Assassins Creed Shadows: All Target Locations

Targets in Assassins Creed Shadows represent key assassination missions and combat encounters that drive the main narrative forward. These encounters range from eliminating corrupt officials and Templar agents to confronting supernatural threats and dismantling criminal organizations across feudal Japan. The Assassins Creed Shadows Interactive Map displays all Target locations with precise markers, allowing you to plan efficient routes between objectives and track your progress through each faction’s storyline. Understanding where these encounters are located helps you prepare with appropriate gear and approach strategies.

What Targets Are Used For

Targets serve as primary story progression points and provide valuable rewards including unique weapons, armor pieces, and skill points essential for character development.

  • Advance main storyline missions and faction questlines
  • Unlock powerful legendary weapons and rare armor sets
  • Earn substantial experience points and skill upgrade materials
  • Access restricted areas and reveal hidden map locations
  • Complete achievement requirements for 100% game completion

Targets Types

The map organizes Targets into distinct categories based on enemy factions, story significance, and encounter types found throughout the game world.

The Shinbakufu

Elite government officials who have betrayed their positions for personal gain. These targets often require stealth approaches and provide access to restricted government facilities.

The Butterfly Collector

A mysterious figure who trades in rare artifacts and forbidden knowledge. Tracking this target reveals hidden collector networks and unlocks unique assassination tools.

The Twisted Tree

Corrupt religious leaders who exploit spiritual beliefs for political control. Eliminating these targets weakens enemy influence in temple districts and rural communities.

The Corrupt Daikan

Regional administrators who abuse their authority to oppress local populations. These encounters often involve liberating occupied villages and restoring proper governance.

Templar

Primary antagonist operatives working to establish Templar control over Japan. These high-priority targets advance the core Assassin versus Templar storyline and unlock major story revelations.

The Iron Hand Guild

Mercenary organization that controls black market trade routes. Dismantling their operations provides access to rare crafting materials and underground information networks.

The Kabukimono

Rogue samurai who have abandoned their honor code for personal glory. These combat-focused encounters test your sword fighting skills and provide legendary blade rewards.

The Godai Shinobi

Elite ninja operatives who serve enemy factions as assassins and spies. Defeating these targets unlocks advanced stealth techniques and specialized ninja equipment.

Yamabushi Imposters

False mountain priests who use religious disguises to hide criminal activities. These targets often guard sacred locations and ancient artifacts.

The Pirate Alliance

Coastal raiders who threaten trade routes and fishing communities. Eliminating their leadership opens up maritime exploration opportunities and naval combat rewards.

Kurai Eikyou

Shadow organization members who manipulate political events from behind the scenes. These targets reveal conspiracy networks and provide intelligence on future threats.

Nobutsuna’s Students

Disciples of corrupted martial arts masters who spread dangerous combat techniques. Defeating them prevents the spread of forbidden fighting styles and earns respect from honorable dojos.

Genzaburo’s Soldiers

Military units loyal to corrupt commanders who terrorize civilian populations. These group encounters require tactical planning and reward players with military-grade equipment.

The Yokai

Supernatural entities that threaten the natural order and human settlements. These unique boss fights require special preparation and provide mystical rewards unavailable elsewhere.

Silver Smugglers

Criminal networks that traffic precious metals and fund enemy operations. Disrupting their activities cuts off funding sources and provides substantial monetary rewards.

Boss Fight

Major combat encounters against powerful named enemies with unique abilities and attack patterns. These challenging fights mark significant story milestones and provide the game’s best equipment rewards.

Bandit Camp

Fortified outlaw settlements that serve as staging grounds for raids on peaceful communities. Clearing these camps improves regional safety and provides base-building resources.

Guardian

Protective entities that guard important locations, artifacts, or passages. Overcoming these challenges grants access to hidden areas and powerful protective gear.

How to Use the Map Efficiently

Planning your Target elimination routes saves travel time and ensures you have appropriate equipment for each encounter type.

  • Group nearby Targets by geographic region to minimize fast-travel costs and maximize exploration rewards
  • Prioritize Templar and Boss Fight markers first as they often unlock new map areas and story content
  • Visit weapon merchants before tackling Yokai or Guardian encounters that require specialized equipment
  • Clear Bandit Camps and Silver Smugglers early to reduce random enemy encounters in surrounding areas
  • Save stealth-focused targets like The Butterfly Collector for nighttime gameplay when detection rates are lower
  • Coordinate Target hunts with nearby side missions to efficiently complete multiple objectives per trip

Targets Locations Table

Each Target type offers distinct rewards and challenges suited to different playstyles and progression needs.

TypePrimary RewardApproach Strategy
The ShinbakufuGovernment DocumentsStealth Infiltration
The Butterfly CollectorRare ArtifactsSocial Stealth
The Twisted TreeSacred RelicsTemple Infiltration
The Corrupt DaikanAdministrative SealsVillage Liberation
TemplarTemplar SecretsDirect Assassination
The Iron Hand GuildBlack Market GoodsCombat Assault
The KabukimonoLegendary SwordsHonorable Duel
The Godai ShinobiNinja TechniquesStealth Combat
Yamabushi ImpostersMountain HerbsReligious Disguise
The Pirate AllianceNaval EquipmentCoastal Assault
Kurai EikyouShadow IntelligenceInformation Gathering
Nobutsuna’s StudentsMartial Arts ScrollsDojo Challenge
Genzaburo’s SoldiersMilitary GearGroup Combat
The YokaiMystical ItemsSupernatural Preparation
Silver SmugglersPrecious MetalsEconomic Disruption
Boss FightLegendary EquipmentFull Preparation
Bandit CampBase ResourcesCamp Clearing
GuardianProtective ArtifactsPuzzle Solving

Tips for Targets Hunting

  • Scout Target locations during daylight hours to identify guard patterns and environmental hazards before attempting elimination
  • Stock up on smoke bombs and healing items before engaging Boss Fight and Guardian encounters
  • Use eagle vision frequently to identify Target weak points and escape routes during reconnaissance
  • Complete nearby shrines and viewpoints first to reveal additional tactical options for approaching fortified Targets
  • Recruit allied NPCs in the area before tackling group encounters like Bandit Camps and Genzaburo’s Soldiers
  • Save game progress before attempting high-difficulty Targets to avoid losing progress on failed assassination attempts

FAQs

Can I replay Target encounters after completing them?

Most Target encounters are one-time events that cannot be repeated once completed. However, some Bandit Camps and Silver Smuggler operations may respawn over time with new enemy groups.

What happens if I fail a stealth assassination attempt?

Failed stealth attempts trigger combat mode, but you can still complete the objective. Some Targets may flee or call reinforcements, making the encounter more challenging but not impossible.

Do I need to eliminate Targets in a specific order?

Most Targets can be approached in any order, though some are locked behind story progression. Templar targets often follow a sequential storyline that must be completed in order.

Which Targets provide the best equipment rewards?

Boss Fight encounters and Templar eliminations typically provide the most powerful weapons and armor. Yokai and Guardian encounters offer unique mystical items not available through other means.

Credit: Assassins Creed Shadows by Wand