Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft’s latest title released on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, is one of the most ambitious entries in the Assassin’s Creed series. With a deep and multi-layered narrative set in Japan’s Sengoku period (16th century), the game takes players on an adventurous journey through a world filled with chaos, loyalty, and betrayal. The story revolves around two main characters: Naoe, a skilled shinobi from the Iga clan, and Yasuke, an African-born samurai and a real historical figure. This article provides a comprehensive look at the story, key characters, their backgrounds and motivations, the collaboration between Naoe and Yasuke, and the game’s ending in full detail.
Warning: This article contains full spoilers for the story of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Story Background: Japan in the Chaos of the Sengoku Period
The story of Assassin’s Creed Shadows begins in 1579 AD, a period when feudal Japan was at the height of its civil wars. The Sengoku period, known as the “Age of Warring States,” witnessed endless conflicts between daimyo (feudal lords) vying for power. Amidst this, Oda Nobunaga, one of the most powerful daimyo, strives to unite Japan under his banner. However, betrayal, conspiracy, and secret groups like the Shinbakufu, introduced as the Templar equivalent in this game, complicate his path. The game’s story is told through two main characters, Naoe and Yasuke, each viewing this chaos from their own perspective, ultimately intertwining their destinies.
Naoe: Iga Shinobi and Family Vengeance
Background and Goals
Naoe Fujibayashi, a shinobi (ninja) from the Iga clan, is a young and determined girl whose life flowed peacefully in her family village until the Shinbakufu’s attack, supported by Oda Nobunaga’s forces, changed her fate. In this attack, Naoe’s father is killed, and the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan (the Kusanagi sword, the Yata mirror, and the Yasakani jewel), which were under the protection of the Kakushiba Iki (the Japanese branch of the Assassin Brotherhood), are stolen by the Shinbakufu. These artifacts, which are in fact Pieces of Eden (ancient artifacts with extraordinary powers remaining from the First Civilization of the Isu), become the central motivation for Naoe’s revenge and the recovery of her family’s legacy.
As a trained Assassin, Naoe operates in the shadows with stealth skills, advanced parkour, and the use of tools such as a Grappling Hook, a chained blade, and kunai. Her main goal is to destroy the Shinbakufu, a group collaborating with the Templars and responsible for the attack on her clan, and to restore peace to Iga. Naoe’s character is portrayed with a cold and ruthless spirit, a result of the emotional wounds from losing her family. However, throughout the story, she gradually learns that to achieve her goals, she sometimes needs to cooperate with others, including Yasuke.
Role in the Story
Naoe is the main playable character in the first half of the game (approximately the first 8 to 10 hours). Her story begins with defending the Iga village against Nobunaga’s forces, but after defeat and the loss of her father, she embarks on a path of revenge. She collaborates with Hanzo Hattori, the leader of the Iga clan and her mentor, to track down the Shinbakufu. The early stages of the game focus on Naoe’s stealth, where the player must use light and shadow, tall grass, and ninja tools to infiltrate enemy bases and gather information.
In side missions, which, according to game director Jonathan Dumont, are dedicated to Naoe’s past, the player learns about her past and her relationships with the Iga clan. These missions, often unlocked with meditation mechanics, show that Naoe was trained from childhood to become a shinobi and, despite her fierce spirit, has a deep sense of loyalty to her clan. One of the turning points in Naoe’s story is when she realizes that the Shinbakufu has not only stolen the Pieces of Eden but also intends to use their power to control Japan.
Yasuke: Foreign Samurai in Search of Justice
Background and Goals
Yasuke, whose real name is Diogo, is an African-born samurai based on a historical figure.He was brought to Japan as a slave by the Portuguese, but due to his distinct appearance and physical strength, he caught the attention of Oda Nobunaga and achieved the rank of samurai. Yasuke is portrayed in the game as a loyal, emotional, and peace-loving character who, unlike Naoe, prefers to confront enemies rather than resort to stealth. He uses heavy weapons such as katanas, samurai clubs, and even firearms, and is skilled in hand-to-hand combat.
Yasuke’s main goal is to serve Nobunaga and help unify Japan, but after Nobunaga’s fall at Honno-ji Temple at the hands of Akechi Mitsuhide, one of his army’s treacherous generals, Yasuke embarks on a new path. Enraged by Mitsuhide’s betrayal and the Shinbakufu’s role in the conspiracy, he decides to collaborate with Naoe to uncover the truth behind this betrayal and its connection to the Templars. Unlike Naoe, Yasuke is not an Assassin and does not possess the special skills of Assassins (such as Eagle Vision), but his physical strength and samurai skills make him a ruthless fighter.
