In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke face a daunting challenge, but they don't have to face it alone. If you're looking to bolster your team by finding and recruiting all available allies, you've come to the right place.

Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained

In the game, you can recruit two types of allies. The first type enhances your Hideout with new functionalities, like the blacksmith, who enables equipment forging and upgrading. The second type consists of combat companions who can join you in the field, bringing their own set of upgradeable abilities that prove invaluable in various scenarios.

Once you recruit a combat ally, you can manage them either at the Hideout or at any unlocked kakurega. When called into action, they'll deploy their initial skill and continue fighting by your side until they're defeated or all enemies are vanquished. Constructing a dojo in the Hideout allows you to level up these allies and equip up to two at a time.

While allies are optional and you might miss them during your journey through the main storyline, having additional support can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.

Related: Where to Find the Cat Island in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

All Allies You Can Find & Recruit in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Here are the non-combat allies you can recruit through main and side quests:

• Tomiko – Recruited during the quest "An Unpayable Debt."
• Junjiro – Joins you in "From Spark to Flame."
• Heiji (Blacksmith) – Available through "Way of the Blacksmith."

These allies enhance your Hideout's capabilities. Now, let's delve into the combat allies who can join your fight:

Yaya

Yaya, a Buddhist monk, is first encountered during the main quest "The Fatherless Monk." Her commitment to justice over violence aligns with Yasuke's values. To recruit her:

1. During the "Heads Will Roll" quest, choose to spare the target known as The Wounded.
2. Complete the "Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs" missions, making choices that align with her values, such as convincing her to forgive her apprentice and seek forgiveness themselves.
3. Finally, ask her to join your cause.

Yaya's abilities at each level include:

• Novice: Joins the fight with pushback attacks.
• Initiate: Knocks down an enemy upon joining the fight.
• Veteran: Uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.

Katsuhime

Katsuhime, a Koga shinobi skilled in ranged combat with the Teppo, can be recruited by:

1. Completing quests in the Omi region, including "Showdown in Sakamoto" and "Requiem for Rokkaku."
2. Engaging with the "Letter from Katsuhime" sidequest and following the questline until "The Diary of Lady Rokkaku."
3. Rescuing the target and inviting Katsuhime to join your league.

Her abilities include:

• Novice: Deals daze damage upon entering the fight.
• Initiate: Uses a dazing bomb for an area effect upon entering the fight.
• Veteran: Her teppo shots ricochet to another target if they hit a dazed enemy.

Gennojo

Gennojo, the sly thief, is first encountered in the "Missing Missive" quest. To recruit him:

1. Spare him during the initial encounter.
2. Complete subsequent quests like "Lost Honor," "Sake and Sword," "Honor Among Thieves," and "Stolen Hearts."
3. Flirt with him and affirm his convictions at every opportunity.
4. In "The Godless Harvest" side quest, prevent him from using explosives and convince him to join your team.

Gennojo's abilities are:

• Novice: Arrives with a bomb to shock enemies.
• Initiate: Acts as a distraction to draw enemy attention.
• Veteran: Prevents servants from alerting others to your crimes.

Ibuki

In Iga, you'll meet Ibuki, a ronin fighting corruption. To recruit him:

1. Start with the "Ambush Interrupted" sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke.
2. Consistently side with Ibuki and, if desired, pursue a romantic relationship with him.
3. At the end of his questline, invite him to join your organization.

Ibuki's capabilities include:

• Novice: Joins the fight with impact attacks.
• Initiate: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies upon joining the fight.
• Veteran: Increases the frequency of shattering enemy armor during combat.

Oni-yuri

Oni-yuri specializes in disabling rather than killing enemies. To recruit her:

1. Begin her sidequests in Tsuruga, Wakasa, starting with "Sweet Lies."
2. Trust her throughout her quests, despite questions about her methods.
3. Make the final decision to allow her to join the league, with hopes of her changing her ways.

Her abilities are:

• Novice: Puts an enemy to sleep upon entering the fight.
• Initiate: Releases a poison cloud affecting nearby enemies.
• Veteran: Delays enemy reinforcements.

That's all you need to know about finding and recruiting all allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. For more information, check out The Escapist.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.