Taking down Bessho Harumasa, known as the Ox, in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a thrilling challenge that pits players against a formidable foe leading a group of loyal followers. This guide breaks down the steps to prepare for the battle, navigate the “Broken Horn” mission, and defeat the Ox and his allies, ensuring players come out on top in this intense encounter.
Gearing Up for the Fight
Preparation is key for this demanding battle, as players face two consecutive boss fights that punish mistakes. For those using Yasuke, swapping out a naginata for a high-quality katana is recommended. The katana’s speed and ability to quickly cancel attacks provide the agility needed, unlike the slower naginata, which can leave Yasuke vulnerable in fast-paced combat.
Navigating the “Broken Horn” Mission
The mission begins with a conversation with Nakamura Tadashige, where players encounter a dialogue tree with multiple options. These choices, however, have no significant impact on the mission’s outcome. For a more streamlined experience, enabling Canon Mode is advised to bypass the game’s less consequential decisions.
When prompted to choose a character, selecting Naoe is the smarter move for the initial phase. Her approach is straightforward: start by stealthily eliminating two unaware soldiers ahead, then climb to the top of a nearby structure. From this vantage point atop a house, players overlook a courtyard filled with gunmen. Using Eagle Vision, mark all enemies, beginning with the guard furthest to the right near the bridge, as he keeps watch over the others. Proceed clockwise, silently taking out each enemy, but skip the two near the broken wheelbarrow, as they’re too spread out for a double assassination. Save the tower guard for last to avoid detection.
Confronting the Tsuno
After clearing the courtyard, head to the bridge where the first enemy was eliminated to locate Yasuke. He’s seen handling a soldier who attempts to call for help but is quickly silenced. Following this, the Ox appears briefly to speak before the fight shifts to his lieutenant, the Tsuno, whose name translates to “horn” in Japanese. Switching to Yasuke for this battle is recommended. The Tsuno wields a weapon that can inflict poison and may counter with a swift slash if players attack too aggressively. Limiting combos to three strikes helps avoid this. The real challenge lies in the accompanying enemies, who must be dispatched quickly to prevent being overwhelmed. Patience and situational awareness are crucial to avoid getting surrounded.
Facing the Ox
After a poignant cutscene, players choose who delivers the final blow to the Ox. While Naoe can deal significant damage, her lower raw power struggles against the Ox’s two henchmen, who can summon reinforcements. Yasuke is the better choice here. Fight through to the inner courtyard, prioritizing the henchmen to prevent them from calling backup. The Ox himself is a tough opponent, wielding a kanabo that delivers devastating blows. Most of his attacks can be dodged, but some lack a red glint warning, requiring players to double-dodge to avoid heavy damage. Fortunately, the Ox rarely blocks, allowing players to land hits when openings appear. The fight is grueling but winnable with persistence.
Rewards and Wrap-Up
Once the Ox is defeated, a few more dialogue choices follow, though they carry little weight. Notably, the Ox never reveals the Tsuno’s true name, adding a layer of mystery. Upon victory, players earn the Daybreak’s Fury kanabo, a powerful weapon with an engraving that causes broken armor to explode into shrapnel, along with 2000 XP—a rewarding haul for a hard-fought battle.