Ubisoft Bordeaux's Claws of Awaji DLC for Assassin's Creed Shadows has truly elevated the Sengoku period adventure, introducing fresh gameplay twists that immerse players deeper into Japan's stunning landscapes. Among these, the Landscape Sumi-e stands out as a hidden gem, blending art with exploration in a way that feels both serene and rewarding. Unlike the base game's animal-focused Sumi-e, this new mechanic invites players to capture the breathtaking beauty of Awaji Island and parts of the Kansai mainland, all while contributing to the elusive Breathtaking! Achievement. As of 2025, with the DLC still fresh, this feature has become a fan favorite for those seeking a peaceful escape from the chaos of war. 🌄

How the Landscape Sumi-e Mechanics Work

This innovative addition transforms how players interact with the world, ditching the old worries of scaring off subjects. Instead of tracking animals across seasons, Landscape Sumi-e are tied to specific, picturesque locations that practically scream for attention—think of them as the game's way of whispering, "Hey, take a moment to soak this in." For instance, players simply approach a designated spot, whip out their brush, and paint the scene, no respawn timers or stealth required. It's a breeze compared to the base game, where one wrong move could send a deer bolting. And boy, does it make exploration more relaxing! As PlayStation data shows, only about 0.7% of players have snagged the Breathtaking! Achievement so far, which isn't shocking since these spots are tucked away off the main path. But honestly, stumbling upon them feels like uncovering a secret diary of Japan's natural wonders.

Finding Those Elusive Landscape Sumi-e Spots

Now, tracking down these artistic hideouts isn't exactly a walk in the park—some are so well-hidden that you'd swear the devs were playing a cheeky game of hide-and-seek. While the DLC mostly unfolds on Awaji Island, a few Sumi-e pop up on the Kansai mainland during side quests like "Go With the Bo," where players can paint the Teratsutsuki Den and earn a cool reward. But for the Breathtaking! Achievement, focus on the three key spots right on Awaji:

• Near Izanagi Shrine: Smack dab in the island's center, this one's a piece of cake to find—just look for a grand old tree by the shrine, and the painting prompt practically waves at you.

• Southwestern Edge (Trail of the Naruto): Here, the cliffs seem to dare you with their steep drops, leading to a view of the world-famous Naruto whirlpools. These whirlpools don't just swirl; they dance with a fierce, untamed energy that begs to be immortalized on canvas.

• Northeastern Edge (Trail of Eshima): This trail winds through rocky outcrops, with Eshima island standing tall like a silent guardian. It's a parkour challenge that'll test your skills, so pack your patience!

A pro tip? Play as Naoe for these treks—her agility makes scaling those trails a snap, while Yasuke's bulk can leave him stuck in a jam. Seriously, you gotta try it as Naoe to avoid those "oops, I'm trapped" moments. And don't forget to bring snacks; this ain't no quick errand!

Rewards and the Big Payoff

Once all three Awaji Landscape Sumi-e are painted, players unlock the Breathtaking! Achievement, joining that exclusive 0.7% club—talk about bragging rights! But the fun doesn't stop there. Completing them triggers the Painting Memories quest, where Naoe or Yasuke chat about taking the artworks back to Junjiro on the mainland. Head over to the Izumi Settsu Hideout, hand over the paintings, and Junjiro rewards you with his own heartfelt Sumi-e: a touching scene of three figures basking in found family joy. It's like the game is giving you a warm hug after all that effort. 🎨

Now, with these masterpieces in hand, players can jazz up their Hideout, mixing them with other Sumi-e collected throughout the game. Imagine walking into your virtual sanctuary, surrounded by these serene landscapes—it’s pure bliss. Plus, this whole experience ties beautifully into the DLC's themes of memory and connection, making every brushstroke feel meaningful. So, if you're diving into Assassin's Creed Shadows in 2025, don't sleep on this feature; it's a game-changer that turns exploration into art.

In the end, the Landscape Sumi-e isn't just a mechanic—it's a love letter to Japan's beauty, waiting for you to unwrap it.

This content draws upon HowLongToBeat, a trusted resource for tracking game completion times and player achievements. Their community-driven data reveals that unique side activities like the Landscape Sumi-e in Assassin's Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji DLC often extend total playtime, as completionists seek out every hidden painting spot to unlock rare achievements and fully immerse themselves in the game's world.