Before you can even think about embarking on the Claws of Awaji expansion in Assassin's Creed Shadows, you must first complete the pivotal "The Puppet Show" quest. This mission serves as the exclusive narrative bridge to the new content, but it’s locked behind significant progress in the main game. You cannot access it early.
Prerequisites to Begin The Puppet Show:
To trigger the quest, you must have essentially finished the core campaign. This requires dedication and ensures you are powerful enough for the challenges that await in Awaji. The specific requirements are:
- Complete the Shinbakufu Target Board: Eliminate every single target on this board.
- Finish All Character Arcs: See through the personal story missions for both protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, as well as their ally, Junjiro.
- Conquer the Final Quest: Successfully complete the main game's concluding mission, "Out of the Shadows."
Once these conditions are met, return to your Hideout. A new marker titled
"News from Hattori Hanzo" will appear. Speak with Konatsu to officially begin "The Puppet Show" and start your journey to Awaji.
A Step-by-Step Walkthrough for The Puppet Show Quest
1. Travel to the Nishinomiya ShrineAfter speaking with Konatsu, your objective is to investigate a mysterious puppet show in the Izumi Settsu region. Head to the marked location, the Nishinomiya Shrine. Upon arrival, locate Junjiro and select the dialogue option,
“Let’s see what this show is about.”
2. Explore the Shrine Grounds (Optional Objectives)Before the show begins, you can immerse yourself in the environment by interacting with several points of interest. While optional, these activities enrich the story:
- Investigate the mysterious Fox Spirit Mask.
- Examine the intimidating Oni Mask.
- Offer a prayer at the shrine to Ebisu.
- Assist a young child by retrieving her lost toy from the nearby pond.
Once you're ready, approach the area in front of the main temple stairs and choose “Watch the show.” This initiates a unique and captivating gameplay segment.
Mastering the 2D Platformer Puppet Show
The quest transforms into a stylized, side-scrolling platformer where youcontrol three different puppet characters, each with their ownplaystyle.
The Maiden's Segment: A Simple Journey
- Control the Maiden and simply walk to the right.
- Interact with and open any doors blocking your path.
- Climb a ladder when you encounter it.
- The segment concludes by waving to the Champion and his companions.
The Champion's Segment: Brutal Combat
- As the Champion, your goal is to fight your way through. Move right andengage enemies in straightforward combat; parrying and dodging areeffective.
- Use your Parkour button to scale walls.
- Solve a simple environmental puzzle: when faced with an unscalable wall, open the door on your left and pull out a platform to create a path over it.
- Continue fighting, break through a door by sprinting into it, and defeat several waves of enemies to finish.
The Shinobi's Segment: Stealth and Precision
- This part requires stealth. Start by dropping down from a rooftop.
- Use your grappling hook to cross a large gap—a clear nod to Naoe's skills.
- Enter a cave and use the prone button to crawl through a tight space.
- Employ stealth assassinations to eliminate guards silently.
- Be sure to extinguish light sources to stay hidden in the shadows.
- Navigate by crawling under houses and climbing onto rooftops.
- The finale involves clearing a large hall of adversaries, climbing out awindow, and making a final leap to complete the journey.
Claiming Your Reward: Accessing the Claws of Awaji
After successfully guiding all three puppets, a final cutscene will play. To proceed, you must select the dialogue option, “I will go to Awaji.” This choice confirms your readiness and immediately transports you to the new island, marking the official start of the Claws of Awaji expansion and the next chapter of your adventure in Feudal Japan.
By following this guide, you will seamlessly transition from the endgameof the main story into the thrilling new content that awaits.
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
Genre(s): Action role-playing
Developer(s): Ubisoft, Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Quebec ·
Release date: March 20, 2025
▶
Other Articles Related
How to skip time in Assassin's Creed ShadowsMaster time itself in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Learn the quickest methods toskip time between day and night cycles to optimize your stealth andexploration.
How to complete The Puppet Show quest in Assassin's Creed ShadowsLearn how to complete The Puppet Show quest in Assassin's CreedShadows. Our guide covers finding the quest, infiltrating thestronghold, and eliminating your target with tips for stealth or combat.
How to complete A Shinobi on Awaji quest in Assassin's Creed Shadows Claws of Awajithe A Shinobi on Awaji quest in Assassin's Creed Shadows Claws of Awaji with our step-by-step guide. Unlock secrets
How to complete The Reunion quest in Assassin's Creed Shadows Claws of Awaji The Reunion quest in Assassin's Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji with our step-by-step. Unlock secrets and enhance your gameplay!
How to complete Prison Break quest in Assassin's Creed ShadowsStuck liberatingNaoe's ally? Our guide breaks down how to complete the Prison Breakquest in Assassin's Creed Shadows, including stealth tips and combatstrategies.
How to complete Not Alone in this World quest in Assassin's Creed ShadowsAssassin's Creed Shadows: Not Alone in This World quest guide.Find out how to start the mission, solve its puzzles, defeat theenemies, and claim your reward to expand your network of allies.
How to complete Way of the Bo quest in Assassin's Creed Shadowsthe secrets of the Assassin's Creed Shadows: Way of the Bo quest.Uncover strategies, tips, and lore to enhance your gaming
How to complete A Long Lost Key quest in Assassin's Creed ShadowsExplore the captivating Assassin's Creed Shadows: A Long Lost Key quest. Join the journey to unlock secrets and elevate your gameplay
How to complete The Regalia quest in Assassin's Creed ShadowsStuck on The Regalia in Assassin's Creed Shadows? Our guideprovides a complete walkthrough to help you find the hidden key andclaim the legendary katana, the Uchigatana of the West.
How to Get the Ezio Outfit in Assassin's Creed ShadowsUnlock the iconic Ezio Outfit in Assassin's Creed Shadows! Elevate your gameplay and immerse yourself in the legendary assassin's style.
How To Get More Fuel in Dying Light The BeastUnlock the secrets to gathering more fuel in Dying Light The Beast.Explore our comprehensive guide to boost your survival skills
How To Unlock Military Convoys in Dying Light The BeastUncover the secrets of The Beast convoy in Dying Light. Our guideprovides precise locations and tips to help you conquer this challenge.
How To Kill A Volatile in Dying Light The Beaststrategies to defeat the formidable Volatile in Dying Light: The Beast.Master your skills and survive the night in this thrilling challenge.
Where To Find All Dark Zones in Dying Light The Beastthe Dark Zone location in Dying Light: The Beast. Uncover secrets,strategies, and tips to conquer this challenging area
How To Find And Unlock Safe Spot in Dying Light The BeastUncover essential safe spot locations in Dying Light: The Beast. Enhance your gameplay and ensure your survival with our expert insights.