In the immersive world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the quest titled Before the Fall presents players with a unique narrative experience through four engaging flashback chapters. These chapters portray significant moments from Naoe’s past, preceding the narrative established in the game’s prologue.
The journey through each chapter begins after you partake in meditative mini-games that are scattered across the game’s expansive landscape. As players progress, these chapters serve more to introduce and familiarize them with core gameplay mechanics rather than pose daunting challenges, although difficulty levels may vary these experiences.
Initiating the Quest: Before the Fall
To unlock this quest, you need to complete the introductory segments of the game, specifically after Naoe has recovered from her injuries sustained in the chapter titled An Unpayable Debt. Technically, the quest won’t show up in your journal until you visit The Hideout, but you can still engage with the quest elements by exploring Kuji-Kiri locations beforehand.
In real-world practice, Kuji-Kiri represents a meditative rite, and within the game, it translates to quick-time-event (QTE) mini-games that you will encounter throughout the game world. Players must pay attention to the highlighted buttons and remember the sequence to continue successfully once prompts vanish.
If you find yourself struggling with the Kuji-Kiri, consider accessing the game’s settings to enable the “Quick Time Events” feature on automatic; this adjustment allows you to experience Naoe’s memories without the pressure of timing, thus enhancing accessibility.
No specific site or order of meditation is necessary; completing any four Kuji-Kiri games will trigger the beginning of a Before the Fall chapter, each reflecting a piece of Naoe’s meditative memories.
Memory One: Shinobi Warfare
Set in 1579, two years prior to the main narrative, this initial chapter follows Naoe’s expedition alongside her aunt, Matsu. They discuss the burgeoning influence of Oda Nobunaga, setting the scene for the fraught political landscape.
Following a dialogue with Momochi, whose conversation does not affect the overarching storyline, players must stealthily traverse the Nagano Pass while evading detection. Utilizing natural cover, players will witness a cutscene depicting Naoe’s first kill.
In the following area, you’ll encounter a higher density of enemies patrolling predictable routes. Successfully navigating between forms of cover like tall grass and bushes is crucial. Remember, crouching in bushes offers concealment, while lying prone in tall grass helps avoid detection. Should you be spotted, you can evade pursuers by sprinting away and seeking new hiding spots.
As you progress, expect encounters with fellow Iga shinobi engaging enemy soldiers, culminating in a pivotal boss battle against an Oda Brute. This confrontation introduces players to multi-hit attack chains that can be parried during the Brute’s weapon’s blue flash, emphasizing the importance of careful timing during combat.
Chapter 2: After the First Invasion; Mind and Body
This chapter takes place five months after the prior ambush and commences with a dialogue exchange between Naoe and her father, where players can select dialogue for immersion without bearing significant consequences on the narrative.
Following another Kuji-Kiri ritual, Matsu instructs Naoe to retrieve a clandestine scroll to further her shinobi training.
The shrine housing the scroll has minimal guards, presenting an excellent chance to hone your stealth skills—although a direct confrontation with enemies is also viable. After eliminating threats, the scroll can be found within the pagoda situated on the shrine’s right side. Return the scroll to Nagato to complete this memory.
Chapter 3: A True Iga
The third chapter focuses on stealth mechanics, although players opting for direct action won’t be penalized. Start by descending the mountainside and utilizing the main road until castle towers emerge on the horizon. Your entry point is positioned along the left side, allowing you to scale the tower using fallen trees and Naoe’s grappling hook.
After dropping from the tower and concealing yourself within surrounding bushes, you will have the chance to eavesdrop on guards, providing information on the duration of Oda’s forces’ occupancy within the fort.
Continuing on rooftops, you’ll reach another listening point where the conversation reveals the fate of an Iga shinobi. Ascend to the top of the tower, interact with the fallen shinobi, and return to Sandayu to conclude this chapter, noting that stealth is optional here.
Chapter 4: Traditions
The concluding chapter unfolds two years later, with dialogue having no impact on outcomes, allowing for freedom of choice as you progress. Follow Nagato to a designated meeting location where you will engage in a duel against Fujita Juro to secure your place among the ikki.
During this duel, Naoe wields a wooden training sword, rendering parrying less effective. Focus instead on avoiding attacks and exploiting openings to claim victory.
Upon successfully defeating Fujita, you can choose to advance towards the fortress, evading or confronting the guards as preferred. Utilize your grappling hook to scale the outer wall and gather intel on Oda’s forces by listening in on enemy discussions.
Finally, traverse right along the wall, climbing onto rooftops to circumvent other patrols. Retrieve Oda’s plans from the southeastern building to conclude the cutscene and complete the Before the Fall questline.
Note that while completing additional Kuji-Kiri rituals post-quest won’t grant new memories, each completed ritual offers a Knowledge Point to enhance your mastery paths. To earn the Zen Master achievement, be sure to complete all twenty-two Kuji-Kiri locations.
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