All romance options in Assassin's Creed Shadows

Want to indulge in a little romance in Assassin's Creed Shadows? The world of 1579 Japan in Assassin's Creed is full of much hardship and warfare for Naoe and Yasuke, but love is also possible for those who go searching for it. There are a number of romanceable NPCs in AC Shadows for both protagonists, and while none of the relationships depicted on screen are considered canon, all of them are poignant and sweet for players who are hoping to bring a little intimacy into the lives of their hardened assassins.

In this guide, we'll explain all of the romance options in Assassin's Creed Shadows for both Naoe and Yasuke, detailing all of the dialogue options you need to enable to ensure that you can win some hearts.

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All romance options in Assassin's Creed Shadows

Naoe has the following romance options available:

• Gennojo
• Katsuhime
• Koshiro

Yasuke has the following romance options available:

• Hori Hidemasa
• Lady Oichi
• Ibuki
• Rin

To romance these characters, you need to complete quests connected with them and choose certain dialogue options. The correct dialogue choices are all signposted with a heart icon, making them fairly obvious.

We've listed each romanceable character in greater detail below.

How to romance Gennojo

One of the earliest characters you can romance, Gennojo is a crafty fellow who pretends to be an oni during the quest Lost Honor. You can't flirt with him in this quest, but he'll reappear later on as you carry out story missions; to romance him, choose the dialogue options in the following quests:

• Sake and Swords: "Depends what you're offering."
• Honor Among Thieves: "I'm keeping it then."
• Stolen Hearts: "I'd like to embrace you."

How to romance Katsuhime

Katsuhime is a teppo user. She's one of my favourite allies in AC Shadows, as well as Naoe's same-sex romance option. You can start flirting with her from the first quest she appears in by complimenting her teppo, and you'll win her over with the following dialogue options in these quests:

• Showdown in Sakamoto: "I like your Teppo."
• Letter From Katsuhime: "It offers time with me."
• The Tale of Genin: "I do enjoy your company."
• The Diary of Lady Rokkaku: "Yes. Join us."
• The Jounin Pillow Book: "Let's find out."

How to romance Koshiro

Koshiro is a warrior who has suffered injuries that hold him back. Naoe can offer him a comforting ear and the support that he needs to carry on. You'll first encounter him in the quest Genzaburo's Soldiers. Unlike the other romances here, all of his dialogue options are available in the next quest he appears in, which is The Leaf Turns, making him fairly easy to romance. You can serve as Koshiro's therapist by picking the following dialogues during this quest:

• "You're more than a blade to me."
• "We have a special connection."
• "I'd like to spend more time with you."
• "You must follow your heart."
• "Like me."

How to romance Hori Hidemasa

Hori Hidemasa is Yasuke's same-sex romance option, and is encountered during the side quest The Betrayers. This branches out into a series of tasks where Yasuke must help Hidemasa bring down those who have betrayed Oda Nobunaga. Once the quest finishes, all you need to do is choose a single dialogue option to lead to romance:

• The Betrayers: "Meeting you was my reward."

How to romance Lady Oichi

Lady Oichi is the sister of Oda Nobunaga, and her relationship with Yasuke is a forbidden one that is much more subtle than the other romances in the game. Yasuke meets her during the quest A Prayer for Omi, and he needs to spare her later on when she is exposed as a member of the Shinbakufu. Choose the below options as follows:

• A Prayer for Omi: "I would spend my last night with you."
• The Wheel Unmasked: Spare as Yasuke.
• The Wheel Turns: "I miss your smile."
  • "I am drawn to you."
  • "You may have him."
  • "Let's enjoy the moment."

How to romance Ibuki

This non-binary ronin prefers a solitary lifestyle at first, but can be persuaded to join Naoe and Yasuke as a valuable ally. If Yasuke desires a bit more than mere allyship, Ibuki can open themselves up to romance as well. You'll meet Ibuki during the quest Ambush Interrupted, but proper romance doesn't begin until you choose the dialogue options in the following quests:

• Homecoming: "Your mind works in beautiful ways."
  • "You don't have to be alone."
  • "Let's be together in another way."
• Putting Down Roots: "I want more than friendship."

How to romance Rin

Rin is Yasuke's last romanceable option. An archer going through a period of sorrow after the death of her old lover, Rin is ready to move on, but needs just a little push in the right direction. You can help her do so by selecting the dialogue options in the following quests:

• Arrow Strike: "It wasn't my archery you were testing."
• War Horse: "You excel at everything you try."
• Ride into Town: "I would like to kiss you."

That concludes our look at all of the romances in Assassin's Creed Shadows. If love isn't your jam and you simply want to learn more about the game's basics, see our guides on how to change characters and the differences between Naoe and Yasuke. If you'd rather dig into locations, see our guide on all Kuji-kiri in Izumi Settsu, which will help you get started on the first steps of this expansive adventure.