Unlocking Secrets and Scarlet Fate: A Guide to Chasuriyama Kofun in Assassin's Creed Shadows

In the vast, war-torn landscape of 16th-century Japan, a professional player knows that true power isn't just found on the battlefield; it's often buried deep within the earth. For the dual protagonists of Assassin's Creed Shadows, legendary gear isn't handed out like festival sweets—it's earned through wit, agility, and a willingness to delve into ancient, puzzle-filled tombs known as Kofun. Think of them as the ultimate, history-themed escape rooms, but with a much better prize at the end than a lousy keychain. Why raid a heavily guarded castle when you can potentially find a game-changing weapon in a quiet hillside mound? The Chasuriyama Kofun is one such place, a test of a player's platforming prowess rather than their combat skills, offering a sweet, legendary reward for those clever enough to navigate its shadowy depths.

Why Bother with a Musty Old Tomb?

Let's be honest, in a game about stealthy assassinations and epic samurai duels, why would anyone spend time crawling through dark, damp tunnels? The answer is simple: gear upgrades. While not every Kofun holds legendary items, many contain significant upgrades that can turn the tide against tougher enemies later in the game. The Chasuriyama Kofun, in particular, is not to be missed. It's a dedicated puzzle gauntlet, meaning you can tackle it even if the surrounding Tamba region's recommended level makes your character look like a novice. Your brain, not your blade, is the primary tool here. So, is it worth the trip? Absolutely, especially when the final chest promises a legendary tanto and a powerful engraving.

Finding the Entrance: A Viewpoint is Your Best Friend

First things first, you need to find the darn thing. The Chasuriyama Kofun is located in the Tamba region, specifically in the northwestern sub-region of Chasuriyama. It's tucked away near the edge of the map, and it won't just pop up on your minimap out of the blue. The key is synchronizing with a viewpoint. The most convenient one is the Yakami viewpoint, located within a nearby fort.

• Pro-Tip: If you haven't unlocked the fort's gates, don't fret! Scale the rocky hill the fort is built on. You'll find a gap in the outer wall that leads directly to the tower housing the viewpoint. A bit of sneaking later, and you'll have a bird's-eye view of the area, revealing that enticing '?' icon on your map. From there, it's a simple horseback ride to the Kofun's entrance.

The Main Event: Navigating the Kofun with Naoe

Here's the first crucial detail: you must play as Naoe. Sorry, Yasuke fans, but this ancient tomb requires the finesse of the shinobi and her trusty grappling hook. The entrance is straightforward—just walk in and follow the hallway. The first main room sets the tone: a coffin sits ominously, but your path lies directly opposite, through a gap in the wall.

The initial section is a gentle warm-up. You'll pass through another room, perform an Eagle Dive off a wooden platform into a pool of water, and swim toward the light. Don't waste time searching the water for treasure; unlike some other vaults in the game, this Kofun is notoriously light on loot... until the very end.

Now, the real fun begins: The Grappling Hook Gauntlet. From here on out, it's all about precision swings and jumps.

1. Room 1: Jump to the first platform and grapple directly across the chasm.

2. Room 2: Jump across, then crawl through a dark, narrow passage (going prone is required).

3. The Tricky Bit: In the next chamber, grapple to the shortest platform directly ahead. Look for white chalky lines on the rock wall next to you—use them to climb up and to the left. Then, drop down and execute a second grapple to reach the exit.

4. Rope Walk: The next room features ropes. Just walk across them—no fancy tricks needed—and proceed into a long hallway.

The Lone Bonus Chest & The Mysterious Box

Ah, the hallway! This is where eagle-eyed players can snag a bonus. Shortly after entering, look to your right for a hole in the wall. Crawl through to find the only other treasure chest in the entire Kofun. Your reward? A Rare Kanabo: The Immortal Kanabo of Wounding. Not too shabby for a quick detour!

Back in the hallway, continue to the end, squeeze through another gap, and navigate a room by jumping between stone islands. Climb the tallest one, then use your grappling hook to swing from a wooden platform to the far side. After another swing, you'll climb up to a curious sight: a stone box marked with the Assassin's insignia. What's this about? If you interact with it without context, nothing happens. This box is actually tied to the side quest "A Blade in the Dark." Consider this a teaser—you'll need to find and complete that quest to unravel this particular mystery.

Claiming Your Legendary Prize (And Getting the Heck Out)

Past the mysterious box, head toward a lit candle, squeeze through one final gap, and climb the wall on the far side. This leads to the last hallway, which culminates in the grand prize. Open the final chest to receive your well-earned rewards:

Additionally, for completing the Kofun, you'll bag a Knowledge Point and a cool 2,200 XP. Not a bad haul!

Now, how do you leave? The exit isn't as obvious as in other tombs. From the treasure room, climb up onto a shelf and drop down into a familiar chamber. Here's the trick: turn to your right and keep retracing your steps backward. Follow the path until you see daylight filtering in. Congratulations! You've successfully plundered the Chasuriyama Kofun, emerging not just richer in gear, but in the satisfaction of having outsmarted a centuries-old puzzle. Now, go forth and let that Scarlet Fate taste the blood of your enemies! 🗡️✨