Unlike most allies in AC Shadows, recruiting Yagoro isn't as easy as just doing a quest; there's a fair bit of effort that comes before it. However, his story is interesting and closes one of the story arcs of the game.
To recruit Yagoro in AC Shadows, you'll need to jump through a few hoops and kill about 12 people first... See, Yagoro is a bit part of a special ally when it comes to AC Shadows. While, like many others, he is also unlocked after a certain point in the game, for Yagoro, he is unlocked after you complete the entire game. Well, at least the Shinbakfu part of it. This means that he is only usable once the game is completed, and for many, that might mean they never get a chance to even see him.
The guide will detail how to recruit Yagoro. Note that the below info will hint at a few minor spoilers as to who Yagoro is.
How To Recruit Yagoro
As mentioned before, the first step is to complete the main game by killing the 12 Shinbakfu. Once this is done and the free-roam part of the game is opened up, we can begin to recruit Yagoro.
Head to the northern part of Engyoji, located north of Maniden Hall in the Harima region. Either Naoe or Yasuke can be used for the mission, which starts with the discovery of a body with a wound resembling that of a hidden blade. By following the tracks, you'll eventually engage in a chase with a "suspicious shinobi, " who is revealed to be Yagoro.
Next, we must demonstrate our worthiness to Yagoro, which means it's time to engage in battle. Yagoro’s fighting style resembles that of other shinobis you've faced in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. He will utilise swift slashes and throwing knives to try to throw you off. However, it's important to note that he is not physically formidable, so defeating him shouldn’t pose much of a challenge.
After you succeed in defeating him, have a conversation with Yagoro, and he will task you with eliminating another samurai. You can find this new target in the Jyujiin Courtyard, conveniently located not far from your battle with Yagoro. However, eliminating the samurai in the courtyard will be more difficult, as it is populated with various hostile NPCs. We suggest choosing Naoe for this mission, but keep in mind that this samurai cannot be taken down stealthily. If you fancy your chances, pick Yasuke and run headfirst into combat.
Now, infiltrate the castle, take out the big Samurai and jobs done. Yagoro will reveal the mystery of his blade, tie up the hidden blade story, and allow him to join your League.
Yagoro Abilities
Yagoro is the most unique ally of the six available. Whereas the other five generally look to aid you more directly in combat, or take away an enemy from the fight, Yagoro is a master of assassination. While Yagoro is less useful if you're playing as Naoe, he comes into play on his own if you play as Yasuke. Being able to set up assassinations can be useful if you have side quests or castles to tackle.
Sadly, the way Yagoro is unlocked, meaning the game is over by this point, sort of kills the vibe of using Him more. We placed him in the C tier in our tier list, mostly because he's unlocked so late into the game.
| Rank | Ability | Description |
| Novice | Assassinate | Assassinate an enemy with three or fewer health chunks when summoned |
| Initiate | Chain Assassinate | Will now assassinate a second enemy |
| Veteran | One with Death | Yagoro will now assassinate enemies with five health chunks |
FAQ
Can you romance Yagoro?
No, Yagoro is not romanceable by either character and is just an ally for the League.
Can Yasuke Recruit Yagoro?
Yes, despite Yagoro being part of Naoe's Hidden Blade group, Yasuke can also add Yagoro to the League.
Who is Yagoro voice actor?
Akie Kotabe is the voice actor for Yagoro in AC Shadows. Akie played various roles in the English version of Rise of Ronin and Stellar Blade. He recently appeared in the movie adaptation of Gran Turismo, and the Apple TV show Silo.
