My Must-Play Side Quests in Assassin's Creed Shadows (2026 Guide)

Hey there, fellow assassins! It's 2026, and I'm still diving back into Assassin's Creed Shadows. You know how it goes: you start as Naoe after that traumatic episode, and suddenly there's a whole world of distractions. But which side quests are actually worth your time? Let me share my personal list of the ones you should hunt down first. Trust me, these aren't just filler—they unlock mechanics, give you sweet loot, and flesh out the story. So, grab your kuji-kiri beads and let's get into it. 🎮

1. Kuji-kiri (Naoe's Meditation Spots)

Ever feel like you just need a moment of zen? That's exactly what Kuji-kiri offers. These meditation zones are exclusive to Naoe, and completing them grants you Knowledge Points—a crucial resource for unlocking skills. But here's the kicker: the first three times you use them, you'll also get flashbacks into Naoe's past through the side quests Shinobi Warfare, Mind and Body, and Traditions. After that, they're just easy Knowledge Points. You can find early spots at Eboshigata Hachiman Shrine, the Hideout, and near Kawachi Lost Pagoda. Why skip these? You shouldn't. 😌

2. Yasuke's Past (An Education, Lady of Whispers, Lords of Azuchi)

Once you unlock Yasuke, head to Azuchi Castle to start three flashback quests. They focus on his training as a samurai under Lord Nobunaga and introduce characters like Nobutsuna, Marume, Oichi, and Nene. Who doesn't want to know more about Yasuke's journey? They're short, not too hard, and add a lot of depth to his character. If you're a lore junkie like me, these are unmissable. ⚔️

3. Way of the Blacksmith

This is arguably the most important side quest in the game. At the Hideout, Tomiko asks Naoe to find a blacksmith. Head to Sakai and recruit Heiji. Why bother? Because he unlocks transmogrification for your gear and lets you upgrade weapons and armor with Gold. But don't make the mistake of upgrading too early—you'll waste resources. Still, getting Heiji early is a game-changer. 🔨

4. Thrown to the Dogs

Start this in Tennoji Temple (Osaka region). You'll find a brutally beaten dog, Tsuki-maru, crying over his master's grave. He leads you to his owner's farm where you meet his sister Takako. She's frustrated and beats the poor dog. You can kill her or spare her—but honestly, after seeing Tsuki-maru's state, sparing her feels wrong. Either way, you get Tsuki-maru as a pet. Who could resist that good boy? 🐕

5. The Stray Dogs

This one unlocks after you complete the main mission to eliminate Wada Koretake. If you spared certain characters, Yaya—a female monk—can be recruited as an ally. She then asks Naoe to find an old family member, Tetsuo. Yaya is a solid ally to have early on, and the quest adds a nice personal touch. Plus, it's not another dog quest, despite the name. 😅

6. The Kabukimono

This multi-mission side quest is easy to stumble into. Head to Katano (west of the Hideout) and find Katano Oil Trading. There you'll face a group of bandits led by Chief Cuckoo. Defeat them to add the quest to your Objectives board. Another member, Ghost General, is at the Port of Saki docks. Each victory gives you handsome loot and a cool splash screen that feels straight out of a samurai anime. Who doesn't love a good bandit boss rush? 🏯

7. The Yokai

Another multi-mission questline. Find a grumpy old man, Mamushi, hiding at Nyoiji Daiji Temple in the Hills of Meeting. He's tired of people asking him to investigate Yokai sightings, so Naoe does it instead. It's like a Japanese take on The X-Files. You'll hunt a Kappa in Haunted Tatarigami Village and a Yuki Onna in Kawachi Kaza-ana Cave. Each case has an interesting storyline, so get hunting! 👻

8. Contracts at Kakurega

Every RPG has fetch quests, and Shadows is no different. In major cities, you'll find Kakurega—hideouts that serve as fast travel points and supply refills. Here you can take on Contracts, like stealing supplies back from enemies or eliminating a set number of targets. They're easy, repeatable, and a great way to raise money. More unlock as you level up or progress the story. Need cash? These are your best bet. 💰

Quick Summary Table

So there you have it—my go-to side quests in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Whether you're a completionist or just want the best gear, these are worth your time. What are you waiting for? Get out there and start questing! 🎌