How to perform Kuji-Kiri in Assassin's Creed Shadows

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-03-19 19:24:09
Discover the secrets of Kuji-Kiri in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Master this ancient technique to enhance your gameplay and unlock new skills!
Assassin's Creed Shadows delves deep into the cultural intricacies of feudal Japan, introducing the Kuji-Kiri ritual as a contemplative and narrative-driven mechanic. Inspired by the serene moments of Haiku writing in Ghost of Tsushima, Kuji-Kiri provides players with a unique opportunity to connect with Naoe's inner world, offering glimpses into her past and enriching her character development. This article will guide you through the intricacies of Kuji-Kiri, exploring its origins, its implementation in the game, and its significance in enhancing the immersive experience of Assassin's Creed Shadows.

Assassin's Creed Shadows: How to perform Kuji-Kiri

Understanding Kuji-Kiri: A Ritual of Mind and Spirit

Kuji-Kiri, translating to "nine symbolic cuts" or "nine hand seals," is a ritual rooted in Buddhist traditions. It involves a sequence of intricate hand gestures, accompanied by chants and meditation, designed to focus the mind and spirit. In Assassin's Creed Shadows, this ritual is transformed into an optional activity that allows players to delve into Naoe's personal history, offering moments of respite and reflection amidst the game's intense action.Unlike traditional objectives that are clearly marked on the HUD or map, Kuji-Kiri sites are discovered organically through exploration. This design choice encourages players to immerse themselves in the game's world, paying attention to the subtle details and hidden corners of feudal Japan.

Locating and Performing Kuji-Kiri: A Step-by-Step Guide


Finding Kuji-Kiri sites requires keenobservation and a willingness to explore off the beaten path. Thesesites are often found in serene locations, such as near shrines or torii gates, inviting players to pause and reflect.

One of the earliest opportunities to encounter Kuji-Kiri occurs during the"Fatherless Monk" quest while searching for Kyonyo. By deviating fromthe standard path, players may discover a torii gate and a shrine to the right, where a Kuji-Kiri site is located.

Here's a step-by-step guide to performing the Kuji-Kiri ritual:

  • Locate a Kuji-Kiri Site:

    • Explore the game world, paying attention to shrine-like locations and serene areas that may contain the ritual site.
  • Initiate the Ritual:

    • Once at the site, approach the designated area and press the interaction button (default: "E" on PC) to begin the ritual.
  • Follow the Button Prompts:

    • On-screen cues will appear, guiding you through a sequence of button presses.
  • Perform Hand Gestures:

    • Naoe willperform a series of symbolic hand signs, mimicking the real-lifeKuji-Kiri practice. As the ritual progresses, the screen will graduallyshift to a monochrome, ink-painting style, enhancing the sense ofimmersion and reflection.
  • Experience a Flashback:

    • If theritual is performed successfully, a brief cutscene will play, depicting a moment from Naoe's past. These flashbacks provide deeper insights intoher character, revealing her motivations, fears, and personal history.

  • The Significance of Kuji-Kiri: Narrative Depth and Immersion

    Kuji-Kiri is more than just an optional activity; it is a narrative tool thatenhances the player's connection to Naoe. By uncovering her past through these rituals, players gain a deeper understanding of her character,her motivations, and her place in the world of Assassin's Creed Shadows.

    The ritual's contemplative nature provides moments of respite from thegame's intense action, allowing players to reflect on the story andconnect with Naoe on a more personal level. The shift to a monochrome,ink-painting style during the ritual enhances the sense of immersion,creating a visually striking and emotionally resonant experience.

    Furthermore, the organic discovery of Kuji-Kiri sites encourages exploration andrewards players for venturing off the beaten path. This design choicealigns with the game's emphasis on immersion and discovery, creating aworld that feels alive and interconnected.



    Kuji-Kiri in Assassin's Creed Shadows is a testament to the developers'commitment to creating an immersive and culturally rich experience. Byincorporating this ancient ritual into the game, they have providedplayers with a unique opportunity to connect with Naoe's inner world and gain a deeper understanding of her character. The contemplative natureof Kuji-Kiri, combined with its narrative significance and visualappeal, makes it a valuable addition to the game's mechanics. Whetheryou are a dedicated completionist or simply seeking a deeper connectionto the game's world, Kuji-Kiri offers a rewarding and enrichingexperience.

    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 ·
    Publisher(s): Ubisoft
    Release date: March 20, 2025
    Mode: Single-player
    Age rating (PEGI): +18
    Video preview



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