How to Recruit Yaya in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Recruit Yaya in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Step-by-Step Guide

As Naoe embarks on a quest for revenge, you’ll have the opportunity to gather formidable allies on your journey. One of the first characters you can encounter is Yaya. However, you must make strategic choices to persuade her to join your team. Discover the steps to successfully recruit Yaya in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

How to Recruit Yaya in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

You will meet Yaya during the Fatherless Monk quest, part of Wada Koretake’s storyline in the Onryo section. After defeating the boss in the Heads Will Roll mission, you’ll encounter specific dialogue options regarding Yaya. It’s crucial to make the correct choices at least twice across three opportunities. Here’s what you need to select for Yaya’s recruitment in Assassin’s Creed Shadows (highlighted in bold):

  • Heads Will Roll Quest (Wada Koretake Assassination) Choice:
    • Killing them isn’t justice
    • Justice must be served
  • Stray Dog Quest Choice:
    • We forgive him
    • We punish him
  • Stray Dog Quest Choice #2:
    • You need to forgive each other
    • You need to take responsibility

Yaya is focused on promoting peace, so it’s essential to choose the non-violent path. If you opt to spare individuals during the Heads Will Roll mission, she will respect your choice, thereby enhancing her relationship with you. Make sure to continue this approach in the Stray Dog quest.

Track the Stray Dog mission via the League Objectives board, guiding you to Osaka in the Izumi Settsu region. Head south of Osaka Temple and assist Yaya in defeating some enemies. You’ll face a choice similar to that in Heads Will Roll; deciding the fate of an enemy is crucial. Select the option to forgive him, and Yaya will be pleased with your response.

Temple of Osaka map location in AC: Shadows
Screenshot by Moyens I/O

After making your selection, follow Yaya to retrieve the Kanzashi at the Church of Takatsuki. Speak to Tetsuo to advance in this quest. Though he may attempt to flee, Yaya will assist in pursuing him. Maintain the path of forgiveness, and you’ll have the chance to ask Yaya to join your ranks.

Church of Takatsu map location
Screenshot by Moyens I/O

If you successfully select at least two of the three required dialogue options, Yaya will join your Hideout, allowing you to summon her for battles. If not, she will decline your offer, preventing you from utilizing her skills. I checked for opportunities to recruit her after rejection, but it appears there are no alternate avenues. You may need to revert to a previous save to alter your choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What choices should I make to recruit Yaya in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

To recruit Yaya, focus on non-violent choices during critical missions. Specifically, during the Heads Will Roll and Stray Dog quests, select options that emphasize forgiveness and justice.

Where can I find Yaya in the game?

Yaya can be encountered during the Fatherless Monk quest within Wada Koretake’s storyline. Make sure to follow her missions in Osaka to gather her support.

Can I change my choices after Yaya declines my invitation?

If Yaya rejects your offer to join, you cannot recruit her later; you must reload a prior save to adjust your dialogue choices for a chance at recruitment.

Is it essential to make all the right choices to get Yaya?

You need to make the correct choices in at least two out of three crucial dialogue instances to successfully recruit Yaya for your team.

What are the consequences of choosing violence over peace with Yaya?

Choosing violent solutions can lead to Yaya respecting your decisions less, resulting in her refusal to join your cause, thereby affecting both gameplay and possible strategies in missions.