Complete Guide to Kofun Sites and Their Rewards

Kofuns are an engaging element in Assassin’s Creed Shadows that provide players with Knowledge Points. These intricate puzzle-like areas will likely feel familiar to fans of earlier games in the series. What sets Kofuns apart is that some can only be solved by Yasuke, who has the capability to lift and maneuver jars and crates. However, there are instances where Yasuke can’t access the entrance, necessitating the use of Naoe instead. The Kofuns often resemble mazes, requiring players to retrace their steps to unlock fenced-off rooms.

Some Kofuns become available as you advance through the main storyline in AC Shadows, such as the Megalithic Vault, while others are tucked away in remote areas on the map. Each Kofun offers a distinct legendary item as a reward, typically considered some of the finest weapons in the game. Navigating through Kofuns can sometimes be challenging due to their narrow hallways and identical-looking turns. The unique rewards correlate with which character completes the Kofun and grant Knowledge Points as well.

All Assassin’s Creed Shadows Kofun Locations & Rewards

Kofuns Are Found In Every Major Region Of AC Shadows

Each major region in the Assassin’s Creed Shadows world contains a Kofun, although they can be elusive if you’re not aware of their locations. Many are tucked away in hidden areas, so keep an eye out for clay animal markers as you explore.

To locate the entrances to these Kofuns, follow the clay horses you encounter along your path. Here’s a rundown of all Kofun locations and the characters you’ll need to use—either Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Yasuke or Naoe—to complete them.

Old Kofun

The Old Kofun in Izumi Settsu is likely the first one you will explore. You can encounter it early on while playing Naoe, as it is part of the “Prayer for Omi” quest. You’ll find it just east of Sakai near the Tomb of the Ancients. Naoe can access this entrance and discover the chest containing the Amaterasu’s Blessing legendary trinket, which provides a +10% damage boost for each unused ability slot.

Makino Kurumazuka Kofun

Located also in Izumi Settsu, the Makino Kurumazuka Kofun is one of the first you’ll encounter alongside the Old Kofun. It’s situated east of Takatsuki and can be quickly reached if you fast travel to the nearby Kakurega and cross the river.

This Kofun requires Yasuke’s assistance to enter. You’ll need to carry the oil jars from the top of the stairs to blast open the entrance. The reward for completing the Makino Kurumzuka Kofun is the Blush of the Earth Bow, which extends the duration of Clear Mind by 5 seconds.

Ancient Tomb Of Nanjo

The Ancient Tomb of Nanjo can be found in the Yamashiro region, southwest of Kyoto, and is another Kofun meant for Naoe. Completing this Kofun will unlock a legendary tanto named Yukimitsu’s Revenge, which inflicts vulnerability on afflicted enemies.

Takagi Kofun

In the next significant area you’ll explore in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the Takagi Kofun can be found in Harima, near the Takagi Otsuka Fort. Be cautious as this region is hostile.

Your best strategy is to charge in as Yasuke and eliminate all enemies, as sneaking in with Naoe is not an option. Completing the Takagi Kofun rewards you with the Death’s Bloom legendary teppo, recognized for its remarkably fast reload time.

Azuchi Hyotanyama Kofun

Positioned east of Azuchi in the Omi region, the Azuchi Hyotanyama Kofun is best accessed by fast traveling to the Azuchi Kukarega and heading east toward the map’s boundary. Here, Yasuke will need to blow open the entrance, and finding the chest will reward you with the Heartspiller legendary bow, which enables all charged arrows to deal posture shot damage.

Ishibutai Kofun

Next is the Ishibutai Kofun, located in the Yamato region, south of Takatori in the Asuka Rocks Basin. You’ll need Naoe for entry, as it has a tight opening. The reward for this Kofun is the Masakado’s Vengeance trinket, which increases damage based on any unspent mastery points, making it potentially one of the most powerful trinkets in the game.

Megalithic Vault

The Megalithic Vault, also located in Yamato, is found west of Todaiji, and you’ll need to visit it to complete a main Onryo target board associated with the primary Shinbukufu bosses. This Kofun can be completed with Yasuke and grants the legendary Elegant Samurai Outfit armor, which boosts posture damage per adrenaline chunk.

Veiled Tumulus Kofun

Situated in the northern part of the world map in Wakasa, the Veiled Tumulus Kofun can be accessed after crossing the bridge toward Mount Uchinakao if you’ve traveled as far north as Obama. This Kofun can be completed with Naoe and rewards you with the Stone Heart legendary kusarigama, known for inflicting affliction on nearby foes with its combo enders.

All Legendary Kofun Location Rewards & Details

From Death’s Bloom To Blush Of The Earth, These Are Some Of The Best Items In AC Shadows

Completing each Kofun rewards you with a unique legendary item for the character who solves it. Ultimately, these items are among the best in the game and often outperform whatever you’re currently equipped with.

Highlighted items include the Death’s Bloom teppo, renowned for its fast reload speed, and Masakado’s Vengeance trinket, which amplifies Naoe’s damage corresponding to the unspent Mastery Points. The potential benefits are considerable given the number of Mastery Points available in the game.

Interestingly, you can’t view item names or descriptions until you’ve completed the respective Kofun (as of this writing). If any of these items catch your attention, be mindful of the minimum level requirements for their respective areas, as later Kofuns often contain hostile enemies. Depending on how good you are at navigation, you may also want to light candles in the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Kofuns to help keep track of your progress.