In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players can experience romantic interactions through the two main characters, Naoe and Yasuke, as they journey through Japan. This installment in the series introduces a fresh dynamic by featuring two distinct protagonists with unique playstyles, while still retaining familiar gameplay elements, including romance options with various NPCs (non-playable characters).
Romance has been a recurring feature in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, though it’s usually a minor aspect that players might overlook if they’re not actively seeking it out. In total, there are seven characters available for romance with either Naoe or Yasuke. To engage in these romances, you’ll need to make specific dialogue choices during conversations with them. It’s important to note that if you play in Canon Mode, romance options will be disabled.
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All Romance Options for Naoe
Gennoji – First Romantic Encounter for Naoe
Naoe has three romantic interests, with Gennoji being the first. You cannot miss this encounter when facing him during the Missing Missive quest. The relationship progresses, and Naoe can romance Gennoji by selecting the right dialogue options across three different missions.
During the Sake and Swords quest, the relationship with Gennoji will evolve if you choose the lines "Depends what you’re offering" and "Show me, Thief." In Honor Among Thieves, wrap up the conversation with "I’m Keeping It Then." The last mission providing romantic dialogue is Stolen Hearts, where you should say at the start, "I’m here for you." Before concluding the quest, select "I’d like to embrace you." This leads to the two characters sharing a close moment.
Katsuhime – Romance or Recruit
Katsuhime is another option for Naoe and is the only female character she can potentially romance. Katsuhime has one of the more extended quest lines for romances in Assassin’s Creed Shadows and can also be recruited as an ally. You first meet her during the Showdown in Sakamoto quest, and at the end of this section, you need to select the line "I like your Teppo."
As you progress, follow through various quests starting with Letter From Katsuhime, where you need to choose "It offers time with me." Then in The Tales of Genin, opt for "I do enjoy your company." You can recruit Katsuhime in the Diary of Lady Rokkaku quest, which involves saying, "Yes. Join us." This includes moments that lead to a tender embrace if you say, "Let’s find out." followed by "Yes. Forever."
Koshire – A Third Option
Koshire, an injured warrior during one of the quests, is another potential romance for Naoe. This connection is the most straightforward, requiring only one quest rather than multiple interactions. In the Lead Turns quest, select the lines, "You’re more than a blade to me," "I’d like to spend more time with you," "You must follow your heart," or "Like me" to complete the romance storyline.
All Romance Options for Yasuke
Hori Hidimesa – A Brief Romance
Yasuke can explore four different romantic avenues in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the first being Hori Hidimesa encountered early in the main story during the The Betrayer quest. To initiate this short romance, simply choose the option, "Meeting you was my reward," at the end of the quest for a romantic scene.
Lady Oichi – A Regal Romance
Though the romance between Yasuke and Lady Oichi is not fully depicted, there are key dialogue choices needed to advance their relationship. Select options during three conversations and make a crucial decision in the story to deepen their dynamic.
In the flashback quest called An Education, choose the line, "Some company might be nice." In the The Wheel Unmasked quest, decide to spare your targets, or you won’t have the chance to romance her. Throughout the two-part quest, The Wheel Turns 1 + 2, make sure to choose "I miss your smile" and "I am drawn to you." Finally, the option "Let’s enjoy the moment" leads to a happy resolution.
Ibuki – A Direct Approach
Ibuki also requires you to complete multiple quests before engaging in romance. This non-binary character can also be recruited into the League. You must follow the three consecutive quests: Homecoming, Homecoming 2, and Homecoming 3. In each quest, select the lines, "Your mind works in beautiful ways," "You don’t have to be alone," and "Let’s be together in another way."
In the last mission, Putting Down Roots, if you choose the heart option "I want more than friendship," you will trigger a romantic moment between them.
Rin – Learning Leads to Love
The final romantic choice for Yasuke is Rin, who admires his strength while he teaches her to fight. In the Arrow Strike quest, you need to select the line, "It wasn’t my archery you were testing." Following this, their relationship grows as you progress through missions.
In total, there are seven NPCs that Naoe and Yasuke can romance throughout Assassin’s Creed Shadows, provided you choose the appropriate dialogue options. Players can pursue all these romantic paths in a single playthrough without impacting other romance options.
