Allies in AC Shadows play an important role in combat during the game. There are six allies to recruit in AC Shadows, with many also being romance options for Naoe and Yasuke.
As you adventure in AC Shadows, you will unlock quests that send you out to help individuals in the world. A few of these will act as allies and members of your League in the hideout. While they help you in combat, you can think of them as additional abilities, rather than companions that fight by your side for extended periods of time.
In the guide below, we'll go over each ally and their abilities, plus where and how you unlock them.
What do Allies do in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Unlike more traditional RPGs, the allies in AC Shadows serve more as combat cooldowns, rather than full-blown companions. We found them most useful when using them to fill out something you are missing in your kit. For example, Naoe isn't great at fighting larger groups, so using Yaya, who can jump into the fight, act like a tank and even knock down some enemy armour can be a great way to bulk out your attack. For Yasuke, Yagoro could be good as they can assassinate people. Though, Yagoro is an endgame ally, so someone like Gennojo could also work.
Outside of helping you in combat, allies also act as window dressing for your hideout, walking around and generally making the place feel more alive. But outside of a few little conversations here and there, they don't do much else.
Lastly, some of these characters can be romance options for Naoe or Yasuke. You will need to complete their quest, and make sure to select the correct options.
All Allies in AC Shadows and Their Abilities
| Allies | Location to unlock | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Yaya | Stray Dogs quest in Izumi Settsu - unlocked after "The Wounded" | Yaya joins the fight and performs a pushback attack | Yaya will now knock down enemies upon entering combat | Yaya will now perform a kick to send enemies flying |
| Gennojo | Sake and Swords quest in Yamashiro - can be unlocked after dealing with "The Fool" | Gennojo throws a startling projectile | Draws away enemies about to attack you | Servants do not inform enemies of crimes they see you commit |
| Katsuhime | Started from a letter from the Katsuhime quest in Omi - unlocked after dealing with "The Naginata" | Katsuhime joins the fight and deals daze attacks to enemies | Throws a daze bomb upon starting the fight | Bullets that hit a dazed target now ricochet to another target |
| Ibuki | Started from the Ambush Interrupted quest in Kashiwara in Iga - Must use Yasuke and travel to Kashiwara Village in Western Iga. | Ibuki does impact damage upon joining the fight | Shatters the armor of nearby enemies when joining the fight | Will use level 2 ability during combat |
| Oni-yuri | Sotomo Gate, just north of Tsuruga Castle in Wakasa - becomes available after you unlock Yasuke in Act 2 | Oni-yuri puts someone to sleep | Releases a toxin cloud that envenoms people | Reinforcements are delayed in the event of an alert |
| Yagoro | Unlocked after all the Shinbakufu are killed | Assassinate an enemy with three or fewer health chunks when summoned | Will now assassinate a second enemy | Yagoro will now assassinate enemies with five health chunks |
A closer look at each Ally in AC Shadows
Yaya
Yaya is a valuable ally known for her pacifist nature and combat support. She isn't the best in combat, but she can act as a good tank to take enemies off you during the fight. To recruit Yaya, start the quest "The Stray Dogs." During your interactions, choose dialogue options that reflect forgiveness to align with her values. Successfully completing this quest will allow you to invite Yaya to join your League and have her as an ally with whom to fight.
Gennojo
Gennojo is a mischievous ally whose entire ability set is about dragging enemies away from you. At early ranks, Gennojo will draw away enemy attention. However, his rank 3 ability will stop servants from reporting you. This can be a great passive bonus. Begin with the quest "An Unpayable Debt," followed by "From Spark to Flame" in the Izumi Settsu region. Completing these quests will enable you to recruit Gennojo to your League and as a combat ally.
Pro tip: Gennojo cannot be recruited if you play in Canon Mode.
Katsuhime
Katsuhime is a shinobi with a penchant for explosives and dealing daze damage to enemies. As you upgrade her, she'll send out bombs, and also ricochet her abilities to other enemies. To recruit her, complete the quest "The Diary of Lady Rokkaku." During this quest, make choices that show support and understanding towards her. After completing the quest, you can invite Katsuhime to join your League.
Ibuki
Ibuki is an interesting ally to have around, as they are one of the few that really help you out in combat. Ibuki will instantly join you in combat, fighting against enemies and helping thin the herd. To recruit Ibuki, begin the Ambush Interrupted quest. During the first dialogue, make sure to choose "I have changed" when prompted. Progress through the quest until you speak to Ibuki again after the battle. At this point, you will receive another dialogue option and should select "I would forgive him."
Oni-yuri
Oni-yuri is ideal for those looking to reduce the number of enemies in play at once. Her active ability can put someone to sleep. At the same time, her passive ability makes her great if you are dealing with multiple enemies. To recruit her, travel to the Wakasa region and start the quest "Sweet Lies" near Sotomo Gate. During the quest, choose Naoe's responses, such as "There is no evidence" and "There is still no evidence," to gain her trust. After completing "Sweet Lies," proceed with the follow-up quest "Sweet Revenge." Successfully completing these quests will allow you to recruit Oni-Yuri to your League.
Yagoro
Yagoro is a skilled shinobi that you will encounter much later in the game, in fact, once you complete the main story. Given that Yagoro is very good, it makes sense that he's unlocked after the game, given how strong his kit is. To recruit him, complete the quest "A Blade in the Dark," which involves confronting and defeating Yagoro. After this mission, you can invite him to join your League.
FAQ
Do you need to Recruit Allies
No, allies in AC Shadows act as extra abilities in combat, so their usefulness comes down to how you want to play the game.
Can all Allies be Romances?
Yaya, Yagoro, and Oni-yuri are not able to be romanced. All of the other allies are, though the option can be missed or lost if you make the wrong choice. It's important that during at least one dialogue window, you "flirt" with them (using the heart reply) so that the romance option is given.
Pro tip: Romance options are turned off if you play in the Canon Mode. This mode will also stop the recruitment of Gennojo as an ally.
Can you have multiple Allies at once?
You can have a maximum of two allies assigned to each character, with a character able to be on both Naoe and Yasuke. You can upgrade your allies at a Dojo, with level 3 being required for the Veteran rank and to unlock the second slot.
