is a work in progress, and more info and links will be added as we progress through the main quest.
“The Lord’s Favor” Walkthrough
Yasuke
For this introductory quest, you’ll play as Yasuke as he first arrives on Japanese shores. Simplyfollow the other NPCsthrough the city to Oda Nobunaga’s palace, where you’ll enter into a meeting.
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You’ll also get your firststory choice inAC Shadowsduring this mission: should you choose to tell Oda you understand him? Ultimately,it doesn’t matter which option you choose, as the only thing that changes is the ensuing dialogue.
The next mission, “The Lord’s Favor,” will begin automatically, and gives you yourfirst taste of combat as Yasuke. Walk through the battle and kill enemies when prompted; these early foes shouldn’t be too difficult. Watch out for attacks marked by white circles; you’ll have to hit L1/LB to parry as soon as the white circle appears, opening the enemy up to further attacks.
Finally,you’ll face a series of Shinobi Leaders. Use your parries to block their attacks and create openings, and then hold L2/LT to use an ability when prompted. Eventually, you’ll be directed to Oda’s side, at which point the quest will end.
“Fight Of The Kakushiba Ikki” Walkthrough
Naoe
You’ll now switch characters to Naoe for the very first time.You’ll also get to try your hand at horseback riding; follow Nagato to the shrine, using the diamond icon and the compass to navigate.
Once you get to your destination, you’ll get a second combat tutorial. The first main mechanic to learn here is how to avoid unstoppable attacks;marked with red flashes, these attacks cannot be blocked or parried. When you see red, dodge with Circle/B. You’ll also learn about enemy combos, which are marked with blue circles. You can block each individual attack in these chains for an effect similar to a parry.
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Finally, you’ll learn how to lock on (R3/RS) and change targets (flick the right stick).Use these mechanics to defeat the enemies, and then you’ll see a cutscene where Naoe receives her Hidden Blades. Read the popups to learn the basics of stealth: tag enemies by holding L2/LT, and assassinate with R1/RB. You’ll then lean how to read enemy alert meters, how to crouch (Square/X) in tall grass, and how to whistle (down on the D-Pad).
Crawl through the area, using everything you’ve learned to remain unseen.Keep going until you reach the kofunand trigger the next main quest.
“Flames of War” Walkthrough
For this quest, you’ll switch back to Yasuke again briefly.Simply walk forward and kill the enemieswhen prompted; this shouldn’t be too tough. The most important thing to learn here is that Yasuke can break down doors if he sprints through them; that’ll come in handy later.
“The Onryo Samurai” Walkthrough
You’ll be introduced to the main antagonists -the Onryo/Shinbakufu- during this quest. First, you’ll have to learn how to infiltrate a castle.Use intuition to find a blue orbin your peripheral vision (R3/RS), then a mix of parkour (X/A), kunai (L2+R2/LT+RT), and your grappling hook (L1/LT when prompted) to sneak to the target and kill them.
Once you’ve assassinated Yoshihiro, Naoe will get her box back, and you’ll have to escape the castle. You can do this by sneaking, orsimply by running towards the objective. Watch the next cutscene.
“An Unpayable Debt” Walkthrough
The tutorial continues: simply watch the cutscenes andfollow Junjiro when prompted. You’ll learn two mechanics here, one important, one less so.The important one is unlocking viewpoints: throughout the map, there are many high places that serve as important reconnaissance spots, as well as fast travel markers. You’ll unlock your first one here.
The second mechanic issumi-e painting; sneak up to the tanuki when prompted, and you’ll gain a painting of it. You can find several animals throughout the world and paint themto gain hideout cosmetics.
“From Spark To Flame” Walkthrough
Now fully recovered,Naoe will set off on her own journey. More tutorials await; if you’re confused, check out ourMastery/Knowledge Points guidehere. When prompted, head to Tomiko’s house near Makinoodera Templeto unlock the hideout.
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From here on out, the quest path splits in two: your options are"Searching Sakai" or “The Fatherless Monk.“We’ll tackle them in that order, but feel free toreverse them if you so choose. You’ll have to complete both of them to proceed.
“Searching Sakai” Walkthrough
“Searching Sakai” begins with a tutorial onhow to use scouts, after which you’ll have a confrontation with a gunsmith and his brother. You’ll face a pivotal choice: here’s some advice onhow to deal with the Sakai gunsmith. Finally, use your scouts again to find Imai Sokyu, then speak with him and his son.
It largely doesn’t matter what dialogue options you choose here, butremember the fake name you chose. I found it easiest to choose Shizuka, since it’s always the first option.
The quest splits in two again here:“Dress for Success” and “The Perfect Gift.“Complete them in either order to proceed.
“Dress For Success” Walkthrough
Follow your quest markers out to thepirate ship anchored off the coast of Sakai. Hanging off the main deck gives you an excellent hiding place, so use it liberally. Eventually, you’ll find the silks you need; return them to the merchant. You’ll then have the opportunity to select either ared or black silk kosodefor Naoe to wear at the tea ceremony.
“The Perfect Gift” Walkthrough
Use your scouts to find Sen no Rikyu, then watch the cutscene.Dialogue options don’t matter here, but do pay attention to Rikyu’s advice, as you’ll need to remember the finer details of tea ceremony etiquette during the next mission.
