Assassin's Creed Side Quest & Collectible Walkthrough
Side quests are plentiful in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Like most AC games, Shadows is rich in side content, from optional assassination targets to raidable castles to historical collectibles. These side quests serve as much more than mere distractions from the main story; many of them also have excellent rewards, like important resources, legendary gear, or even rare and beautiful cosmetics that you can use to make your hideout look as good as possible.
So, if you're looking for advice on any particular side quest, or just want to see what side activities are available in a certain region, this guide has got you covered. Do note that this is a work in progress; further side quests, collectibles, details, and links to more specific guides will be added in the future. For now, though, these are all the sidequests we know of in Assassin's Creed Shadows, and how to complete them.
All Side Quests In Assassin's Creed Shadows
"Thrown To The Dogs"
If you preordered Assassin's Creed Shadows, the first side quest you'll unlock is "Thrown to the Dogs." This brief quest has you chasing down and eventually recruiting a stray dog in the Izumi Settsu region, at Tennoji Temple. Simply follow the quest markers to complete this one.
"Before The Fall"
"Before the Fall" is your introduction to kuji-kiri, a mechanic that allows you to relive some of Naoe's memories by meditating in certain spots. Simply go to any of the available kuji-kiri spots around the map and complete the mini-game, which involves pressing certain buttons in sequence while the associated prompts disappear over time.
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You'll then play through a flashback sequence as Naoe, after which you'll have completed this quest. There are four kuji-kiri missions in total, but after you complete this one, they'll merge with the main quest.
"Out To Pasture"
This side quest requires you to hunt down a series of bandits throughout the Izumi Settsu region. Begin by speaking with the NPC, who's located at the quest marker on a farm east of Sakai. To complete the quest, you must simply kill 100 bandits throughout the region. You'll receive rewards after hitting the 25 and 50-bandit milestones, too.
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Bandits are everywhere in Izumi Settsu, but you're most likely to find them in large cities. You'll find a few of them near the Old Kofun, as well as near temples and on the main roads between all of the above. Rather than try to kill 100 bandits at once, you should take this quest as soon as you unlock it - after "From Spark to Flame" - and gradually work towards the goal as you explore the Izumi Settsu region.
"Smuggler's Run"
Just as the previous quest introduces you to kuji-kiri, "Smuggler's Run" introduces you to the concept of resource smuggling. You'll have to find a stack of resources at any enemy stronghold - Katano Castle, Amagasaki Castle, and Osaka Castle are all fairly close to landmarks you've likely discovered by this point - then tag them for pickup by your scouts.
"One That Got Away"
Although this quest follows the butterfly collection side quest (see below), it's not technically a collection quest in and of itself. You'll have to find a missing child, who's located near the Fishermen's Distract in Osaka, and then proceed to the following quest. This unlocks the location of Shucho, one of the Butterfly Collector targets.
"Find The Child"
This next side quest has you searching out another missing child, this one located in the south of the Kojo Ruins. The ruins themselves are located near the southern tip of the large island west of Osaka. This unlocks the location of Mucho, your next Butterfly Collector target.
"For The Sake Of Sake"
After defeating Mucho, you'll have to check in with the boy she was targeting. He's still located at the Kojo Ruins, just where you found him before; simply talk to him to continue the Butterfly Collector questline.
"Home And Dry"
This next quest is unlocked immediately after "For the Sake of Sake." All you have to do is follow the child as he runs back home.
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If you like, you can even use auto-follow to complete this quest with no further input. Talk to his father to unlock the next quest.
"Paper Trail"
For the next Butterfly Collector quest, you'll need to find a paper merchant in Osaka. The clues have him located near the Temple of Osaka, which is just north of the Fishermen's District. Search the area north of the temple to find him, and you'll find him inside a building near a large tree.
"All Will Be Well"
Again, you'll be searching the Osaka region for more information on the Butterfly Collectors. Scout the northern part of Osaka - just northeast of the middle bridge to the small island where you found the Kojo Ruins earlier - and you'll find the burnt well you need.
"Forest Fugitive"
The burnt well in the previous quest pointed us towards a ransom note, which told us our next target is in southwestern Izumi Settsu. Scout the area north of Osaka Castle, near Noda Village to find it, and you'll find one of the Butterfly Collectors, Richo, meditating quietly in the Bamboo Grove. Attack her to continue.
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"Safe As Sandals"
Near Richo, you'll find a child locked into a small wooden storage shed; this quest will begin immediately after you kill Richo. Free the child and follow her home, talk to her mother, and you'll get your next clue.
"Chrysalis"
Next, you'll be tracking down the Butterfly Collectors' hideout. Scout the northwest part of the Fishermen's District to find the location. Search the room to find a piece of paper on the ground, which unlocks your next target: Kacho.
"The Stray Dogs"
After assassinating Wada Koretake as part of the main quest, you may have the opportunity to take on a side quest called "The Stray Dogs" for Yaya. This quest has you chasing down a group of thieves who have been targeting holy places, and ends with a pivotal decision: should you forgive or punish the shrine raiders?
All Collectibles In Assassin's Creed Shadows
Origami Butterflies
One of the first sets of collectibles you'll unlock is the Origami Butterflies quest, which links to a series of assassination targets as described above. Here's where to find all the Origami Butterflies in AC Shadows to unlock the rest of the questline.
Jizo Statues
Another collectible side quest has you searching far and wide for Jizo statues. These are divided up by region: the following guides describe where to find all the Jizo statues in Izumi Settsu, all the Jizo statues in Yamashiro, and all the Jizo statues in Wakasa.
Tea Bowls
Yet another collectible quest involves searching for tea bowls to bring back to the tea ceremony master Sen no Rikyu. Tea bowls can be purchased from ornament vendors around the map. Stay tuned for a full guide on this side quest soon.
Local Dishes
A collectible quest obtained in Wakasa will send you in search of local dishes from the various regions on Assassin's Creed Shadows' map. Each dish can be purchased from a merchant in the associated region. A full guide will follow shortly.
For now, these are all the side quests we've been able to find while traveling through feudal Japan. For their rewards and the unique perspective they offer on the setting, keep an eye out for these Assassin's Creed Shadows sidequests - and more - as you play through the game.
Assassin's Creed Shadows
OpenCritic Reviews- Released
- March 20, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Quebec
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft
- Engine
- AnvilNext
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