Role in the Story
Yasuke’s story begins with an epic battle alongside Nobunaga, where the player experiences his combat skills. After Mitsuhide’s betrayal and Nobunaga’s fall, Yasuke, as a masterless samurai (ronin), seeks justice and to restore order to Japan. He initially clashes with Naoe due to differences in their goals and lifestyles (stealth versus direct combat), but gradually a relationship based on mutual respect develops between them.
Yasuke’s side missions, dedicated to his past, reveal his life story as a foreigner in Japan. These missions, often unlocked through interactions with NPCs and relationship-based quests, show that Yasuke faced discrimination and cultural challenges but earned Nobunaga’s respect due to his courage and loyalty. One of the key moments in Yasuke’s story is when he confronts the truth about the Shinbakufu and their connection to the Templars, which leads him to closer cooperation with Naoe.
Naoe and Yasuke’s Collaboration: An Alliance of Shadow and Sword
The intersection of Naoe and Yasuke’s stories occurs at Honno-ji Temple, where both are separately pursuing their goals: Naoe to retrieve the Pieces of Eden and Yasuke to avenge Mitsuhide’s betrayal. This fateful moment, which occurs about 10 hours into the game, connects them. The game allows players to choose between Naoe and Yasuke for most missions, each offering a different gameplay style: Naoe with stealth and parkour, and Yasuke with direct and heavy combat.
This collaboration gradually deepens, especially in missions that require combining the skills of both characters. For example, in the mission to infiltrate Azuchi Castle, Naoe can enter through rooftops and secret passages, silently eliminating guards, while Yasuke attacks from the main gate, eliminating enemies in hand-to-hand combat. This variety in gameplay, along with emotional dialogues between the two characters, reinforces the sense of unity and complementarity.
However, their personality differences sometimes lead to tension. Naoe, who trusts no one due to the loss of her family, initially struggles with Yasuke’s direct style. On the other hand, Yasuke criticizes Naoe for being too stealthy. These tensions peak in the middle stages of the game, especially in relationship-based missions, but ultimately lead to mutual understanding.
Key Characters and Their Roles
Oda Nobunaga: The powerful daimyo and Yasuke’s lord, whose goal is to unify Japan. He is initially portrayed as a positive character, but his harsh decisions, such as the attack on Honno-ji Temple, turn him into a morally ambiguous figure. His fall in the middle of the game is a turning point in the story.
Akechi Mitsuhide: The treacherous general of Nobunaga’s army, who collaborates with the Shinbakufu to seize power. He is one of the main antagonists of the game and plays a significant role in the final battles.
Hattori Hanzo: The leader of the Iga clan and Naoe’s mentor, who helps her on her path of revenge. Hanzo, as a key secondary character, provides important information about the Shinbakufu and the Pieces of Eden.
Mori Mori: Another shinobi from the Iga clan and Naoe’s close friend.He plays an important role in side missions and, as a loyal ally, helps Naoe in critical moments.
Shinbakufu: A secret group equivalent to the Templars in this game. They intend to take control of Japan using Pieces of Eden and act as the main antagonists to Naoe and Yasuke throughout the story.
Nuno Caro: The leader of the Portuguese Templars in Japan and Yasuke’s main antagonist. He is responsible for enslaving Yasuke and murdering his mother due to suspected espionage. Caro manipulates the Shinbakufu to steal the Pieces of Eden and is the primary assassination target in Yasuke’s final mission, “End of the Line.”
Duarte de Melo: A Portuguese slave trader and Nuno Caro’s second-in-command in the Templars. Alongside Caro, he directs the Shinbakufu to collect the Pieces of Eden and is involved in Yasuke’s intermediate missions, especially in Portuguese-controlled ports.
Wada Kuritake: A senior member of the Shinbakufu introduced in the mission “The Fatherless Monk.” Due to a personal grudge (losing his ear to the Assassins), he plays a significant role in the Shinbakufu’s violent decisions, such as leaving Naoe and her father to a slow death, and is one of the first assassination targets in the main story.
Ashikaga Yoshiaki: The former Shogun of Japan, deposed by Oda Nobunaga. He is the true leader of the Shinbakufu and the hidden antagonist of the story, possessing the Pieces of Eden. Yoshiaki provides key information about Soyo and Duarte de Melo and surrenders in exchange for Junshiro.
Junshiro: A young monk in training at the Makino-o-dera temple and the son of Ido Yoshihiro, a member of the Shinbakufu. After Naoe kills his father, he forgives her and forms a sibling-like relationship. Junshiro encourages Naoe to forgive Yasuke, making their alliance possible, and designs the flag of the Kakushiba Ikki (the Japanese branch of the Assassin Brotherhood).
Tomiko: Naoe’s old friend who helps her, provides a safe haven for gathering allies, and clears the path for her.
