Hanazono Castle Guide: Assassin's Creed Shadows' Most Forgiving Stronghold in 2026

Seasoned players of Assassin's Creed Shadows know that many of the game's castles ask for patience, sharp eyes, and a willingness to reload after one too many Samurai parries. Hanazono Castle, however, is the exception that almost apologizes for being so easy. It sits in a quiet stretch of the Yamashiro region like an old, tired guard who has long stopped caring about the gate. That does not mean the place is completely harmless—a careless duel can still end badly—but anyone who walks in prepared and takes a breath between steps will likely clear this stronghold without breaking a sweat.

Where to Find Hanazono Castle

Hanazono Castle is located in the Yamashiro region, which means it is viable fairly early in a playthrough. More precisely, the castle sits in the northern part of Yamashiro, east of the Genbu Highlands and north of Kyoto. The area around the ruin is oddly empty compared with most strongholds in the game. That emptiness works in the player's favor: fewer patrols, fewer alarms, and more room to plan a route. In many ways, Hanazono Castle feels less like a fortress and more like a leftover set piece that forgot to put up a fight.

How to Enter Hanazono Castle

Players have a surprising number of ways to slip inside Hanazono Castle, and most of them are forgiving. The structure is utterly dilapidated—a crumbling ruin that offers little real fortification to those inside.

• South wall: A climbable wall on the south side leads more or less straight into the heart of the castle. There are not many archers stationed on the walls, so this route is especially smooth.

• East platform: On the east side, a small platform allows players to grapple onto the castle wall. This is a more vertical entry, but it is perfectly viable for players who enjoy a little climbing.

• Main entrance: The main entrance is guarded, but not particularly well. The enemies standing there are not formidable, and they can be taken down without too much trouble.

• West gap: The west wall has crumbled entirely, leaving a hole that can simply be walked through. This entrance is also guarded, but again, not heavily.

For players who prefer to avoid a fight, the south or west routes are probably the easiest. The castle practically leaves its back door open.

Where to Find Every Samurai

There are only two Samurai in this castle. That small number is the main reason Hanazono feels so approachable. Both Samurai have enemies nearby, and because of their large health pools, they can be tough to kill with a single assassination. Patience remains the best tool here.

First Samurai

The first Samurai is on the ground, right near the main structure of the castle. He patrols a small area near a fire, with a few different enemies nearby. Three of these enemies can be stealth-assassinated very easily, as long as the player waits for the Samurai to move to a different section. Let him walk away, thin out the smaller guards, and then deal with him without an audience.

Second Samurai

The second Samurai is inside the main structure of the castle. Two other enemies share the room with him: one on the staircase, and one standing near the edge of the room. The staircase enemy is fairly easy to assassinate first, leaving only the Samurai and one remaining guard. At that point, the fight becomes much more manageable. It is still important not to get cocky—this Samurai hits just as hard as any other—but with the room mostly cleared, it is a very fair duel.

Where to Find the Legendary Chest

The Legendary chest for Hanazono Castle is actually in the same room as the second Samurai. This is a nice touch, because players do not have to go hunting through a maze of corridors after the fight. The chest contains the Protector's Helmet for Yasuke. When equipped, this helmet deals damage to enemies that Yasuke parries. For players building Yasuke around defensive timing and counters, that reward is a handy upgrade.

There are other chests and hideout loot scattered throughout the castle, though it is not quite as lucrative as some of the other strongholds in the game. Think of Hanazono Castle as a light snack rather than a full feast. The main prize is the helmet, and the castle is so easy to reach and clear that the trip feels generous.

Quick Summary

Final Thoughts

Even in 2026, Hanazono Castle remains a welcome breather in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Many strongholds in the game seem to enjoy testing the player's patience with layered defenses and tight corridors, but this one is practically a walk in the park—or, more accurately, a walk through a crumbling ruin. Players who need a quick gear upgrade or simply want to practice their assassination rhythm without too much pressure should head north of Kyoto and enjoy the easy loot. Just remember: easy does not mean invincible, so keep a blade ready.