A Deep Dive into the Main Quest of Assassin's Creed Shadows

Since its release, Assassin's Creed Shadows has immersed players in a sprawling tale of vengeance, secret alliances, and personal transformation set against the blood-soaked tapestry of Japan's Sengoku Period. The main quest is not a simple line from point A to B—it weaves together two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, whose fates become entangled in a larger conspiracy. The campaign unfolds like an epic novel, urging players to scout, investigate, and unravel mysteries at every turn. Below, we journey through the major story beats, revealing how each quest shapes the narrative and introduces key gameplay mechanics.

The Prologue: Yasuke Arrives

Players step into Yasuke's sandals just as he steps onto Japanese soil for the first time. After a brief escort through a bustling port city, he finds himself in the imposing presence of Oda Nobunaga. A seemingly small dialogue choice presents itself—whether to admit understanding the warlord’s words or feign ignorance. In truth, the choice matters little; it merely flavors the ensuing conversation, but it establishes that player agency, however modest, will pop up throughout the saga.

The Lord’s Favor and First Blood

The mission “The Lord's Favor” begins automatically, throwing Yasuke straight into his first combat tutorial. Early opponents are mercifully gentle, allowing players to get comfortable with parries. Attacks heralded by a white circle must be deflected with precise timing, creating openings for counterblows. Soon the difficulty escalates with Shinobi Leaders, and the game introduces ability usage by holding the left trigger. By the time players stand at Nobunaga’s side, they have tasted blood and understand the rhythm of Yasuke’s powerful, deliberate strikes.

Switching Blades: Naoe’s Introduction

Without warning, the perspective shifts to Naoe. Her journey begins on horseback, following a trusted ally to a shrine where a second tutorial awaits. Here, the lesson is survival against unstoppable attacks—those marked with a red flash. No block, no parry; only a well-timed dodge can save her. Then come enemy combos, indicated by blue circles, which can be entirely blocked to stagger opponents. After a quick primer on locking on and switching targets, Naoe receives her iconic Hidden Blades. The stealth tutorial that follows teaches the essentials: tagging enemies, crouching in tall grass, whistling to lure guards, and reading alert meters. The section culminates in a tense infiltration of an ancient kofun, setting the stage for the real conflict.

The Onryō Threat

In a brief return to Yasuke, players are reminded of his brute strength—he can sprint through doors, a skill that proves invaluable later. The narrative then plunges back into Naoe’s hands as she learns of the Onryō, a mysterious and deadly cabal also known as the Shinbakufu. Her first major assassination mission teaches castle infiltration. By using eagle vision to locate a blue orb of intuition, then combining parkour, kunai throws, and the grappling hook, Naoe can silently eliminate a target named Yoshihiro. The subsequent escape can be a ghost-like exit or a frantic sprint; either way, the recovery of her precious box triggers a cutscene that deepens the intrigue.

An Artist’s Soul and Hideout Foundations

Following a young boy named Junjiro, Naoe learns two new mechanics. First, the importance of synchronizing viewpoints—those high perches that clear the fog of war and serve as fast-travel anchors. The second is sumi-e painting, a serene activity that involves stalking wild animals to capture their essence and earn hideout decorations. Once Naoe has recovered her strength, she sets off to Makinoodera Temple, where meeting a woman named Tomiko opens up the hideout feature. This safe haven becomes a central hub for managing resources and allies.

Branching Paths: Searching Sakai and the Fatherless Monk

The quest splits into two mandatory branches. One path follows “Searching Sakai,” which begins with a scout tutorial and escalates into a tense confrontation with a gunsmith and his brother. A pivotal moral choice arises here, forcing players to weigh mercy against justice. After resolving the standoff, scouts are deployed once more to locate Imai Sokyu, an influential merchant, leading to two sub-quests: “Dress for Success” and “The Perfect Gift.”

Dressing for Success: A Pirate’s Silk

The task of acquiring fine silks sends Naoe to a pirate vessel anchored off the coast of Sakai. Hanging from the ship’s main deck provides ample hiding spots for stealthy scavenging. Once the precious fabric is secured and returned to a tailor, Naoe is presented with a choice: a red kosode or a black one. The decision is purely cosmetic, but it carries weight during the upcoming ceremony.

The Perfect Gift and Tea Ceremony Etiquette

Another round of scouting leads to Sen no Rikyū, a master of the tea ceremony. Dialogue options hold no lasting consequence, but the wisdoms he shares are critical—players must memorize the intricate steps of preparing and receiving a bowl of tea. Failing to perform correctly later could have social ramifications, though the story presses on regardless. The mission highlights how Assassin’s Creed Shadows blends cultural authenticity with gameplay, turning a simple ritual into a test of attention.

From here, the narrative spirals deeper into political machinations, secret identities, and the ever-present shadow of the Onryō. Each completed quest peels back another layer of the Sengoku-era drama, and the dual protagonists’ paths converge and diverge in surprising ways. The scouting system ensures that no objective is handed over carelessly, rewarding curiosity and thorough exploration. Whether you prefer Yasuke’s towering presence or Naoe’s silent grace, the main quest offers a constantly shifting spectacle that keeps players engaged for dozens of hours.