Love in the Shadows

These aspects have never been a central theme to any title of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows doesn’t prioritize it alongside the others either. Regardless, Ubisoft Quebec has crafted romance subplots for players wishing to partake. With some character interactions and companion quests, players are able to build relationships and develop them further. Understanding which dialogues to choose and which quests to finish is important for accessing romantic relationships. This tree explains romantic affairs in Assassin's Shadows and specifies which characters can be pursued as well as how to build relations with them..

About Romance in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Romance in Assassin’s Creed Shadows follows a simple system. Each romanceable character has a questline that must be completed to develop a relationship. From the first meeting, players will have the option to select flirtatious dialogue choices, indicated by a heart icon. While these choices aren’t strictly required, they significantly improve the chances of progressing the romance.

As players complete relevant quests and consistently choose romantic dialogue, a final heart icon with an arrow appears. Selecting this option confirms the relationship, leading to an intimate but tastefully presented scene between the characters.

Can You Romance Multiple Characters?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows does not impose any penalties for romancing multiple characters. The romanceable characters do not acknowledge or interact with one another regarding their relationships with the protagonist. However, only Naoe has multiple romance options, while Yasuke has just one.

How to Romance Hori Hidemasa

Hori Hidemasa is a loyal warrior found in the Otsu area of Omi. He seeks revenge for the betrayal of Nobunaga, and Yasuke can grow closer to him by offering support.

The Betrayer's

• Meet Hori Hidemasa and assist him in enacting revenge.
• After completing the quest, choose "Meeting you was my reward." to unlock a romantic scene.

How to Romance Lady Oichi

Lady Oichi, the sister of Oda Nobunaga, is the sole romance option for Yasuke. Their relationship is forbidden due to Oichi’s noble status, but Yasuke can pursue her by making the right choices.

An Education

• Meet Lady Oichi during a training session.
• Select "Some company might be nice."

The Wheel Unmasked

• During the quest, spare your target instead of killing them.

The Wheel Turns

• Meet Lady Oichi and choose "I miss your smile."
• Travel to Cat Island and interact with her children.
• Decide whether to leave a dog with the kids or take it with you (this choice does not affect the romance).
• Seal the relationship with "Let’s enjoy the moment."

How to Romance Ibuki

Ibuki is a skilled warrior whom Yasuke meets in Kashiwara Village during an ambush. As their relationship develops, Yasuke can strengthen their bond by choosing the right dialogue options.

Ambush Interrupted

• Meet Ibuki during the quest in Kashiwara Village.
• Select the heart dialogue options whenever possible.

Homecoming

• Respond with "Your mind works in beautiful ways."

Homecoming 2

• Choose "You don't have to be alone." to recruit Ibuki.

Homecoming 3

• Express deeper feelings with "Let's be together in another way."

Putting Down Roots

• Seal the romance by selecting "I want more than friendship."

How to Romance Katsuhime

Katsuhime is a fierce shinobi warrior and the daughter of a rival clan leader. Her strong-willed personality clashes with Naoe's, but their bond strengthens over time.

Showdown in Sakamoto

• Choose "I like your teppo" when infiltrating Sakamoto Castle with her.

Letter from Katsuhime

• Locate her in The Shimmering Fields and help her retrieve sake.
• When inviting her to join your league, say "It offers time with me."

The Tales of Genin

• Assist Katsuhime in tracking down pirates who attacked her mentor’s family.
• Choose "I do enjoy your company." at the end of the quest.

Diary of Lady Rokkaku

• Rescue Katsuhime from a castle and carry her to safety.
• Recruit her as a companion by selecting "Yes. Join us."

The Jounin Pillow Book

• Find Katsuhime in Wakasa.
• Express feelings by choosing "Let’s find out."
• Seal the romance with "Yes. Forever."

How to Romance Gennojo

Gennojo is a charismatic thief and the first romanceable character Naoe encounters. Their relationship develops over multiple encounters as Naoe chases him down and learns more about his motives.

Missing Missive (Main story mission)

• Fight Gennojo and retrieve a stolen letter.

Sake and Swords

• Meet Gennojo, who is drunk and selling stolen goods.
• Choose "Depends what you're offering" during the conversation.
• Later, select "Show me, thief" to advance the romance.

Honor Among Thieves

• Assist Gennojo in stealing a valuable scroll.
• Respond with "I’m keeping it, then" before the quest ends.

Stolen Hearts

• Meet Gennojo in Kyoto.
• Pick "I’m here for you" during your first conversation.
• Finalize the romance with "I’d like to embrace you."

Although romance in Assassin's Creed Shadows isn't a primary activity, it certainly deepens character interactions. Players can obtain certain relationship milestones that make their journey through feudal Japan more enjoyable by making the right choices and completing each love interest's questline.