Recruit Yaya in AC Shadows: Stray Dogs Guide

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a dynamic ally system that adds depth to its dual-protagonist gameplay, allowing players to recruit companions like Yaya early in the campaign. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for the Stray Dogs quest, essential dialogue options, location details, and tips for unlocking and upgrading Yaya’s abilities to dominate battles.

Unlocking the Path to Yaya’s Recruitment

The journey to enlist Yaya begins during the main storyline quest involving the assassination of Wada Koretake. As you progress through this mission, you’ll encounter mercenaries at a temple, where Yaya makes her initial appearance amid the chaos of combat. Defeat the surrounding enemies to clear the area and advance.

Later, after infiltrating the stronghold and eliminating the target, a pivotal cutscene unfolds. Mitsumune attempts to execute one of Koretake’s soldiers, prompting Yaya to step in with strong objections. Here, players face a critical dialogue choice: select “Killing them isn’t justice”. This merciful response aligns with Yaya’s values and triggers the Stray Dogs ally quest on your objective list.

Navigating Western Osaka: Initial Defense and Forgiveness

With the quest activated, head to the western region of Osaka, following the marker toward Sakai. Upon arrival, you’ll find Yaya under attack by a group of hostile foes. Prioritize eliminating these threats quickly to protect her—use stealth takedowns with Naoe or heavy attacks with Yasuke for efficiency.

Once the area is secure, Yaya shares details about a conflict with a local monk. Another key decision arises: choose “We forgive him”. This option fosters reconciliation and propels the quest forward, revealing more about Yaya’s backstory, including her personal losses and motivations.

• Travel tip: Fast travel to the nearest point like Amagasaki Castle if unlocked, then ride horseback to conserve time.
• Combat prep: Equip smoke bombs or fire arrows to handle multiple enemies swiftly.

Recovering the Kanzashi: Confrontation at Takatsuki Church

The next phase directs you northeast of Amagasaki Castle to Takatsuki Church in the northern Izumi Settsu area. Activate Observe mode upon approach to highlight the objective. Inside or nearby, locate Tetsuo, who possesses Yaya’s cherished kanzashi—a hairpin symbolizing her past.

Tetsuo attempts to flee, but Yaya intervenes, leading to a tense standoff. Engage in combat if necessary, then select the dialogue “You need to forgive each other” followed by “Let’s work together”. These choices resolve the conflict peacefully, convincing Yaya to join your cause permanently.

Key location details:

Mastering Yaya’s Combat Abilities

Upon recruitment, Yaya becomes accessible via the tools menu. Her portrait appears in the bottom right; press the assigned button (outside cooldown) to summon her into battle. She enters with a forceful pushback attack, staggering enemies and creating openings for follow-ups.

Yaya remains active until all threats are neutralized, then exits in a puff of smoke. Note potential glitches in close quarters where she might miss targets—position yourself to draw aggro first.

Dojo Upgrades for Enhanced Performance

Build a Dojo in your hideout using resources to train Yaya. Upgrades cost Mon and unlock progressively powerful moves:

1. Level 1: Knockdown on first strike, enabling ground finishers for quick kills.
2. Level 2: Powerful kick that launches the primary target, disrupting groups.

Further Dojo expansions allow multiple allies and advanced perks. Prioritize these for tough encounters.

Strategic Tips for Ally Integration

Yaya excels in crowd control, complementing Naoe’s stealth and Yasuke’s brute force. Combine her stuns with Yasuke’s charged heavies or Naoe’s hidden blade for devastating combos. In boss fights, summon her to interrupt patterns and extend your survival.

• Cooldown management: Avoid spamming; time summons during enemy clusters.
• Synergy builds: Pair with fire pots for burning stunned foes.
• Troubleshooting: If Yaya doesn’t appear, replay the Wada Koretake quest choice.

Why Yaya is Essential for Early Game

As one of the first recruitable allies, Yaya provides immediate value in Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ challenging world. Her abilities scale with upgrades, making her viable through mid-game. Recruiting her early unlocks the Dojo system, paving the way for a full ally roster.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I start the Stray Dogs quest?

Complete the Wada Koretake assassination and choose “Killing them isn’t justice” in the post-mission cutscene.

What are the exact dialogue choices for Yaya?

1. “Killing them isn’t justice”
2. “We forgive him”
3. “You need to forgive each other” and “Let’s work together”.

Where is Takatsuki Church located?

Northeast of Amagasaki Castle in northern Izumi Settsu; use Observe mode to pinpoint.

Can Yaya be missed or recruited later?

She’s available early but tied to story progress; missing choices locks her until a potential replay.

How do I upgrade Yaya’s skills?

Construct and invest in the Dojo with Mon for sequential ability enhancements.

Advanced Tactics and Build Synergies

For players diving deeper, consider Yasuke’s tank role: summon Yaya to peel enemies off while you close in. With Naoe, use her pushback to isolate targets for assassinations. Experiment in the Dojo to test upgrade impacts—Level 2’s launch is game-changing against archers.

In multiplayer co-op previews or future updates, allies like Yaya may influence team strategies, emphasizing recruitment efficiency.