Do you want to reach 100% in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, optimize equipment early on and not miss any hidden side quests? Here you’ll find a
Note: The quest archetypes follow tried and tested series conventions (contract kills, liberations, camp clears, treasure chains, protection/courier missions, challenge paths). Exact names & item rolls may vary depending on patch/game state – we will update confirmed details on an ongoing basis.
Kyoto – City districts & temple alleys
Character focus: Naoe scores with climbing, distractions and silent kills. Yasuke benefits from open spaces and checkpoints. Typical rewards: Ryo, town-specific crafting mats (lacquer, cloth), early rare gear, crafting recipes.
- Contract killings in merchant alleys – Eliminate targets in busy neighborhoods. Tips: Scout rooftop routes, use crowds, mark escape routes. Reward: XP, Ryo, chance of rare blade mods.
- Temple treasure chains – multi-part chest sequence in shrine courtyards & rear buildings. Tips: Use censers as sight blockers; easier at night. Reward: Blueprints, refining material.
- Protection job: Scholar – Guide an NPC target through narrow alleys. Tips: Prefer Naoe (distraction, smoke), Yasuke as “door opener”. Reward: Equipment (rare), reputation in Kyoto.
- Camp Clear on the outskirts of town – free the smokehouse/trading post. Tips: Disarm bell traps; observe alarm chains. Reward: Crafting mats in quantities, Ryo, chance to get a set piece.
Awaji – Coastal paths & fortress outposts
Character Focus: Open areas allow Yasuke pressure, Naoe cleans towers and back entrances. Typical rewards: Metal/wood materials, sailor loot, medium rarity weapon attachments.
- Fortress Bypass – Infiltrate a coastal fortress, open the main gate for allies. Tips: Side gates, anchor chain, signal fire; check Naoe’s climbing routes. Reward: Mats, Ryo, rare talisman.
- Smuggler’s treasure route – follow the markings on the beach rocks. Tips: Low tide/tide observation, empty scout post first. Reward: Refinement mats, chance of blade capture.
- Courier job: Harbor → Lighthouse – deliver package, avoid patrols. Tips: Smoke bombs, coastal rocks for cover. Reward: XP, reputation, accessory (rare).
- Contract killing at the shipyard – isolate target, escape by rope pull. Tips: Work calls/bells as bait; vary the time of day. Reward: Ryo bonus, rare mod, blueprint.
Sakai – craftsmen’s quarter & trading ports
Character Focus: Naoe benefits from rooftops, scaffolding, marketplaces; Yasuke endures waves in cramped warehouse aisles. Typical rewards: Blacksmithing materials, blueprints, merchant discounts, trade loot.
- Workshop sabotage – destroy supplies without raising the alarm. Tips: Oil lamps/fire points, study guard routes. Reward: Crafting mats, rare mod slot.
- Merchant escort – fend off raids, build a safe route. Tips: Yasuke in front, Naoe flanked. Eliminate snipers. Reward: Merchant discounts, Ryo, rare materials.
- Treasure chain “Kai no Itsumono ” – Multi-level chests in warehouses. Tips: Use scent/Qualm, follow chest markings. Reward: Recipe, refining material, accessory.
- Contract killing in the trading house – targets swap patrols; patience. Tips: Read bell signals; escape via roof arches. Reward: XP, Ryo, chance to get a rare blade.
Iga – Shinobi trails & mountain monasteries
Character focus: Naoe terrain: rope paths, monastery walls, dense pine forests. Yasuke applies pressure at certain points when things escalate. Typical rewards: Rare shinobi tools, poison/smoke components, secret blueprints.
- Trials of Shadows – Stealth Challenges (no alarm, stylish kills). Tips: Noise arrows, capes, avoid light cones. Reward: Tool upgrades, shinobi talismans.
- Monastery infiltration – secure relics, avoid priors. Tips: Bells/keys, roof ridges, hiding places. Reward: rare relics, crafting recipes.
- Contract killing: mountain trail – isolate target, arrange “accident”. Tips: Abysses, luring noises, use the weather. Reward: Ryo, mod, chance for set piece.
- Shinobi treasure route – rope routes & cave niches. Tips: Striking cranes, resin trails. Reward: rare materials, accessories.
Omi – Rice fields & river lands
Character focus: Open, flat areas with many fields of vision: Naoe relies on distractions in the reeds, Yasuke on quick overwhelms. Typical rewards: Natural materials, armor patches, talent points (at milestones).
- Liberating the rice fields – clearing the camp in the reeds. Tips: Read lines of sight, isolate enemies, cut alarm chains. Reward: Mats, Ryo, chance for armor piece.
- Courier order: River ford – delivery under time pressure. Tips: Shortcuts, zip lines, provide horse. Reward: XP, reputation, accessory.
- Thieves’ cave on the shore – hiding place with key puzzle. Tips: Scout first, watch the water level. Reward: Chest with blueprint, Ryo bundle.
- Contract killing: ford & market – target in the crowd. Tips: Smoke/confusion, escape via quay wall. Reward: Ryo, rare blade mount.
Yamashiro – Mountain passes & royal courts
Character focus: Mixed areas: Court Protocol (Stealth) vs. Open Outposts (Power). Typical rewards: Highest level materials, set parts, premium mods.
- Court request: Discreet cleanup – remove target without attracting attention. Tips: Study guard rounds, poisoning/accidents. Reward: Rare mods, Ryo bundle.
- Break the pass barrier – eliminate the mountain post, open the gate mechanism. Tips: Archers first; signal fire. Reward: Crafting stacks, chance to get a unique item.
- Treasure line “Path of the Prince ” – High-level chests. Tips: Privacy screen, high paths, rope anchors. Reward: Blueprints, refinements, accessory (rare/epic).
- Mission chain: Mountain path assassinations – multiple targets, checkpoints. Tips: Naoe for silent multi-pick, Yasuke only as plan B. Reward: High XP, mod slots, set drop chance.
General tips – How to get the most out of side quests
- Test day/night: Many side quests become considerably easier at night (guard routes, fields of vision, background noise).
- Scout routes in advance: Mark roofs, ropes, side entrances – walk first, then act.
- Dual approach (Naoe/Yasuke): Naoe cleans silently, Yasuke withstands pressure spikes. Set roles before starting the quest.
- Use the workbench: Use mods & refinements early – small advantages add up.
- Treasure chains first: Multi-level chests often bring blueprints/recipes for later builds.
- Reputation & merchant bonuses: Certain side quests lower prices/open rare goods – pays off early.
FAQ – Side quests in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Are there any missable side quests?
Some chains depend on regional progress or temporary states (e.g. after capturing fortresses). Create one safety save per region and complete chains in one go if possible.
Are side quests for builds worthwhile?
Yes – side quests provide stable sources of blueprints, refinements and set parts. Especially early mods push your damage/stealth breakpoints noticeably.
With which character do I play which side quest?
City & courtyard = Naoe (quiet paths, verticality). Camp & open field = Yasuke (control, crowd management). Many quests allow both paths – use this to your advantage.
If you work consistently per region, you save travel time, collect specific materials and can stabilize builds early on. As soon as the community & patches confirm final quest names/rewards, we will add to the list – the guide will remain up-to-date and complete.
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More Assassin’s Creed Shadows guides
More tips & walkthroughs for Assassin’s Creed Shadows can be found here:
Step-by-step through the DLC: Boss paths, secrets, rewards.
Our complete collection: quests, builds, DLCs and more.
