Complete Guide to All Kuji Kiri Locations in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In the early stages of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, players embark on a quest to discover all Kuji Kiri locations. These sites are crucial for delving into Naoe’s memories, providing insight into her character’s backstory. Positioned throughout the game’s first region, these meditation spots offer engaging flashbacks that enhance the storytelling experience. Below is a comprehensive guide to all AC Shadows Kuji Kiri locations.

Understanding the Kuji Kiri Minigame

To locate the Kuji Kiri pedestals, keep an eye out for orange bell icons on the map. Upon activating a Kuji Kiri meditation spot, players interact with the pedestal to initiate a meditation session.

Naoe standing before Kuji Kiri pedestal in Assassin's Creed: Shadows — Image courtesy of Twinfinite

During this minigame, players will face a rhythmic button prompt wheel, challenging them to hit the corresponding buttons in time with the music. The prompts gradually fade as the session progresses, with a visual transition to black-and-white indicating near completion. Fortunately, the game allows some leniency regarding timing; players are encouraged to press the buttons in sequence without hesitation.

Kuji Kiri rhythm wheel with button prompts — Image courtesy of Twinfinite

Complete List of Kuji Kiri Locations

As you explore the open world of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, you’ll encounter a quest named Traditions, which requires you to find four specific Kuji Kiri locations on the map. Each of these spots allows Naoe to relive pivotal memories through self-contained flashback quests, offering rewards along the way.

Kuji Kiri #1

The inaugural Kuji Kiri is situated at the Eboshigata Hachiman Shrine in the Kawachi Heights area of Izumi Settsu, close to the game’s starting point. Upon exiting the initial temple, descend the mountain and take the first left pathway leading upward. You’ll spot the Kuji Kiri pedestal to your right, just outside the Shrine. Engaging with this pedestal grants you a memory of Naoe training with her father to assist the village in handling poachers.

Kuji Kiri #2

The second Kuji Kiri can be found adjoining Tomiko’s Homestead in the Lost Hills area of Izumi Settsu. As part of the main storyline, you’ll visit this location after unlocking your Hideout. To find the Kuji Kiri, venture right towards the waterfall, where the orange bell icon will guide you. Activating this pedestal reveals a memory of Naoe aiding the Igans during their first encounter with Oda Nobunaga’s son, culminating in a notable boss fight.

Kuji Kiri #3

The third Kuji Kiri location resides in the central region of Izumi Settsu, specifically near the Katano Foothills. It’s discreetly placed next to a shrine. Engaging with this pedestal unlocks another flashback, depicting Naoe’s covert infiltration of an Igan tower occupied by Nobunaga’s forces.

Kuji Kiri #4

Finally, the fourth Kuji Kiri can be located on the eastern side of Izumi Settsu in Kawachi Heights. Reaching this location involves a scenic detour through the mountains. To facilitate navigation, set a map marker and utilize the auto-tracking feature. The site requires navigating a valley and climbing uphill. Aim for the nearby Viewpoint to orient yourself. This meditation spot provides an impactful flashback of Naoe’s initiation into the Igan Ikki and culminates with key events from the game’s prologue.

In-Game Rewards for Kuji Kiri

Completing all four Kuji Kiri locations contributes to the completion of the Traditions quest, yielding 1000 XP and the Garden Pond flora as rewards. Each Kuji Kiri completed further grants players one Knowledge point and 500 XP, facilitating rapid character progression.

After finishing these initial Kuji Kiri, additional locations can be discovered throughout the game, but note that they will not trigger any flashbacks. Nevertheless, completing these additional Kuji Kiri grants players more Knowledge points.

This guide covers all you need to know about Kuji Kiri locations in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. For additional insights, check out our articles on looting castles and how to interact with pets in the Thrown to the Dogs quest.

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