الوسم: assassinate

  • Defeating Akechi Mitsuhide and the Horseman in AC Shadows

    Defeating Akechi Mitsuhide and the Horseman in AC Shadows

    After a long journey, we’re finally at the conclusion of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The time has come to take down the Shinbakfu once and for all—a task that has required countless hours and numerous assassinations.

    At this stage in the game, only two Shinbakfu members remain. Don’t fret; both can be eliminated through a few straightforward quests that are close together. Keep reading for strategies on how to finish up in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

    Wolves And Foxes

    How To Complete Naoe’s Personal Journey

    Once you defeat The Fox—the likely final target—you’ll see that Akechi Mitsuhide’s quest line will require you to complete Naoe’s personal journey. If you groaned at the lengthening of the quest, don’t worry. The requirements are quite easy.

    Your first task is to finish four Kuji-Kiri missions, which serve as flashbacks into Naoe’s past. These missions are straightforward, and upon completing four of them, you’ll unlock a quest called Wolves and Foxes. Head over to Tokugawa’s location marked on the map. When you arrive, you’ll find him under attack, so clear out the enemies. Afterward, speak with Hanzo to complete this mission and unlock the next one titled Secrets of the Blade.

    Location for the Secrets of the Blade mission.

    You can pursue Naoe’s personal quest line at this point, as it unlocks the Apprentice Assassin outfit. However, this moment also reopens Mitsuhide’s quest, technically completing Naoe’s personal journey. Though you haven’t truly completed it, this allows the main quest to continue without any additional delays until you finish the game.

    The Peasant Who Would Be King

    Where To Meet Lady Nene

    Location for the Peasant Who Would Be King mission.

    Once you get to this point in Naoe’s quest, head north of the Hills of Meeting to meet Lady Nene at the designated spot on the map. A conversation with her will provide details about the mission ahead. It’s just a brief chat, so listen in, and then be ready to confront Mitsuhide.

    If you haven’t already, consider exploring more of Naoe and Yasuke’s personal stories; they will help you level up nicely.

    Topple The Traitor

    Where To Meet Hideyoshi

    Location for the Topple The Traitor mission.

    As you approach the end, you’ll need to meet Hideyoshi first to initiate the mission. He is located in Yamazaki, and a chat with him will set things into motion. You’ll have the option to play as either Naoe or Yasuke. The first leg of the mission focuses on securing a castle from some enemies, and I recommend playing as Yasuke to expedite things.

    Once the mission starts, your main objective is to eliminate all enemies on the way to assassinate Mitsuhide, who is situated in the castle tower. Engage anyone who obstructs your path until you reach a locked door. As Naoe, you can climb over, but if you’re Yasuke, you’ll need to charge into the door to break through.

    Choosing between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin's Creed Shadows.

    After this, a brief cutscene will show Mitsuhide attempting to escape on horseback. You’ll then switch to Naoe, who will pursue him. Keeping pace with Mitsuhide should be easy given your experience riding in Shadows.

    Once you catch up to Mitsuhide, he will cease his escape, leading to the real battle.

    Assassinating Akechi Mitsuhide

    Naoe and Yasuke battling Mitsuhide.

    Once the dialogue ends, you’ll begin the fight controlling Yasuke before eventually switching to Naoe. Mitsuhide is a formidable opponent at Level 35 and employs a wide range of combat techniques, including heavy strikes that you’ll need to dodge and quick slashes that require precise parrying.

    Beware of his unpredictable attack patterns. For instance, when he raises his sword for a strong strike, he may kick dirt to throw you off before the actual attack comes. His quick strikes often come from behind his back, so stay alert.

    Naoe engaging in combat with Mitsuhide.

    Once you break his armor and reduce his health by half, Naoe will swap in. Things get more challenging here as his speed increases, and he incorporates running strikes into his pattern. Fighting Mitsuhide requires even more vigilance during this round.

    When playing as Naoe, using the kusarigama is advantageous due to its range. Yasuke, on the other hand, will still find success with the naginata.

    Decision to eliminate Mitsuhide as Yasuke or Naoe.

    Once you’ve overcome Mitsuhide, he will reveal the contents of the box and identify who possesses it. You’ll subsequently face a choice regarding who you want to take the final shot at Mitsuhide. Personally, I chose Yasuke since I had played more as him, though Naoe may be more fitting for that last blow.

    The Man Behind The Mask

    Assassinating Ashikaga Yoshiaki

    Location for The Man Behind The Mask mission.

    With all missions completed, you’re headed toward a rather anticlimactic conclusion for Assassin’s Creed Shadows and the Shinbakfu saga. Make your way to the northern part of Genbu Highlands, where you’ll find Ashikaga Yoshiaki waiting for his fate. Your dialogue choices here are limited.

