To make significant progress towards the seasonal track in the Animus menu of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players must successfully purify the arena. This quest, known as “The Tournament, ”is typically encountered during the later stages of the game, often after investing around 40 hours of gameplay.
In this guide, we will outline how to initiate the Tournament quest, complete it, and ultimately access the arena in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Beginning The Tournament Quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
To start the Tournament quest, you must first defeat eight of the Shinbakufu. Once only Mitsuhide, the leader, and two other members remain, a character named Gyoji will appear near the entrance of your hideout, marked by a quest indicator.
After a brief introduction, Gyoji will extend an invitation to a clandestine fighting arena located in Yamato, offering the following hints to help you locate it:
- Positioned in Southeastern Yoshino
- Located eastward of Mitarai Valley
- Situated within a ruined temple
The arena is found at the Ominesanji Temple, adjacent to the Ominesanji Overlook viewpoint, which lies centrally within Yamato. Upon arriving at the temple grounds, engage with Gyoji again; he will reiterate the objective: defeat the combatants, reclaim control of the tournament, and gain glory.
Your first challenge involves overcoming four opponents: Lady Masago, Lord Suguru, Lord Hokuto, and Lady O-Sen. Only after vanquishing these challengers can you face the reigning champion, Lord Unkai.
Strategies for Winning the Tournament in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Defeating Lady Millet
Your initial opponent, Lady Masago, wields a naginata. Engaging her will highlight a vital lesson: all Tournament foes deliver heavy damage and possess substantial health.
Due to the naginata’s long reach, remain vigilant for the final strike of her combos before launching your counterattacks. Maintain discipline, and maximize your abilities to interrupt her moves for a decisive win. Upon her defeat, you will receive the Bloody Naginata of Grace.
Confronting Lord Suguru
Next, you will face Lord Suguru, a swift samurai archetype adept at deflecting attacks and utilizing a bow from a distance. Although quick on his feet, he has lower health, making this encounter potentially brief and intense.
Stay alert for explosives he drops while dodging, which could create distance and complicate your tactical repositioning. Employ your skills generously, and he will fall swiftly. The items he drops upon defeat include the Austere Katana of Elegance and Ardent Bow of Plenty.
Overcoming Lord Hokuto
Lord Hokuto, the next challenger, represents the formidable Kanabo-wielding enemy type. The key to conquering him lies in your timing; avoid preemptively anticipating the end of his combos, as additional attacks can lead to substantial health loss.
Employ your abilities to disrupt his attacks and seize opportunities to inflict damage. Beware of his grappling move, which carries a clear warning with three red dots. Victory over Lord Hokuto earns you the Stalwart Kanabo of the Guard.
Duelling Lady O-Sen
Next, you’ll encounter Lady O-Sen, who forewarns you about her poisoned katana. Although she is another shinobi-style opponent, her dual kukri offer a unique challenge.
Adopt a strategy prioritizing evasion and ability usage, as she can withstand many of your attacks while retaliating with lethal combos. Maintaining awareness of her poison kunai, which are easier to dodge, will be critical. Having patience is key to this encounter, and defeating her yields the Ronin’s Katana of Honor.
The Final Challenge: Lord Unkai
As the last opponent, Lord Unkai presents a unique challenge with his drunken Kung-Fu style and a naginata. He possesses heightened damage output, but his lighter armor makes him a tempting target.
His unpredictable fighting style requires you to stay agile and focused on your abilities to maintain damage output safely. Should you allow him too much freedom, he can regain health. Many players find him easier than previous foes, but he offers a distinct character element that makes the battle entertaining. Victory against him awards you the Vengeful Foe Naginata, which boasts a +35% bleed buildup on parry.
Upon becoming the tournament champion, return to Gyoji, who will express gratitude for liberating him and his allies. Your accomplishments will grant a significant XP reward and unlock access to the arena.
Once you’ve unlocked the arena, you can participate weekly to progress towards the season track in the Animus menu. This will consist of three rounds against increasingly difficult enemies, a challenge that pales in comparison to what you’ve just achieved in the Tournament.
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