Besides figuring out whether to pick Yasuke or Naoe, players want to know all allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows that help them out during tough missions. Unlike Scouts, the allies system in Ubisoft’s action RPG allows players to team up with six distinct characters in feudal Japan. Allies are companions you can summon during missions or combat. To call one, hold L2 on PS5 or right-click on PC, then press their assigned button—triangle or cross on PS5, 5 or 6 on PC. Each ally has an active skill that triggers immediately, plus passive benefits that unlock as they level up.
Initially, only one ally can join you, but constructing a Dojo at your Hideout and upgrading it to Rank 2 allows two at once. If an ally takes too much damage, they retreat via smoke bomb and are unavailable for approximately six minutes.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about all allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows and how to unlock allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
All Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
There are nine distinct characters to pick from in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Six of these characters will join you in combat or stealth as Naoe or Yasuke, while three support from the Hideout. They are:
- Tomiko
- Junjiro
- Heiji
- Yaya
- Gennojo
- Katsuhime
- Yagoro
- Ibuki
- Oni-Yuri
How to Unlock Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
All allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows aren’t available from the start. Players must progress through the main story for about 10-12 hours until completing the “From Spark to Flame” quest in Izumi Settsu. This unlocks the Hideout and The League quest board, where recruitment begins.
Tomiko
A fierce yet fair Iga ally, Tomiko oversees the Izumi Settsu Hideout. You meet her in “Fight of the Kakushiba Ikki.” To unlock her, complete “An Unpayable Debt” in Izumi Settsu. She guides Naoe early on, managing The League and assigning quests. She doesn’t fight but is essential for team coordination.
Junjiro
A young Makinoodera Temple monk, Junjiro aids Naoe’s recovery. You meet him in “An Unpayable Debt.” To unlock him, finish “From Spark to Flame” in Izumi Settsu—no extra choices needed. He teaches Naoe Sumi-e and later joins the Hideout, fostering bonds between Naoe and Yasuke through quests like “Raise a Cup.” He’s a morale booster, not a fighter.
Heiji
A skilled but struggling blacksmith, is encountered in “Way of the Blacksmith.” To unlock him, complete this quest in Izumi Settsu. Naoe rescues him from bandits near Sakai’s shore, saying “Tomiko sent me.” Build the Forge with wood, crops, and minerals (provided early), and he upgrades gear. Post-main story, he offers a heartfelt exchange.
Yaya
A monk skilled in close combat, Yaya appears in “The Fatherless Monk” during the hunt for The Wounded. To unlock her, complete “Heads Will Roll” and select “Killing isn’t justice” when Mitsumune considers an execution. Next, take “The Stray Dogs” in Osaka, assist Yaya in the courtyard fight, and choose “We forgive him.” Later, select “You need to forgive each other” during her dispute with Tetsuo, then “Let’s work together” to recruit her.
Her skills progress from pushing enemies back (Novice), to knocking one down (Initiate), to a forceful kick (Veteran). Among all allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, she excels at managing multiple foes.
Gennojo
A thief adept at diversion, Gennojo is encountered in “Missing Missive” while pursuing The Fool. After defeating The Fool, begin “Sake and Swords” in Yamashiro near Ogura Pond. Find Gennojo drunk, help him, and in “The Godless Harvest,” choose “Soothe Gennojo” when he threatens to destroy rice. Finally, invite him to join.
His skills include a distracting firework (Novice), drawing enemy attention if spotted (Initiate), and preventing servant alerts (Veteran). He’s ideal for stealth-focused players.
Katsuhime
A sharpshooter with explosives, Katsuhime emerges in “Against the Koga-ryu” while tracking the Naginata. Post-victory, complete “Requiem for Rokkaku” and “The Diary of Lady Rokkaku” in Omi. Act quickly in the latter to prevent her death, then invite her.
Her skills start with a stunning teppo shot (Novice), advance to a blinding bomb (Initiate), and include bouncing bullets among stunned enemies (Veteran). She’s effective against groups.
Yagoro
A young blade master, Yagoro is found in Harima after eliminating all 12 Shinbakufu targets. Start “A Blade in the Dark,” locate and duel him, then defeat a samurai in Mitsunodo Hall. Invite him before the quest ends. His skills allow killing enemies with three health segments or less (Novice), chaining to a second kill (Initiate), and targeting foes with up to five segments (Veteran). Out of all allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, he’s a late-game stealth asset.
Ibuki
A ronin who breaks defenses, Ibuki appears in “Ambush Interrupted” near Kashiwara Village, Iga. As Yasuke, select “I have changed” early, then “I would forgive him” post-fight. Complete “Homecoming” and invite him. His skills feature heavy impact attacks (Novice), armor-breaking for nearby enemies (Initiate), and drawing enemy focus (Veteran). He pairs well with Yasuke in combat.
Oni-Yuri
A poison expert, Oni-Yuri is met in “Sweet Lies” in Wakasa near Sotomo Gate. As Naoe, choose “There is no evidence” twice to gain her trust, then finish “Sweet Revenge” and recruit her. Her skills include a sleep dart (Novice), a poison cloud (Initiate), and delaying reinforcements (Veteran). She’s valuable for stealth and control.
How to Level Up All Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
To improve all allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, visit the Dojo at your Hideout or a Kakurega Ally Board. They begin at Novice with their active skill. Build the Dojo with resources like wood and crops, then pay 1250 Mon per ally for Initiate, unlocking their first passive. Upgrade the Dojo to Level 3 and pay 2850 Mon per ally for Veteran, adding the second passive. A Level 2 Dojo permits two allies simultaneously. Earn Mon by trading with Port Traders in major towns.
And that’s all you need to know about all allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. For more Assassin’s Creed content, stay tuned to RetroNoob.
