Locations of Imposters in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows of Yamabushi

Unveiling Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Yamabushi Imposters Guide

Set against the backdrop of Japan’s Sengoku period, Assassin’s Creed Shadows immerses players in a time when competing clans fought ruthlessly for dominance, often leaving innocent civilians in dire circumstances. In this atmosphere of chaos, bandits emerged, some of whom masqueraded as Yamabushi—wandering monks—using their guise to deceive and rob unsuspecting travelers.

The Yamabushi Imposters, encountered as mid-to-late game targets, can be particularly challenging, especially if players attempt to confront them prematurely. Once prepared, however, the hunt for these deceptive foes begins. This guide provides essential information on locating and defeating each Yamabushi Imposter to claim their valuable loot.

Understanding the Yamabushi Imposters

Players can initiate the quest related to the Yamabushi Imposters after traveling to Iga and visiting Naoe’s village located in Mibuno Vale. Here, players receive the side quest “From the Ashes, ”which tasks them with locating Auntie Matsu. Upon successfully completing this quest, players will be guided to speak with Genpaku in Yamato, who elaborates on the nefarious activities of these monk-robed bandits who prey on innocent villagers.

Yamabushi Imposter Locations

Below is an interactive map pinpointing the locations of the Yamabushi Imposters. For a deeper dive, we will detail each one’s whereabouts and strategies for vanquishing them:

Finding the Pond Yamabushi

Located near the Kuji-Kiri meditating area by the Three Trunked Tree, the Pond Yamabushi ambushes Naoe as she meditates by Lake Biwa in Omi. Although he can attack unsuspecting players of any level during the meditation mini-game, he is best faced at level 40. Defeat him to receive the coveted Monk’s Amendment Katana and a “Ration on Headshot”engraving.

Encountering the Forest Yamabushi

The Forest Yamabushi lurks at Nyu-Daimyojin Shrine, east of Saika in Kii. To engage him, approach the shrine cautiously—he feigns injury, only to ambush players with the help of his cohorts. Armed with a poisonous spear, he poses a significant challenge due to his substantial health pool. Successfully defeating him rewards players with Izanami’s Salvation Naginata and “Buildup Over Half Health”engraving.

Tracking the Mountain Yamabushi

In an unusual twist, the Mountain Yamabushi can be found deceased, having fallen victim to the mythical Yuki Onna (Snow Woman).His location is inside Kawachi Kaza-ana Cave, nestled between Ibu Highlands and Suzuka Foothills. To reach him, follow the road along Lake Biwa to Nomura Village, then head eastward. Navigate through a crawl space in the cave, and you’ll discover the Yamabushi’s body.

Map indicating Yuki Onna's location in Assassin's Creed Shadows. — Image credit: Ubisoft/VG247

Defeating the Valley Yamabushi

The Valley Yamabushi is encountered during the “Monk’s Wake”quest while searching for a house for Auntie Matsu. Begin at your old village in Mibuno Vale, collect the quest, then proceed to Hinotani Shrine to find Matsu. Following this, a quest marker will lead you to a summer house near the shrine, where you will battle the Valley Yamabushi.

Confronting the River Yamabushi

Found between Ominesanji Outlook and Genpaku Yoshino, the River Yamabushi stands next to a pool while admiring the view. Defeating him grants players Susanoo’s Torrent Bow and the “Armor Piercing on Multiple Enemies”engraving.

Locating the Shadow Yamabushi

The Shadow Yamabushi provides players with several clues relating to his whereabouts:

Hiding in Iga
Located in Otogi Pass
Near Kasuga Shrine

At Kasuga Shrine, venture through the temple grounds where fellow monks warn each other about a lurking suspect. Ascend the shrine towards the viewpoint, where you can stealthily eliminate the Shadow Yamabushi. He drops Yomi’s Retribution Kusarigama and the “Critical Chance on Consecutive Hits”engraving.

Finding the Village Yamabushi

The Village Yamabushi is positioned nearby, with additional clues indicating:

Hiding in Iga
Located in Mibuno Valley
At the Shinobi Training Ground

Approach the training ground southeast of Naoe’s Village in Iga, and investigate the area before engaging him. Assess the discarded items around him, revealing a story that prompts Yasuke and Naoe to spare his life. In doing so, you receive the “Damage on Parry”engraving and insights on the remaining Yamabushi.

Discovering the Pathway Yamabushi

The Pathway Yamabushi is found in Kii, following these hints:

Located in Kii
Wandering east of Kumano Sanzan
Travels around Shingu

Head east to Shingu, where you’ll find him centrally located. Defeating this bandit nets you Izanagi’s Reach Naginata and the “Health with Headshot”engraving.

Navigating to the Clifftop Yamabushi

Finally, the Clifftop Yamabushi resides to the north, with the matching hints as follows:

Somewhere in Kii
Located on the Iseji Trails
Hiding on Kii’s east coast

Near the map’s edge, past the bridge north of Shingu, players can overhear children discussing an attack by a Yamabushi who fled to a clifftop shrine. Ascend the Path of the Chosen, maneuver carefully to find the clifftop, where the Yamabushi awaits by a campfire. After an ambush, you’ll acquire the Lustrous Pearl Naginata and the “Knockdown on Postured Combo Ender”engraving.

With all Yamabushi Imposters defeated, return to Genpaku, who will express relief regarding your success. Completing this quest awards you with 5000 XP and a decorative Shinto shrine ornament.

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