My Journey to Collect All Nine Kamon Crests in Assassin's Creed Shadows
As I stepped into the meticulously crafted world of Assassin's Creed Shadows, I knew my journey would be about more than just stealth and combat. It was a deep dive into the heart of Sengoku-era Japan, a land defined by powerful clans and their proud heraldry. Among the many treasures hidden across the provinces, the Kamon Crests called to me the most. These were not mere trinkets; they were the symbolic emblems of the most influential Daimyo, tangible pieces of history concealed within the formidable walls of castles and remote fortifications. My quest to find all nine of these crests became a personal pilgrimage, one that would test my skills and reward me with legendary artifacts.
🏮 Initiating the Quest: A Meeting in Kyoto
My adventure truly began once I gained control of Yasuke, the legendary African samurai. His unique perspective and strength felt essential for such a task. Following a tip, I traveled to the bustling city of Kyoto in Yamashiro province. In the southern districts, nestled just below the imposing southeastern corner of Honnoji Temple, I found my objective. There, I was reunited with Ota Gyuichi, the esteemed former scribe to the great Oda Nobunaga and an old acquaintance of Yasuke's. Speaking with him ignited the side-quest "A Collection of Crests," setting me on a path that would lead me to the far corners of Japan.
🗺️ The Hunt for Heraldry: Locations & Strategies
Tracking down each crest was a challenge that blended exploration, puzzle-solving, and sometimes, confrontation. They were never lying in plain sight. I had to delve into the deepest, most secure areas of strongholds, using all the tools at my disposal—from Yasuke's brute force to Naoe's shinobi agility. The crests represented a who's who of feudal Japan's power players. Here’s a breakdown of the clans and the general areas where I conducted my search:
| Clan Represented | General Region / Fortification Type | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Oda Clan | Central Castles & Keeps | Heavy Samurai Guards |
| Takeda Clan | Mountain Fortresses | Elevated, hard-to-reach locations |
| Uesugi Clan | Northern Temples & Outposts | Complex architectural layouts |
| Imagawa Clan | Coastal Forts | Patrols near waterways |
| Hojo Clan | Densely fortified castles | Multiple interior layers & secret rooms |
| Mori Clan | Western naval bases | Access often required naval approach |
| Date Clan | Remote northern strongholds | Harsh terrain and weather effects |
| Shimazu Clan | Southern island citadels | Isolated and well-defended |
| Tokugawa Clan | Emerging power centers | Heavily guarded during key story moments |
Each location demanded a different approach. For example, infiltrating a Hojo castle meant navigating a labyrinth of corridors and discovering hidden chambers, while securing the Mori crest involved a daring nighttime raid on a shipyard. Using Eagle Vision (or its in-game equivalent) was crucial for highlighting interactive objects and secret entrances.
🎁 Glorious Rewards: The Fruits of My Labor
After what felt like an epic journey across the entire realm, I finally collected the ninth and final Kamon Crest. Returning to Ota Gyuichi in Kyoto was a moment of great satisfaction. He gratefully accepted the complete collection, and in return, bestowed upon me rewards worthy of a master collector and warrior:
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The Complete Set of Kamon Banners 🏳️: These are not just inventory items; they are outdoor cosmetics for my hideout or camp. Each beautifully designed banner, representing one of the nine clans, can be displayed, allowing me to literally fly the colors of Japan's most famous families. It’s a fantastic way to customize my personal space with the history I've gathered.
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The Falcon's Eye Legendary Bow 🏹: This was the prize I coveted most. This exquisite longbow is not only a powerful weapon but a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Its draw is smooth, its range exceptional, and it deals devastating damage, making it my go-to tool for ranged engagements.
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The Bow Multishot Legendary Engraving ⚙️: This special modification elevated my archery to a new level. Applying this engraving to a compatible bow allows it to fire multiple arrows with a single draw, turning me into a one-person volley against groups of enemies. The tactical advantage it provides is immense.
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A Substantial Experience Bounty 📈: Completing this comprehensive quest granted me a hefty sum of 1000 XP, significantly boosting my progression and unlocking new abilities for both Yasuke and Naoe.
💭 Final Reflections on the Collection
This quest, "A Collection of Crests," was more than a simple fetch quest. For me, it was a curated tour through the political and military landscape of Assassin's Creed Shadows' Japan. Each crest I found told a story of ambition, loyalty, and power. The rewards, particularly the unique Falcon's Eye bow and the customizable banners, have a permanent place in my arsenal and headquarters, serving as constant reminders of the journey. For any player looking to fully immerse themselves in the game's world and walk away with some of its best gear, seeking out these nine Kamon Crests is an absolute must. It’s a challenging, rewarding, and deeply engaging piece of the Shadows experience that I won't soon forget.
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