In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke face a formidable challenge, but they don't have to face it alone. If you're looking for the best way to find and recruit all allies in this game, you've come to the right place.

Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained

There are two types of allies you can recruit in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The first type enhances the functionality of your Hideout, such as the blacksmith, who allows you to forge and upgrade your equipment. The second type serves as combat companions in the world, equipped with upgradeable abilities that can be invaluable in various scenarios.

Once you've recruited a combat ally, you can manage them either at the Hideout or 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 eliminated. Building a dojo in the Hideout not only allows you to level up your allies but also enables you to have two allies equipped simultaneously.

While allies are optional and can be missed during your journey through the story, having an extra ally 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

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

For starters, here are the non-combat allies that you can recruit through main and side quests:

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

These allies enhance your Hideout's capabilities, providing essential services. The following allies are combat-focused and can be vital in overcoming the challenges in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Yaya

The Buddhist monk Yaya is first encountered during the main quest "The Fatherless Monk." She values justice over unnecessary violence, aligning her principles with Yasuke's.

To recruit Yaya, during the "Heads Will Roll" quest, choose to spare the target known as The Wounded. This decision aligns with her values and is crucial for building your relationship with her.

Next, undertake the "Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs" missions. Make the right choices by convincing her to forgive her wayward apprentice and seek forgiveness together. This will lead to the final decision where you can invite her to join your cause.

As a close-combat expert, Yaya's abilities evolve at each level:

• Novice: Yaya joins the fight and performs pushback attacks.
• Initiate: When joining the fight, Yaya will knock down an enemy.
• Veteran: Yaya uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.

Katsuhime

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

If you need an ally skilled in ranged combat, Katsuhime is your best bet. The Koga shinobi excels in using the Teppo for high-damage attacks.

In the Omi region, you'll start the questline by hunting down The Naginata. Complete the quests "Showdown in Sakamoto" and "Requiem for Rokkaku," which will unlock the "Letter from Katsuhime" sidequest. Follow this questline until you reach "The Diary of Lady Rokkaku." Rescue the target and invite Katsuhime to join your league.

Katsuhime's abilities focus on debilitating and eliminating enemies:

• Novice: Katsuhime deals daze damage upon entering the fight.
• Initiate: She uses a dazing bomb for an area-of-effect impact when entering a fight.
• Veteran: Katsuhime’s teppo shots that hit a dazed target now ricochet to another target.

Gennojo

The cunning thief Gennojo is first encountered during the "Missing Missive" quest, part of locating The Fool. After sparing him, he'll reappear in the "Lost Honor" mission, followed by "Sake and Sword," "Honor Among Thieves," and "Stolen Hearts."

Throughout these quests, flirt with Gennojo and affirm his convictions. In the "The Godless Harvest" side quest, prevent him from choosing the explosive option and convince him to join your team.

Gennojo's abilities are centered around cunning and distraction:

• Novice: Gennojo arrives at the fight with a bomb to shock the enemy.
• Initiate: The thief acts as a distraction to draw the attention of nearby enemies.
• Veteran: His presence prevents servants from alerting others to your crimes.

Ibuki

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

In Iga, you'll meet the ronin Ibuki, who is fighting against corruption. Start his recruitment with the "Ambush Interrupted" sidequest near Kashiwara Village, using Yasuke. Continue his questline, always siding with Ibuki and, if desired, romancing him. At the end of his storyline, invite him to join your organization.

Ibuki's combat abilities focus on impact and armor destruction:

• Novice: Ibuki joins the fight and deals impact attacks.
• Initiate: When joining the fight, Ibuki shatters the armor of nearby enemies.
• Veteran: Ibuki will shatter the armor of nearby enemies more frequently during combat.

Oni-yuri

If you prefer to disable rather than kill your enemies, Oni-yuri is the ally for you. Start her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the "Sweet Lies" sidequest.

Despite her questionable methods, trust Oni-yuri throughout her quests. This trust will lead to the final decision to invite her into the league, offering her a chance to change her ways.

Oni-yuri's abilities focus on incapacitation:

• Novice: Oni-yuri enters the fray and puts an enemy to sleep.
• Initiate: She releases a poison cloud that affects nearby enemies.
• Veteran: Enemy reinforcements will now be delayed.

That's everything you need to know about finding and recruiting all allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. For more tips and information, be sure to visit The Escapist.

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