In Assassin's Creed Shadows, a game that has continued to captivate players since its release, the sprawling provinces of feudal Japan are filled with side quests that deepen the narrative and reward curiosity. Among these, the Godai Shinobi quest stands out as a multi-target assassination mission that tests stealth, patience, and combat readiness. By early 2026, many shinobi have mapped out optimal routes to the five disparate targets, making it possible to face the Godai with confidence.

The quest tasks players with hunting down five rogue students of a master named Shotei, each representing an element: Void, Wind, Earth, Fire, and Water. Defeating each godai grants immediate rewards, including XP, Mon, engravings, and tanto weapons, while reporting all five kills to Shotei yields a legendary trinket and a sizable XP boost. Even if an assassination attempt goes awry, the game generously delivers the loot—so long as the target is eliminated.

Godai of Void

The hunt begins in Omi, near the Goshiki Outlands. The Godai of Void has made his lair in a cave not far from the Odani Destroyed Tenshu. Heading northeast from Nagahama toward Daikichiji Temple, you’ll find the cave entrance tucked into the rocky terrain. Inside, he sits beside some crates to the left, his back intermittently turned to the entrance.

The cave’s confined space and ambient drips make a silent approach tricky. Naoe’s agility is recommended to hug the wall and time the kill when he’s distracted. If the assassination fails, a swift melee can still bring him down, though his defensive maneuvers are sharp.

Rewards:

• 💰 2000 XP

• ⚔️ Damage to Tagged Enemy Engraving

• 🔪 Call of the Void Legendary Tanto

• 💰 295 Mon

Godai of Wind

The Godai of Wind camps in the Iga region, specifically in Shimagahara Valley, west of Mibuno Vale and next to Otogi Pass. His small camp rests at the base of a low cliff, making him vulnerable to an aerial approach.

Instead of walking directly into his line of sight, circle around and scale the cliff behind him. A well-timed leap can end him in one stroke. Fallen leaves and wind gusts help mask the noise. Should the strike whiff, the nearby slope offers a quick escape before re-engaging.

Rewards:

• 💰 2000 XP

• ⚔️ Iron Dispute Epic Tanto

• 🏹 Adrenaline on Headshot Engraving

• 💰 275 Mon

Godai of Earth

In central Hijiyama, northeast of Kuroda Village, the Godai of Earth chops a stump with rhythmic precision. The spot is north of Hijiyama proper and east of Little Leaf Glade, just off the stone steps leading down to Otaniinary Shrine. The shrine’s bells and distant chants muffle footsteps, making a rear assassination almost effortless.

His dedication to the task means his back stays exposed for long moments. Wait behind the shrine’s lanterns and advance when the chop sound peaks. Even if he whirls around at the last second, the narrow path grants few retreats for either party.

Rewards:

• 💰 2000 XP

• ⚔️ Rooted Thrust Epic Tanto

• 🩸 Damage with Bleed Engraving

• 💰 385 Mon

Godai of Fire

High on the northwestern slopes of Mount Hiei in Omi, the Godai of Fire lingers near a smoldering pagoda. He reclines by a campfire, an old wagon and crates casting flickering shadows. The crackle of flames and drifting smoke cloak movement, and a flank to the left—off the main trail—lets you slip behind him unnoticed.

He is tougher than his brethren, so a failed assassination triggers a grueling duel. Use the terrain to break his guard before landing killing blows. The burning pagoda serves as a landmark visible from a distance, making navigation simple.

Rewards:

• 💰 2200 XP

• ⚔️ Cindersteel Epic Tanto

• 🛡️ Armor Damage with Combo Ender Engraving

• 💰 375 Mon

Godai of Water

The final godai, Mizu, waits in a murky swamp north of Sakamoto in Omi, near Mangetsuji Temple by Lake Biwa. Depending on the time of day, she sits upon a rock, pen in hand, scribbling while corpses float in the stagnant water. A note on one body reveals a conspiracy: the Godai planned to kill their former master Shotei together.

Mizu’s focus on her writings makes a slow, crouched approach from behind highly effective. The swamp’s soft ground reduces footstep noise, and the scattered debris can be used to divert her gaze. If she detects you, her blade dances with lethal speed—keeping a defensive stance is crucial.

Rewards:

• 💰 2000 XP

• ⚔️ Epic Typhoon Tanto

• 🌀 Buildup with Abilities Engraving

• 💰 260 Mon

Closing the Quest: Reporting to Shotei

Once all five targets have been slain—whether by stealth or brute force—Shotei awaits at his residence in Koga. The location is in Oni, close to The Shimmering Fields. Inform him of his former students’ fate, and he will reward you for ending their uprising.

Final Rewards:

• 💰 5500 XP

• 🏆 Soaring Tatsu Legendary Trinket

• ⚔️ Armor Piercing for Tanto Mastery Engraving

The Soaring Tatsu trinket is highly sought after for tanto-focused builds, making the entire quest chain a worthwhile endeavor for anyone refining a stealth playstyle in 2026. The Godai Shinobi mission exemplifies the depth of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, offering a blend of narrative intrigue, environmental storytelling, and generous loot that continues to engage both veterans and newcomers alike.