Assassin's Creed Shadows: All Shinbakufu Leaders' Locations & Identities

Assassin's Creed Shadows offers an immersive and exciting experience, delving even more into the assassin lifestyle. One of the features you can try out is the assassination board known as the Onryo target list. This board features the main antagonists of the game—the Shinbakufu leaders. We'll tell you everything you need to know about them and where you can find them.

This article includes major spoilers!

List of Shinbakufu Targets and Their Real Identities

Throughout the campaign in Assassin's Creed Shadows, you must discover the real identities of all 12 Shinbakufu leaders. Each target is tied to a series of quests, requiring thorough investigation before you get to take them down.

1. The Samurai

Ido Yoshihiro is the first major target introduced in the prologue of AC Shadows. He possesses the mysterious box that Naoe and Yasuke are after. However, Naoe’s victory is short-lived as she is ambushed by the Shinbakufu leaders, setting the stage for her vengeful journey.

2. The Golden Teppo

Wakasa is responsible for shooting Naoe. You need to track him to a tea ceremony in Izumi Settsu. Eliminating him rewards the legendary tanto, Shinobi’s Fury, which boosts weak point attacks. A great tool to have!

Quests:

• Searching Sakai
• The Perfect Gift
• Dress for Success
• The Tea Ceremony 

3. The Wounded

Wada Koretake organized massacres in Amagasaki Castle. Well, it's time for revenge along with Yaya. You'll wind The Wounded in the Amagasaki castle, where you will take them down. Afterward, you will be awarded the Death Whisperer legendary kusarigama.

Quests:

• The Fatherless Monk
• Stolen Faith
• The Killing Field
• Heads Will Roll 

4. The Fool

Ise Sadaoki poisoned his brother, Ise Sadatame. You will find the crippled brother in a bad state in the Byodin Temple. He will lead you to Sadaoki. Eliminating him grants you the Steel Blossom katana, which enhances posture attacks.

Quests:

• The Bad Brother
• Inside Help
• Missing Missive
• The Rising Tide
• Lost Honor 

5. The Mourner 

Lady Oichi is a love interest of Yasuke, but, unfortunately, later on she's revealed as a Shinbakufu leader. The quests will lead you through Omi, ending up in Chikubushima at the Hogonji Temple. Uh-oh, you know what you have to do... or do you? The storyline actually allows Yasuke to spare her, making her one of the few survivors. Completing her arc rewards the Myth Slayer long katana, which enhances combo attacks.

Quests:

• A Prayer for Omi
• The Price of Rice
• Nagahama Black Powder 

6. The Ox 

The Ox is Bessho Harumasa who you can find and take down in Miki Castle. Defeat him and win Daybreak’s Fury, a kanabo that fires shrapnel upon breaking enemy armor.

Quest:

• A Voice in Anger 

7. The Noble

Ukita Naoie manipulates his own son's kidnapping for political leverage. Players chase a gambler through the streets before confronting him at Himeji Castle, earning the Oni’s Fury amulet, which boosts damage for non-legendary gear.

Quest:

• The Rengakai

8. The Naginata

Akechi Kagemitsu, nephew of Akechi Mitsuhide, lures Naoe into his trap. Players must fight their way through Sakamoto Castle, and defeating him grants the Sage’s Reach naginata, which increases damage after successful blocks.

Quest:

• An Evening in Otsu

9. The Fox 

Takeda Motoaki can be located in Wakasa. After gathering intelligence from Chef Hong, players track him down in the Samurai Yashiki District. Take him down and you'll get the Snakebite katana. This Assassin's Creed Shadows weapon speeds up posture attacks after using tools.

Quest:

• Red Walls 

10. The Wise

At first glance, Joken Hokkyo is a harmless monk, but don't let him fool you. He's a dangerous leader of an underground rebellion. You must defeat not only him but his followers as well. The battle will take place in the Kofukuji Temple. The Winds of War kusarigama, earned after his defeat, boosts armor-breaking abilities.

11. The Two-Faced

Akechi Mitsuhide will end up as one of the final remaining Shinbakufu leaders. Located in the Oyamazaki Village, he'll be a tough one to take down. Yasuke delivers the killing blow, earning the Dragon’s Fury katana, which creates an area-of-effect attack upon dodging.

12. The Horseman 

Finally, it's time to finish up the list. Ashikaga Yoshiaki is the last and toughest Shinbakufu leader. You'll find him hiding in the Kuramadera Temple. He will give you the enigmatic box, which will lead to Assassin's Creed Shadows' story’s climax.

Quests:

• Belly of the Beast
• Temple of the Horseman 

Final Thoughts

Taking down the Shinbakufu leaders is an important task in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. It shapes the storyline of the game and it takes you on a dangerous adventure. Check out the rest of our related content!