In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke face a challenging journey, but they don't have to go it alone. If you're looking to bolster your team by finding and recruiting all allies, you're in 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 functions, such as the blacksmith, who enables you to forge and upgrade your equipment. The second type consists of combat companions who can be deployed in the field, equipped with upgradeable abilities that prove invaluable in various scenarios.

Once a combat ally joins your ranks, you can manage them from the Hideout or any unlocked kakuregas. When summoned, they'll deploy their initial skill and fight alongside you until they're defeated or all enemies are vanquished. Constructing a dojo in the Hideout allows you to level up your allies and equip two at once.

While allies are optional and you can complete the story without them, 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 – An Unpayable Debt
• Junjiro – From Spark to Flame
• Heiji (Blacksmith) – Way of the Blacksmith

These allies enhance your Hideout's capabilities. The following allies can be recruited to aid you in combat:

Yaya

Yaya, a Buddhist monk, is introduced during the main quest, The Fatherless Monk. She values justice over violence, aligning with Yasuke's principles. To recruit her, during the Heads Will Roll quest, choose to spare the target, The Wounded. Then, 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 together. Finally, invite her to join your cause.

Yaya's combat abilities evolve as follows:

• 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, can be recruited in the Omi region. Start by completing the Showdown in Sakamoto and Requiem for Rokkaku quests, followed by the Letter from Katsuhime sidequest. Continue the questline until The Diary of Lady Rokkaku, where you'll rescue the target and invite Katsuhime to join your league.

Katsuhime's abilities include:

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

Gennojo

Gennojo, a cunning thief, is first encountered during the Missing Missive quest. After sparing him, continue through Lost Honor, Sake and Sword, Honor Among Thieves, and Stolen Hearts. Flirt with him and support his convictions. 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. Start with the Ambush Interrupted sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke. Consistently side with Ibuki and, if desired, pursue a romantic relationship. At the end of his questline, invite him to join your organization.

Ibuki's abilities include:

• Novice: Joins the fight with impact attacks.
• Initiate: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies upon joining.
• Veteran: Frequently shatters the armor of nearby enemies during combat.

Oni-yuri

Oni-yuri specializes in disabling enemies rather than killing them. Begin her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the Sweet Lies sidequest. Trust her throughout her quests, culminating in the decision to invite her to join your league and potentially change her ways.

Oni-yuri's abilities are:

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

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

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