In the vibrant world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players face a thrilling challenge in bringing down Ukita Naoie, a cunning aristocrat with a flair for poetry and strategy. This mission, set against the backdrop of feudal Japan, demands sharp skills and clever tactics. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help gamers navigate this intense encounter with finesse.
Preparing for the Battle
Before diving into the mission, thorough preparation is key. The previous encounters, especially the grueling shinobi ambush, serve as a crash course in handling these agile foes. To tackle shinobi effectively, parry when they perform a double backflip and dodge twice if a smoke bomb clouds the scene. These enemies are relentless, so mastering their patterns is crucial.
This mission leans heavily on Yasuke’s brute strength, so ensure his gear and skills are optimized for combat. Stock up on rations and fine-tune his abilities to withstand the onslaught of guards and samurai awaiting in Naoie’s stronghold.
Navigating the Mission: Spring and Fall
The mission kicks off with a tense cutscene where Kanbei lays out a deal Naoie can’t ignore. Players must choose between Yasuke and Naoe to infiltrate the castle. Opt for Yasuke to start, as his presence suits the initial phase. Stealth is vital here—avoid engaging the guards patrolling the entrance to keep things smooth.
Following the main path, players meet Tokubei, who guides them to a back entrance. This is where the action heats up: four teppo-wielding enemies block the way. Dispatch them swiftly, then breach the next door to face Naoie’s lieutenant, a formidable foe with a boss bar. Clear out the weaker soldiers first to avoid being overwhelmed, then focus on the lieutenant. After the fight, loot the area for rations to stay in top shape.
Mastering the Courtyard
A cutscene shifts the scene to a sprawling courtyard teeming with shinobi. Switching to Naoe is the smart move here, as her stealth prowess outshines Yasuke’s in this scenario. Climb to the pagoda roof on the left to scout the area. Mark the enemies: two patrol the center, while others linger at the edges. Start by silently eliminating the guard below, then move left to take out the exposed enemies. Use hiding spots to lure and dispatch the remaining foes without raising the alarm.
Confronting Naoie
Once the courtyard is clear, a cutscene unfolds with Naoie and Kanbei locked in a strategic duel over a Go board. When Kanbei outmaneuvers him, Naoie flees, and two massive samurai step in to challenge the heroes. Send Yasuke after Naoie for the chase. Cross the bridge, but instead of charging through the next door, take a right up a wooden ramp. This sneaky route leads into Naoie’s tower.
Inside, the path to the top is a gauntlet of enemies. Use enemy markers (hold L2/LT) to locate the correct staircases, as dead-end rooms can waste time. Eventually, a barred door stands in the way—time to smash through. Narrow hallways lead to a ladder and a trap door. Heal up before stepping through, as the final showdown looms.
The Final Showdown
Naoie awaits, surprisingly calm about his fate. Players choose who faces him, but Yasuke’s parrying skills make him the ideal pick. His ability to dominate prevents Naoie from summoning reinforcements, which can complicate the fight. During the battle, Naoie references a poem from his son. Allowing him to finish reading it adds a poignant touch to the aftermath.
After defeating Naoie, a critical choice emerges: kill or spare him. Sparing him offers a more dignified resolution, especially when later speaking to his son. Choose the dialogue option about Naoie performing a stanza for the most heartfelt outcome. While the mission’s body count is high, this choice softens the blow for a bittersweet ending.