Assassin’s Creed Shadows returns the franchise to its expansive RPG roots, building on the simplified design of its predecessor. With dynamic seasons, evolving weather patterns, and a dual-protagonist structure, the game brings a variety of new mechanics that can significantly alter gameplay based on player decisions. From combat advantages to secret locations, here are fourteen essential aspects the game doesn’t directly explain.
Roadside Shrines Offer Temporary Combat Perks
While preparing to infiltrate castles or tackle new missions, it’s worth stopping by roadside Shrines. Offering a prayer at these spots grants temporary enhancements such as increased attack strength, better damage resistance, or additional health. The duration of these buffs can be extended by upgrading the Hideout, making Shrines a reliable source of power boosts before important encounters.
Jizo Statues Provide Effortless Experience Gains
Throughout the world, players will frequently pass by Jizo Statues—small stone figures commonly found at crossroads. These unassuming landmarks offer an easy 50 XP in exchange for a simple prayer. Since leveling up both Naoe and Yasuke is vital for progressing through higher-level regions and defeating tougher enemies, these statues are a convenient way to gather experience points without any combat.
Stick to the Roads While Exploring
Although exploration is encouraged, the majority of side content—including quests, random encounters, and collectibles—tends to be located near roads rather than deep in forests. Navigating Japan’s dense woodlands can become a hassle, particularly when traveling by horseback. For those who find themselves lost in the thickets, streams can often act as natural guides leading to clearer paths.
Choose Non-Lethal Tactics for Strategic Advantage
Unlike previous titles where silent assassinations were the norm, Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces the option to neutralize foes non-lethally. Naoe, for instance, may struggle to quickly hide a body after an assassination due to her limited strength. By contrast, choosing to knock enemies unconscious allows for quicker repositioning without risking detection. Additionally, incapacitated foes remain down for the count—and lethal players still have the option to finish them off later.
Stealth Abilities Tied to Mastery Path Progression
Players are advised to explore the Mastery Paths of Naoe and Yasuke early on, as key tools and mechanics are locked behind them. Naoe begins with Kunai but can later unlock gadgets like Shinobi Bells, Smoke Bombs, and Shurikens. These items enhance stealth approaches by distracting or staggering enemies and can even interact with the environment destructively.
Discover a Hidden Feline Sanctuary in Omi
A secret island named Okishima, located within the Omi region, is home to a variety of cats, including kittens. This peaceful location serves as a perfect photo spot and also provides the opportunity to acquire a pet companion. It’s a must-visit for animal lovers exploring the game world.
Add Animals to Your Hideout Collection
Pets can be collected in several ways throughout Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Petting dogs and cats with unique coats adds them to your collection, and completing Sumi-e Paintings may unlock wildlife like Tanuki or the Copper Pheasant. Some quests, such as the “Thrown to the Dogs” mission, reward players with special animals like Tsuki-maru. Additionally, certain merchants sell pets under the Hideout category, although they can be costly. Once acquired, pets can be placed in the Hideout for aesthetic purposes, though they do not follow players in the field.
Switching Characters Requires Story Progression
Although the game allows players to control both protagonists, switching between Naoe and Yasuke is locked until several hours into the campaign. Yasuke becomes available after a key point in the narrative, typically between eight and twelve hours in, depending on how much optional content is completed beforehand. Until then, players experience the game exclusively from Naoe’s perspective aside from a brief tutorial sequence with Yasuke.
Kuji-Kiri Meditation Reveals Character History
Naoe-exclusive Kuji-Kiri meditation points are scattered across the world, and while they may seem like minor activities, certain locations trigger deep, narrative-driven flashbacks. These mini-quests provide backstory about Naoe’s past and emotional development, delivering cinematic cutscenes and added lore not found in the main questline.
Watch for Random Roadside Encounters
Unexpected events may unfold while traversing the world, usually signaled by a white speech bubble above a character. These interactions range from assisting people in distress to encountering dubious individuals offering monetary rewards for riddles or games of chance. One such case involved a man offering double the money for solving his riddle, only to reveal he was desperate to feed his family. These events inject unpredictability and moral dilemmas into exploration, and though the rewards may be modest, they help the world feel alive.
The Environment is Largely Destructible
Much of the world in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is destructible, adding another layer of interactivity. Yasuke’s powerful strikes can easily break furniture, crates, or even doors. Likewise, both protagonists—and even enemies—can clear away bushes and small trees during combat. This can be used strategically, for instance, by destroying lanterns or torches with projectiles like Kunai to manipulate lighting and create stealth paths or diversions.
Observe Extends Loot Icon Visibility
Using Observe or Eagle Vision allows players to tag and highlight valuable items in the environment. This mechanic also works for harder-to-find collectibles like Lost Pages in temples. Once tagged, these items remain visible within the area, making it easier to gather resources without excessive backtracking or searching.
Optional Conversations Offer Hidden Rewards
White speech bubble icons above NPCs indicate optional dialogue that often yields useful intel. These conversations may unlock Scout data, point toward hidden activities, or reveal locations of Legendary Chests. However, if all Scout slots are filled and all related points of interest are discovered, the game will block rewards from further optional talks, making it best to interact only when slots are available.
Learn Combat Cues to Excel in Battle
Success in combat relies heavily on recognizing visual indicators:
- A white flash signals a parryable attack, leaving the enemy vulnerable if timed correctly.
- A red flash means the attack cannot be blocked, requiring players to dodge to avoid damage.
- A blue flash indicates a combo sequence, and players must parry multiple attacks in a row to stagger the opponent.
Understanding and reacting to these cues is crucial for surviving more intense battles and mastering each character’s fighting style.