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

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe and Yasuke face a daunting challenge, but they don't have to tackle it alone. If you're looking for the best ways to find and recruit all allies in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you've come to the right place.

Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you can recruit two types of allies. The first type enhances your Hideout with new functions, such as the blacksmith, who allows for forging and upgrading your equipment. The second type consists of combat companions who can be deployed in the world, equipped with upgradeable abilities that prove useful in various scenarios.

Once a combat ally joins your team, you can manage them from either the Hideout or any kakurega you've unlocked. When called into action, they'll unleash their initial skill and continue fighting by your side until they're defeated or all enemies are vanquished. Building a dojo in the hideout not only allows you to level up your allies but also enables you to have two allies equipped simultaneously.

While allies are optional and you can complete the game without them, having an extra blade at your side can make a significant difference.

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

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

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

Here are the non-combat allies you can recruit through main and side quests:

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

The following allies can be used as part of your arsenal to tackle challenges in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*:

Yaya

You'll first encounter the Buddhist monk Yaya during the main quest, The Fatherless Monk. Yaya is eager to fight against oppressors but values justice over violence, aligning with Yasuke's principles.

During the Heads Will Roll quest, you must spare the main target, The Wounded, to align with her values and progress your relationship. Next, complete the Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs missions, making the right choices by convincing her to forgive her wayward apprentice and seek forgiveness together. This leads to the final decision where you can invite her to join your allies in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

As a close-combat expert, Yaya's abilities at each level are:

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

Katsuhime

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

If you're looking for an ally who excels in ranged attacks, Katsuhime is your best bet. The Koga shinobi is skilled with the Teppo and can deliver high damage instantly.

In the Omi region, you'll hunt down The Naginata, leading to her series of quests. Complete Showdown in Sakamoto and Requiem for Rokkaku, then take on the Letter from Katsuhime sidequest. Follow the questline until The Diary of Lady Rokkaku, rescue the target, and invite Katsuhime to join your league.

Katsuhime's abilities focus on eliminating and debilitating:

• Novice: Katsuhime will deal daze damage when entering the fight.
• Initiate: She uses a dazing bomb when entering a fight for an added area of effect.
• Veteran: Katsuhime’s teppo shots that hit a dazed target now ricochet to another target.

Gennojo

You'll first meet the sly thief Gennojo during the Missing Missive quest, part of locating The Fool. After sparing him, he'll return in the Lost Honor mission, followed by Sake and Sword, Honor Among Thieves, and Stolen Hearts.

At each turn, flirt with him and affirm his convictions. In The Godless Harvest side quest, prevent Gennojo from choosing the explosive option and convince him to join your team.

With his array of tools and tricks, Gennojo's abilities as an ally in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* are:

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

Ibuki

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

In Iga, you'll meet the ronin Ibuki, who is fighting a one-man war against corruption. Start with the Ambush Interrupted sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke and continue his questline.

Always side with Ibuki, and consider romancing him if you wish. It will be an easy choice to invite him to join your organization at the end of his quests.

Ibuki's capabilities include:

• Novice: Ibuki joins the fight and deals impact attacks.
• Initiate: When joining the fight, Ibuki shatters the armor of nearby enemies.
• Veteran: Ibuki will shatter the armor of nearby enemies more often when fighting.

Oni-yuri

If you prefer disabling enemies over killing them, Oni-yuri is your ideal ally. Start recruiting her in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the Sweet Lies sidequest.

Despite questions about her methods and integrity, trust in her throughout her quests. This will lead to the final decision to invite her to join your league and hopefully, help her change her ways.

Oni-yuri's abilities are:

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

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

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