    This mission culminates in a cutscene that concludes with you sparing Yoshiaki, regardless of your intentions. This marks the end of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, but you can continue to the epilogue to view the real credits, which will be covered in a separate guide.

  • Mastering the Elimination of the Ox in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

    Mastering the Elimination of the Ox in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

    In the game Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke are on a mission to take down the Shinbakfu and seek revenge against various adversaries, including corrupt daimyos. As players progress, they will encounter a mix of familiar and unfamiliar foes.

    As you engage in these missions, you’ll notice that the dynamic doesn’t change much, particularly with The Ox, who, while not the most central antagonist, remains a formidable opponent. Here’s how to tackle this encounter effectively.

    A Voice in Anger

    Helping the Abbot

    To initiate your fight against The Ox, complete the introductory quest, A Voice in Anger, located at Tanjosan Myoyoji Temple in Harima. Approach this mission as either Yasuke or Naoe. Inside the temple, you’ll find the abbot being held captive. Use the observation feature (LT on Xbox or L2 on PS5) to locate him, but be prepared to eliminate some enemies first.

    After rescuing the abbot, you’ll need to sit through a lengthy cutscene that introduces The Ox, Bessho Harumasa. Following this, you’ll have to free Nakamura Tadashige from a nearby camp. Naoe is a suitable choice here due to the numerous guards and opportunities for stealth.

    Take out the enemies quietly and free Nakamura, leading to another long cutscene where he’ll explain the situation and set up subsequent quests.

    Astray

    Locating The Ox’s Invasion Plan

    Next, you’ll need to find The Ox’s invasion plans, which are hidden in Hiraiyama Fort in Harima. This task is best suited for Yasuke because of the significant combat involved, but Naoe can manage with some careful navigation.

    Once at Hiraiyama Fort, look for several blue markers on the map, indicating potential locations of the plans. Be mindful of the enemies surrounding this area, as your level in the game will significantly impact how much resistance you face.

    Tip: Watch for alarm bells in the area, as they will attract Guardians, complicating your mission.

    After retrieving the invasion plans, head to Kyokaiji Temple where Nakamura Tadashige awaits. Make sure to fast travel, either through a synchronization point or a hideout, to save time. The fighting in this section could make it a lengthy quest despite the straightforward objectives.

    Brothers in Arms

    Finding the Mysterious Ronin

    The next quest, Brothers in Arms, has you searching for a ronin located north of Miki Docks in Harima. Get to the marker on your map to find a ronin battling adversaries. Assist him, and once the enemies are vanquished, you’ll learn his name—Koshiro—and that he’s in pursuit of someone named Seiji.

    To locate Seiji, proceed to Kanki Castle as marked on your map. This mission gets tricky due to the number of enemies present, but the castle has enough vertical space for stealth approaches, making Naoe a better option here.

    Finding Commander Seiji will be your main goal, as he’s waiting for you at the courtyard of Jorakuji Temple. Koshiro can help you in the ensuing fight, although he’s just another regular enemy with a long health bar.

    Tip: Be wary of Seiji’s heavy kick attack, but by now you should have powerful moves to handle him easily.

    Of My Enemy

    Tracking Hiromichi’s Associate

    With the previous missions complete, you’re now ready to tackle the next phase involving the quest Of My Enemy, where you will locate Hiromichi’s man in Harima, near the Horikawa Dock. After speaking with him, he leads you to Hiromichi, who tasks you with eliminating The Ox’s lieutenant on a boat marked on your map.

    Prepare for more combat as you make your way there. Look for the Takasago Commander, and once defeated, grab the shipping manifesto from his body and return it to Hiromichi. Here, you’ll again face a choice—give up the manifesto or keep it for yourself. I opted not to hand it over, and it netted me some appreciation but no major plot shifts.

    Broken Horn

    Preparing to Take Down The Ox

    For the final leg of the mission, return to Nakamura Tadashige to set the stage for the impending confrontation with The Ox. Choose your character wisely—Yasuke is a superior choice given the fighting that lies ahead.

    As Yasuke, you’ll face off against The Ox’s minions, which aren’t overly challenging if you’re at the right level. After clearing them out, you’ll come face-to-face with The Ox, who starts off with two henchmen. It’s advantageous to eliminate these allies first to avoid being outnumbered.

    The Ox wields a massive Kanabo and like other heavy weapon users, he relies on predictable, heavy attacks that are best dodged rather than blocked.

    Tip: By executing moves that knock enemies down, like the Naginata’s impale, you can open up the Ox for a powerful follow-up strike.

    Once you defeat The Ox, the outcome remains the same no matter the dialogue choices—Yasuke ends up killing him. This victory earns you the Daybreak’s Fury Legendary Kanabo and ranks another Shinbakfu member among your conquered foes.