Ultimate Guide to Looting Castles in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, conquering castles is a key part of gameplay. These formidable dungeons present numerous challenges, but the treasures they hide make the effort worthwhile. To aid you in this adventure, I have created a comprehensive guide covering strategies for castle infiltration, loot collection, and unlocking treasure chests and doors.

Strategies for Looting Castles in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Selecting Your Castle and Understanding Rewards

Assassin's Creed Shadows map marker for castle showing samurai daisho, rewards and level — Image by Twinfinite

Before embarking on your castle looting mission, check your map for specific castle details, including the rewards contained within the main treasure chest. Each successful infiltration grants you experience points (XP) and Mastery Points, along with a piece of high-tier gear.

While the primary treasure chest rewards remain static, minor collectible chests scattered around the castle will refresh with each new season.

Gain a Tactical Advantage

Approaching a castle requires strategic observation. The first step is to find a vantage point, allowing you to survey the area and mark visible enemies. With various foes patrolling the castle grounds, use your Focus Sight (holding LT/L2 on a gamepad or right-clicking with a mouse) to track them without being detected. Observing from above also increases your chances of spotting the elusive Samurai Daisho.

Assassin's Creed shadows castle vantage point at night looking down from above — Image by Twinfinite

Locate the Samurai Daisho for Treasure Access

To unlock the main treasure chest, you must defeat all Samurai Daisho present in the castle. These formidable enemies, ranging from two to five per castle, are much stronger than average soldiers. The key to overcoming them lies in isolating and assassinating them before orchestrating a larger conflict to avoid reinforcement chaos.

Assassin's Creed Shadows samurai daisho below with naoe ready to assassinate — Image by Twinfinite

Navigating the Main Castle Structure

Once the Samurai Daisho are eliminated, head towards the main treasure chest, typically marked by a distinct treasure symbol inside the central castle building. Accessing the chest from the front can be challenging; therefore, look for higher ground to find open windows to infiltrate.

Assassin's Creed Shadows castle upper floor open window on balcony — Image by Twinfinite

Given the confined spaces filled with enemies, utilizing Eagle Vision while navigating through the building is advisable. Eventually, you’ll locate the treasure chest and claim your well-deserved rewards, completing the castle mission.

Assassin's Creed Shadows katano castle complete with loot reward from chest — Image by Twinfinite

Unlocking Additional Rewards

The main treasure chest isn’t your only focus; several locked areas around the castle may hide valuable resources. These sheds often require a key to access.

Assassin's Creed Shadows locked door notification — Image by Twinfinite

Keys can be found either in treasure chests or on the bodies of significant officials within the castle. Activate Focus mode to spot the key, indicated by a yellow symbol, and ensure to eliminate or incapacitate any official guarding it to secure your prize.

Assassin's Creed Shadows naoe in bushes looking at golden key symbol — Image by Twinfinite

With the key, you’ll have the opportunity to unlock the locked doors around the castle and gather resources within. Additionally, you can mark some resources for your Scouts to smuggle if you have two or more available.

Pro Tips for Successful Infiltration

Opt for Naoe during castle infiltration; her agility and stealth capabilities surpass those of the heavier Yasuke.
If faced with an area too challenging for stealth, consider switching to Yasuke for direct combat.
Utilize golden bells and smoke bombs as Naoe to divert and confuse enemies when stealth becomes complicated.
Search for underground passages offering safer access to critical castle areas.
Locate Samurai Daisho using the glowing white dots visible in your Focus Vision as you approach.
Nighttime infiltration is generally more advantageous, as enemies struggle to track your movements.

For further insights, explore our guides on Kuji Kiri locations and the best skills to prioritize.

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