Soyo: Naoe’s mother and a key member of the Kakushiba Ikki (the Japanese branch of the Assassin Brotherhood). She was tasked by Emperor Go-Nara to protect the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan, or Pieces of Eden. After the Shinbakufu attack, she went to retrieve the stolen treasures and seemingly died, but Hanzo reveals she might be alive. Soyo is Naoe’s main motivation for seeking the truth and rebuilding the Kakushiba Ikki.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi: Nobunaga’s loyal general and Yasuke’s ally. After Nobunaga’s fall, Hideyoshi guides Yasuke towards revenge against Mitsuhide and confronting the Shinbakufu, playing a strategic role in intermediate and final missions.
Game Ending: Final Confrontation and Character Fates
In the final stages of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke infiltrate the Shinbakufu castle in Kyoto to retrieve the Pieces of Eden and defeat Akechi Mitsuhide. This part of the game, occurring approximately 25 hours after the story begins, involves an epic battle that requires a combination of Naoe’s stealth and Yasuke’s direct combat. The player can choose which character plays the main role in the final battle, which affects the ending.
Canon Ending
In the canon ending, Naoe and Yasuke successfully defeat Mitsuhide and obtain the Pieces of Eden. These treasures contain destructive power that could destroy Japan if they fall into the wrong hands. Naoe, as an Assassin, decides to hand these artifacts over to the Kakushiba Ikki (the Japanese branch of the Assassin Brotherhood) to prevent their misuse. Yasuke, still seeking justice, agrees with this decision but states that he cannot join the Assassins. He continues his path as a ronin, traveling to Japanese villages to help ordinary people.
The ending concludes with an emotional scene where Naoe and Yasuke say goodbye next to the now rebuilt Honno-ji Temple. Naoe returns to the Iga clan to train new shinobi, while Yasuke promises to return to see her someday. This ending, though emotional, has been somewhat criticized for its simplicity in resolving some questions (such as the exact fate of the Pieces of Eden).
Side Endings
The game includes several side endings that are shaped by the player’s choices throughout the story:
Naoe’s Vengeful Ending:If the player chooses more aggressive options in dialogues and missions, Naoe might decide to destroy the Pieces of Eden, even at the cost of losing her clan’s trust. This ending turns her into a solitary shinobi.
Yasuke’s Sacrificial Ending: If the player focuses on Yasuke in the final battle and chooses sacrificial options, Yasuke might sacrifice himself to save Naoe, leading to his death and Naoe becoming a more determined Assassin.
Full Alliance Ending: If the player strengthens the relationship between Naoe and Yasuke in side quests, they decide to jointly continue the fight against the Shinbakufu and the Templars, leading to an open ending.
Story Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Characterization of Naoe and Yasuke: The personality differences and gameplay styles of these two characters make the story multifaceted and engaging.
Rich Historical World: The detailed reconstruction of Sengoku-era Japan, from the bustling cities of Kyoto to the serene temples of Iga, enhances the sense of immersion.
Plot Twists: Key moments like Mitsuhide’s betrayal and the discovery of the Shinbakufu’s connection to the Templars keep the story dynamic.
Deep Side Quests: Side missions that delve into the characters’ past help in better understanding their motivations.
Weaknesses
Naoe’s Dialogues: Some critics believe that Naoe’s voice acting in emotional moments is weak and fails to convey the depth of her character.
Simple Resolution: The main ending, though satisfying, leaves some questions unanswered about the Pieces of Eden and the future of the Shinbakufu.
Less Focus on Assassins: Contrary to fan expectations, the game focuses more on Japanese history than the classic conflict between Assassins and Templars.
Summary
The story of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an epic adventure that, by combining two contrasting characters, Naoe and Yasuke, and a detailed reconstruction of feudal Japan, offers a memorable experience. Although the dialogues and some resolutions could have been stronger, the deep characterization, engaging side quests, and diverse endings make this game one of the best narratives in the series in recent years. If you are interested in historical stories, shinobi and samurai, and diverse gameplay, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is worth experiencing.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the story of Assassin’s Creed Shadows about?
The game’s story takes place in Sengoku-era Japan and revolves around Naoe, a vengeful shinobi, and Yasuke, an African-born samurai, who team up to reclaim the Pieces of Eden and defeat the Shinbakufu.
Is Yasuke an Assassin in the game?
No, Yasuke is not an Assassin. He is a samurai who collaborates with Naoe and does not possess specific Assassin skills like Eagle Vision.
How does the ending of Assassin’s Creed Shadows play out?
The main ending involves defeating Akechi Mitsuhide and reclaiming the Pieces of Eden. Naoe returns to the Iga clan, and Yasuke continues his journey as a ronin. Secondary endings vary depending on player choices.
Is the story of Shadows connected to previous Assassin’s Creed series?
The game focuses more on Japanese history but has connections to the Templars and Pieces of Eden. However, the story is relatively isolated and makes fewer references to classic titles in the series.
Who are the historical figures in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Oda Nobunaga, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Hanzo Hattori are among the key historical figures who play a role in the story.
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