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 possible allies, you're in the right place. Let's dive into the world of allies in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* and how you can make them part of your crew.

Allies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you can recruit two types of allies. The first type enhances your Hideout with new functionalities, like the blacksmith who enables you to forge and upgrade your equipment. The second type consists of combat allies who join you in the field, equipped with upgradeable abilities that can be a game-changer in various scenarios.

Once you've recruited a combat ally, you can manage them from the Hideout or any unlocked kakurega. When called into action, they'll deploy their initial skill and fight by your side until either they're defeated or all enemies are vanquished. Constructing a dojo in your hideout not only allows you to level up your allies but also lets you have two allies equipped simultaneously.

While allies are optional and you can complete the game without them, having an extra blade at your side can make all the difference.

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

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

The following allies can be recruited to aid you in combat:

Yaya

You'll first meet Yaya, the Buddhist monk, during the main quest, The Fatherless Monk. She's eager to fight against oppressors but values justice over violence, aligning closely with Yasuke's principles. During the Heads Will Roll quest, choose to spare The Wounded to align with her values. Then, complete the Find Yaya/The Stray Dogs missions, making choices that promote forgiveness. Finally, invite her to join your cause.

Yaya's combat abilities evolve as follows:

• Novice: Joins the fight and performs pushback attacks.
• Initiate: Knocks down an enemy upon joining the fight.
• Veteran: Uses a powerful kick to send enemies flying.

Katsuhime

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

For ranged combat support, Katsuhime is your ally. A Koga shinobi skilled with the Teppo, she can deliver high damage from a distance. Start her recruitment in Omi by completing the quests Showdown in Sakamoto and Requiem for Rokkaku, followed by the Letter from Katsuhime sidequest. Continue through The Diary of Lady Rokkaku, 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 upon entering the fight.
• Veteran: Her teppo shots ricochet to another target when hitting a dazed enemy.

Gennojo

Gennojo, the sly thief, is first encountered in the Missing Missive quest. After sparing him, continue through the Lost Honor, Sake and Sword, Honor Among Thieves, and Stolen Hearts missions. 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 the enemy.
• Initiate: Acts as a distraction to draw enemy attention.
• Veteran: Prevents servants from alerting others to your crimes.

Ibuki

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

In Iga, you'll meet Ibuki, a ronin fighting corruption. Start with the Ambush Interrupted sidequest near Kashiwara Village using Yasuke and follow his questline. Always side with Ibuki, and consider romancing him if you wish. At the end, invite him to join your organization.

Ibuki's abilities are:

• Novice: Joins the fight and deals impact attacks.
• Initiate: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies upon joining the fight.
• Veteran: Shatters the armor of nearby enemies more frequently during combat.

Oni-yuri

If you prefer disabling enemies over killing them, Oni-yuri is your ally. Begin her recruitment in Tsuruga, Wakasa, with the Sweet Lies sidequest. Trust in her methods throughout her quests, and at the end, invite her to join your league, hoping to guide her towards a better path.

Oni-yuri's abilities include:

• Novice: Puts an enemy to sleep upon entering the fray.
• Initiate: Releases a poison cloud to afflict 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 tips and guides, be sure to visit The Escapist.

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