The Assassin’s Creed franchise has always been about leaping through history with a Hidden Blade in hand.
In 2025, Ubisoft took us to feudal Japan with Assassin’s Creed Shadows—a game that blends samurai honor, ninja stealth, and open-world freedom like never before.
At its core is a gripping side quest in the Claws of Awaji expansion: the hunt for Tomeji’s Captains. This chain of assassinations turns stealth into strategy and combat into art. Let’s break it down.
Dual Heroes, One Epic Journey
You don’t just play one character—you live two lives.
- Yasuke: A real-life African samurai serving Oda Nobunaga. Built like a tank, he wields massive weapons like the kanabo club. His style? Brutal, direct, and unapologetic.
- Naoe: A kunoichi (female ninja) with a tragic past. She’s fast, silent, and deadly from the shadows. Think smoke bombs, shuriken, and rooftop kills.
Switching between them isn’t a gimmick—it’s a gameplay revolution. Need to storm a fortress? Bring Yasuke. Infiltrate a guarded temple? Naoe’s your girl.
A Living, Breathing Feudal Japan
The world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows feels alive.
- Dynamic Seasons: Snow slows movement. Rain hides footsteps. Cherry blossoms fall during spring duels.
- Smart Exploration: No more marker overload. Climb a tower, scan the land, and discover secrets naturally.
- Reactive NPCs: Villagers remember your actions. Help them, and they’ll reveal enemy routes.
Every castle, village, and mountain path is handcrafted with detail. You’re not just playing in Japan—you’re in Japan.
Combat: Precision Meets Power
Forget button-mashing. Combat here is a dance.
Naoe’s Stealth
- Crawl under floors
- Use nightingale floors (they squeak!)
- Chain assassinations in one fluid motion
Yasuke’s Might
- Parry, stagger, execute
- Environmental kills (throw enemies off cliffs)
- Heavy weapons with shockwave attacks
Each weapon has its own skill tree. Upgrade your katana for bleed, or your naginata for reach. Choice matters.
Claws of Awaji: The Expansion That Delivers
Released in September 2025, Claws of Awaji adds 10+ hours of story. You return to Awaji Island to:
- Find Naoe’s lost mother
- Stop a Templar plot tied to ancient relics
- Face new enemies and allies
It starts with a charming 2D puppet theater recap—then explodes into action.
The Captain Hunt: Strategy in the Shadows
This is where the game shines.
You must eliminate 14 captains loyal to warlord Imagawa Tomeji. Each has:
- Unique armor and weapons
- Patrol routes and weak points
- Special abilities (fire attacks, poison arrows, etc.)
How to Hunt Them
- Help Villagers → Unlock captain locations
- Cause Chaos → Fighting ronin draws captains out
- Use Eagle Vision → Spot them from afar
- Strike Fast → One mistake = reinforcements
Pro tip: Use Guided Mode to track active targets on the map.
Standout Captains You’ll Remember
| Captain | Weapon | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Hachisuka Norimasa | Heavy Armor | Break stance with parries |
| Honda Mosuke | Flaming Odachi | Interrupt with range or smoke |
| Kagae Koheji | Bow + Poison Naginata | Flank during reload |
| Fukushima Mosaku | Dual Katanas | Ambush while drunk |
Killing all 14 unlocks:
- 5,000 XP
- Gold Ingot
- Circle of Fortune Amulet (+50% health regen, crit, climb damage)
Rewards Worth Fighting For
- New Gear: Bo Staff (Naoe), Oil Traps, Fire Arrows
- Story Payoff: Emotional reunion + major lore reveal
- Replay Value: Different choices change alliances
Why It Works: Player Freedom
You can:
- Ghost through every kill
- Charge in with Yasuke
- Mix both styles mid-mission
No wrong way to play. Just pure freedom.
Final Verdict: A Must-Play Masterpiece
Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t just another entry—it’s a reinvention. With Claws of Awaji, it becomes essential.
Whether you love stealth, combat, or story—this game delivers. And if you want expert builds, hidden secrets, and full walkthroughs, check out ingametor.com—your go-to hub for AC mastery.
