In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, The Tournament offers a thrilling challenge that not only boosts your XP but also rewards you with the "Test Your Might" trophy. Here's a detailed guide on how to unlock, navigate, and conquer The Tournament for maximum enjoyment and success.
How to Unlock and Find The Tournament in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Screenshot by The Escapist
To start The Tournament quest in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you'll need to meet Gyoji, a resident of Yamato. After you've taken down several members of The Shinbakufu, Gyoji will be waiting outside their hideout to invite you to the tournament. This clandestine fighting arena is situated at the Ominesanji Temple in Southeastern Yamato. For easy access, synchronize with the Ominesanji Overlook viewpoint to the west of the area, creating a fast travel point.
Once at the Ominesanji Temple, have another conversation with Gyoji. He'll explain that you must triumph in four one-on-one duels before challenging the ultimate champion. After the cutscene, ring the bell to kick off your first fight.
How to Complete The Tournament in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The Tournament is a series of intense, life-or-death battles. Fortunately, you can pause between fights to heal using rations and adjust your gear. To successfully defeat each opponent, we suggest equipping Yasuke with a long katana and focusing on dodging and parrying to exploit their vulnerable states. Utilize abilities like Power Dash and Payback when your adrenaline meter allows.
Knowing your opponents' weapons can give you a strategic edge. Here’s a breakdown of the fighters you'll face:
- Lady Masago wields a Naginata.
- Lord Suguru uses a Katana.
- Lord Hokuto fights with a Kanabo.
- Lady O-Sen dual-wields Poison Katanas and throws ranged items.
- Lord Unkai uses a Naginata and can heal if you keep your distance for too long.
After defeating all challengers, speak with Gyoji again on the hilltop. He'll express gratitude for his freedom and mention future tournaments. This conversation should unlock the "Test Your Might" trophy.
Best Loadout and Skills for Tournaments in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Yasuke’s best armor for The Tournament, Screenshot by The Escapist
For The Tournament, the Long Katana is your weapon of choice. Equip the highest rarity Long Katana you own, and upgrade it to the maximum level at your hideout's blacksmith. Adding an engraving that boosts Armor Damage or Armor Piercing can significantly enhance your effectiveness.
Your armor selection is crucial, not just for health but for combat-altering engravings. Before entering The Tournament, secure the Samurai Daimyo Armor of Legend by defeating The Ox, a member of the Shinbakufu. Also, earn the Protector’s Armor by completing a Castle mission. The former increases your damage output by 75% at the cost of reducing your health to 25%, while the latter enables you to parry unblockable attacks. Combining these engravings allows you to defeat tournament foes swiftly, provided you master parrying.
Invest your Mastery points into the Long Katana and Samurai skill trees. Prioritize maxing out Combat Expert to enhance your melee damage, and unlock Power Dash and Payback to dominate your opponents.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S starting March 20th. Dive into the action and test your might in The Tournament!