Okay, let me tell you about my journey to becoming a ghost in the shadows of feudal Japan. As a long-time fan, playing as the shinobi Naoe in Assassin's Creed Shadows was a dream come true. This game has, hands down, the most comprehensive stealth system I've ever experienced in the franchise's nearly 20-year history. Forget just hiding in haystacks—Naoe can go prone in tall grass, submerge herself in shallow water, and use her grappling hook to move with a fluidity that makes you feel like a true ninja.
I knew I had to 100% this game, and that meant conquering the 'Unseen' Trophy/Achievement. The goal? Kill five enemies in a row without being spotted. Sounds intense, right? Don't worry, I found the perfect place to do it, and it's right at the start of the game. My strategy centered around Katano Castle in the prologue. Trust me, patience and planning are everything here.
Here’s my step-by-step guide to getting those five silent kills and unlocking the trophy. Remember, once you're spotted, your kill count resets to zero, so take it slow!
My Katano Castle Stealth Run 🎌
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Scout from Above: When you approach the castle, head to the right-hand tower and climb up. Use this vantage point to mark your targets. I focused on:
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The lone guard on the ground right in front of you.
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The pair of guards patrolling the castle walls to the right.
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First Strike: Perform a Leap of Faith into the hay pile below. Sneak up behind that first ground-level guard for a clean assassination. ✔️ One down.
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Silent Traversal: Use the high wire to your left to get across. You'll see a guard below. I threw a kunai to eliminate him. This kill doesn't count toward the five for the trophy, but it's crucial—he could ruin your run later if left alive!
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Death from Above: Continue across the wire and move along the roof beams. Position yourself above another unsuspecting enemy and perform an air assassination. ✔️ That's number two.
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The Unaware Target: Go through the house windows and head toward the right side of the castle. You'll see a man sitting down in the distance. Don't be fooled—he's a guard! Sneak up and assassinate him from behind. ✔️ Three.
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Prone and Patient: Crawl through a hole in the wall using the prone position. Now, use your whistle to attract the guard in front of you. Stay low, sneak into the tall grass, get an angle, and strike. ✔️ Four kills in the bag!
- The Final Mark: For the fifth kill, ignore the game's hint about using a kunai on a lamp—it puts guards on high alert. Instead, stay prone and stick to the outer edge of the castle wall. Sneak all the way to the guard in the far corner and take him out. 🎉 That's five! The 'Unseen' Trophy should pop!
But wait, what if your streak broke? No panic! The prologue gives you a few more easy targets. After your five, you can climb the scaffolding (time it so guards don't see you) and assassinate another guard on a higher level. Then, head to the roof vantage point to identify your main target: Samurai Ido Yoshihiro.
Taking him out is the grand finale. Use your grappling hook to swing over him, then press the prompt to air assassinate him for an epic cinematic kill. After the cutscene, just run up the outer wall and dive into the moat to escape. Swimming to safety will also net you the trophy for completing the Prologue! A perfect stealth run to start your adventure.
My Top Stealth Tips for Naoe:
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Plan Your Route: Always get to a high vantage point first. Survey every enemy, every patrol path. Your Eagle Vision is your best friend.
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Use Your Tools: The shuriken and kunai are perfect for distractions or silent ranged kills. The grappling hook is essential for fluid, vertical movement.
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Embrace the Shadows: This is Naoe's world. Stick to dark areas, tall grass, and shallow water. The prone button is your new best friend.
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Whistle Wisely: A well-timed whistle can isolate an enemy, making them easy prey. Just make sure no one else is around to hear it!
Mastering this sequence not only got me the trophy but completely changed how I play the game. It forces you to think like a shinobi—methodical, patient, and deadly silent. Now, go out there and become one with the shadows!