The Assassin’s Creed Shadows legendary animals are some of the rarest encounters in the game. Defeating them not only provides unique Sumi-e collectibles but is also essential for unlocking the A Rare Occurrence achievement. If you’re aiming for 100% completion or just love hunting hidden challenges, this guide will help you track down every legendary beast across Japan.
What Are Legendary Animals in AC Shadows?
Legendary animals, known in-game as Legendary Sumi-e, are powerful beasts scattered across the map. Each one represents a different creature tied to Japanese folklore, and conquering them is a true test of combat skill. Unlike normal wildlife, these creatures are tied to specific locations and only spawn under certain conditions, making them exclusive encounters.
All Assassin’s Creed Shadows Legendary Animal Locations
There are five legendary animals to hunt in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. You’ll need to find and defeat them all to complete your Sumi-e collection and unlock the Rare Occurrence trophy.
1. The White Tiger
- Region: Kyoto Prefecture
- Location: Deep within the bamboo forests on the northern edge.
- Tip: The White Tiger’s strikes are fast and punishing. Dodging is more effective than blocking.
2. The Crimson Boar
- Region: Kansai Plains
- Location: Near a ruined shrine close to the riverside.
- Tip: Its charge attack can be deadly, lure it into obstacles to stagger it.
3. The Shadow Wolf
- Region: Mountain passes of Iga
- Location: Hidden in a misty valley accessible only through a narrow cave path.
- Tip: The Shadow Wolf calls smaller wolves, focus on eliminating the pack before tackling the alpha.
4. The Azure Hawk
- Region: Coastal cliffs of Kii Province
- Location: Atop a high perch overlooking the ocean.
- Tip: Keep ranged weapons ready, the Azure Hawk rarely lands, so precision archery is key.
5. The Golden Koi
- Region: Lake Biwa area
- Location: Found in the deepest section of the lake at dawn.
- Tip: This encounter blends puzzle mechanics with combat, use the environment to drain part of the lake before fighting.
Rewards for Defeating Legendary Animals
Every time you defeat a legendary animal, you’ll earn its unique Sumi-e painting, a piece of artwork that marks your triumph. Collecting all five unlocks the Rare Occurrence Trophy/Achievement, as well as additional lore that ties into the hidden myths of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Tips for Hunting Legendary Animals
- Prepare Your Gear: These enemies hit harder than regular foes, upgrade armor and weapons before attempting.
- Watch the Environment: Many fights require you to use the surroundings cleverly.
- Timing Matters: Some creatures, like the Golden Koi, only appear at specific times of day.
- Bring Both Characters: Switching between Yasuke and Naoe can give you tactical advantages depending on the encounter.
Final Thoughts
The Clocktower Blue Prince may test logic, but the Assassin’s Creed Shadows legendary animals test your skill and patience in battle. These encounters stand out as some of the most memorable in the game, combining lore, challenge, and reward in equal measure. Conquering all five not only secures the Rare Occurrence achievement but also proves your mastery of Shadows’ world.
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