Mastering Key Choices in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Your Guide to Strategic Decision-Making
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, pivotal moments arise where you must make definitive decisions that will influence your journey throughout the main storyline. While minor choices may not lead to significant impacts, the major ones certainly change the course of events.
This article breaks down critical decision-making scenarios that shape the narrative, providing insights on how your choices will affect your gameplay experience.
Understanding Dialog Choices in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
During the early stages of your adventure, you’ll encounter Oda Nobunaga in an introductory quest featuring two dialog options:
- Acknowledge Oda’s viewpoint
- Remain silent
This choice is relatively minor, primarily serving as your first exposure to dialog selection mechanics. Regardless of your choice, it won’t impact the unfolding story significantly, allowing you to select freely based on your preference.
Pivotal Choices at the Tea Ceremony

Your first substantial decision arises during the Tea Ceremony as you seek the elusive Golden Teppo. You must choose to confront either Wakasa or Otama.
Consequences of Confronting Wakasa
If you decide to confront Wakasa, you’ll need to infiltrate her residence and eliminate her swiftly.
Consequences of Confronting Otama
Choosing to confront Otama involves a chase, ultimately revealing the true culprit. (Tip: Avoid confronting Otama for better outcomes.)
Deciding the Fate of Mitsumune and the Samurai
This decision occurs after you have defeated Koretake. Your ally will threaten several soldiers, prompting action from both Naoe and Mitsumune. You have two alternatives:

Choosing Justice
If you side with your allies, it will lead to disappointment for Yaya.
Choosing Mercy
On the other hand, sparing them is the better option, keeping Yaya on your side and opening up potential recruitment opportunities later.
Punishing vs. Sparing the Shrine Raiders: A Critical Choice

Your decision on whether to punish or spare a group of Shrine raiders is vital during Yaya’s questline. This choice will influence whether you can recruit Yaya later in the game.
Option to Punish the Raiders
Opting to punish the raiders will likely result in losing Yaya’s favor, as she typically opposes violence, jeopardizing her potential as an ally.
Option to Forgive the Raiders
Forgiving them aligns with Yaya’s values, gaining her respect and paving the way for her recruitment as an ally to assist you in battles.
A similar decision arises in The Stray Dogs quest, where you can either forgive or hold Tetsuo accountable for his actions. Mirroring Yaya’s choice will once again help you win her favor.
Conclusion: The Significance of Your Choices in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
These highlighted choices significantly impact your gameplay and the overarching narrative. If you’re facing challenges with puzzles, consider checking our comprehensive guide for solving them in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
FAQs about Choices in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
What are the major choices in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Major choices influence critical plot points, such as confronting Wakasa or Otama, deciding Mitsumune’s actions, and handling the Shrine raiders significantly shaping your journey.
How do choices impact gameplay in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Your choices can lead to the recruitment of allies, changes in story outcomes, and varying character relationships, ultimately affecting your game’s progress.
Can I change my choices later in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Once decisions are made in the game, they typically cannot be reversed, making it crucial to consider the implications before acting.
Does it matter if I forgive or punish characters in the game?
Yes, how you treat characters can determine alliances and influence the support you receive in later missions, affecting overall gameplay.
For more comprehensive tips and strategies, keep exploring our guides on Assassin’s Creed Shadows.