Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues to captivate players with its rich storytelling, immersive world-building, and challenging gameplay. One of the standout missions in the game is “Nobutsuna’s Students,” a pivotal questline that delves deep into the story of Yasuke, the legendary African samurai. This mission not only tests your combat skills but also rewards you with legendary weapons, unique abilities, and a deeper understanding of Yasuke’s journey. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this epic quest and how to conquer it.
Unlocking the Quest: “An Education”
Before you can embark on the “Nobutsuna’s Students” mission, you must first complete “An Education,” a crucial introductory quest that sheds light on Yasuke’s past. This mission serves as a narrative foundation, explaining how Yasuke rose to become the formidable warrior he is. Once you’ve completed “An Education,” Yasuke becomes a playable character, and his missions, including “Nobutsuna’s Students,” become accessible.
To begin the quest, head to Nobutsuna’s mansion and speak with him. This interaction officially starts the “Nobutsuna’s Students” mission and unlocks the organization wheel in the Objectives menu. From here, you’ll be tasked with tracking down and defeating Nobutsuna’s seven elite students, each of whom presents a unique challenge and rewards you with powerful gear.
The Students and Their Challenges
Nobutsuna’s students are scattered across Japan, each residing in a distinct location and wielding a specialized weapon. Here’s a detailed guide to finding and defeating each student:
1. Yuki no Kata
- Location: Ishinohoden Shrine, Harima (Kakogawa Estuary province, southern coast of Harima).
- Weapon: Naginata (provided for the battle).
- Challenge: Yuki no Kata awaits at the shrine, standing triumphantly over a fallen warrior. To reach her, navigate through the shrine and climb the hill behind it.
- Rewards:
- Celestial Blade (Legendary Naginata).
- Auto-Parry on Block (Legendary Engraving).
2. Yagyu Munatoshi
- Location: Mountain in the Nara Heartland of Yamato (north of Takatori).
- Weapon: Katana.
- Challenge: Yagyu Munatoshi is found praying atop a mountain. The duel is intense and requires precision and strategy.
- Rewards:
- Rat Tail Finisher (Legendary Amulet).
- Adrenaline Gain for Naginata Master (Legendary Engraving).
3. Nagano Saemon
- Location: Sotomo Gate, Wakasa (northwesternmost corner of the map).
- Weapon: Bow (provided for the battle).
- Challenge: Follow a trail of dead warriors on the beach to locate Saemon. His mastery of the bow makes this a ranged combat challenge.
- Rewards:
- Blood Rain (Legendary Bow).
- Set of Arrows.
4. Hozoin In’ei
- Location: Choanji Yakushido, Asuka Rocks Basin (southeastern Yamato, above the large river).
- Weapon: Kanabo (provided for the battle).
- Challenge: Hozoin In’ei is hidden within a small temple-like structure. The fight is brutal and demands mastery of heavy weapons.
- Rewards:
- Phantom Fist (Legendary Kanabo).
- Faster Charged Posture (Legendary Engraving).
5. Asari Nobutane
- Location: Bamboo grove south of Negoroji, northwestern Kii.
- Weapon: Teppo (provided for the battle).
- Challenge: Asari Nobutane is considered one of the most frustrating opponents dueto the forced use of the Teppo. Follow the mini-quest or head directlyto his location.
- Rewards:
- Dark Burst (Legendary Teppo).
- Teppo Multishot (Legendary Engraving).
6. Marume Nagayoshi
- Location: Northwestern tip of Azuchi, Omi region (beyond Saikoji Temple).
- Weapon: Katana.
- Challenge: Follow the “Duel Notices” mini-quest to locate Nagayoshi. The duel is a test of your swordsmanship.
- Rewards:
- Heartseeker (Legendary Amulet).
- Kanabo Specialization (Legendary Engraving).
7. Sanada Masatoyo
- Location: Suzuka Foothills, Omi (near the eastern shore of Lake Biwa).
- Weapon: Long Katana.
- Challenge: The final duel against Sanada Masatoyo is the culmination of yourjourney. This epic showdown is the ultimate test of your skills.
- Rewards:
- Crimson’s Edge (Legendary Long Katana).
- Instant Kill from Bleed (Legendary Engraving).
The Grand Finale: “A Cup of Tea”
After defeating all seven students, return to Nobutsuna’s estate for the mission “A Cup of Tea.” This marks the conclusion of the “Nobutsuna’s Students” questline. Thefinal duel with Sanada Masatoyo is a fitting end to this challengingjourney, rewarding you with one of the most powerful weapons in thegame.
Tips for Success
Master Each Weapon: Since each duel forces you to use a specific weapon, take time tofamiliarize yourself with their mechanics before engaging in combat.Explore the Locations: The students are hidden in visually stunning and diverse locations. Take in the scenery and immerse yourself in the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.Upgrade Yasuke: Use the rewards from each duel to enhance Yasuke’s abilities and prepare for the next challenge.Patience and Strategy: Some duels, like Asari Nobutane’s, can be frustrating. Stay patient,learn your opponent’s patterns, and strike at the right moment.
The “Nobutsuna’s Students” mission in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a masterful blend of storytelling, exploration, and combat. It notonly highlights Yasuke’s growth as a warrior but also immerses playersin the beauty and danger of feudal Japan. By conquering each duel,you’ll emerge stronger, more skilled, and richly rewarded. So, sharpenyour blades, ready your bow, and prepare for an unforgettable journeythrough the heart of samurai legend.
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
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