Completing Every Kuji Kiri in AC Shadows: Before the Fall Guide

Select Language:

The universe of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is rich with collectibles and numerous engaging activities. One notable feature is Kuji-Kiri, a meditation challenge that allows Naoe to revisit her past, offering insights into her character and serving as the focal point of the side quest titled ‘Before the Fall.’

‘Before the Fall’ consists of four key segments: Shinobi Warfare, Mind and Body, A True Igan, and Traditions. This guide will provide information on how to successfully complete each of these missions and trigger the necessary flashbacks.

How To Successfully Navigate Kuji-Kiri

In Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, there are numerous Kuji-Kiri sessions to complete, but you’ll only need to finish four for the ‘Before the Fall’ quest. These sessions are essentially quick-time event sequences that enable Naoe to meditate. As you progress deeper into the meditation, the button prompts and timing cues will gradually fade away, making it a bit challenging at first.

As you’d expect from a meditation task, focus is essential to keep your timing right. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon master these sequences. You can monitor your progress for the side quest via Naoe’s Objectives Board in the pause menu.

Shinobi Warfare

The first flashback of ‘Before the Fall’ can be activated by completing any Kuji-Kiri available on the map. A recommended starting point is the one located near the waterfalls next to the Hideout.

Begin meditating there, complete the Kuji-Kiri, and you’ll be transported back to Iga in October 1579. Although Naoe is injured, her father Nagato asks her to locate Auntie Matsu.

On your journey, you’ll find that Iga is under attack. After finding Matsu, she’ll provide Naoe with her first Katana to defend against the invaders. Following a conversation with the village chief, you will venture to the Nagano Pass, where you’ll need to stealthily navigate past enemies using the tall grass.

You can only engage in these missions while playing as Naoe, not Yasuke.

During a cutscene, Naoe will eliminate an enemy. Afterwards, you’ll need to take out two guards patrolling nearby. Wait until they separate before executing them one at a time. You will then confront an Oda Clan Brute in combat, where stealth is not an option.

His attacks are formidable, so utilize Naoe’s agility to dodge, parry, and strike when his guard is down. Once defeated, a final cutscene will play featuring Naoe’s father and the village chief, after which you’ll return to the present to continue your adventure.

Mind And Body

The second flashback, ‘Mind and Body,’ can likewise be initiated by performing any Kuji-Kiri on the map. Complete this sequence to flash back to November 1579.

After a discussion with your father, proceed to speak with Auntie Matsu, who sends you to retrieve a family heirloom from a shrine guarded by enemies. You can choose to stealthily eliminate them or confront them directly; both strategies work effectively in this scenario.

The heirloom is situated inside the building on the far right of the shrine. If you’re having trouble locating it, look for a blue dot indicating the heirloom, which is within a gold-colored box. Once you obtain the heirloom, return it to Nagato and watch the cutscene to conclude this part of the quest.

A True Igan

Like the previous missions, initiating ‘A True Igan’ is as simple as performing any Kuji-Kiri. The third Kuji-Kiri location is typically found on the coastline to the west of Amagasaki. Complete this meditation to transport you to a later point in November 1579.

This segment involves a stealth operation where the village chief instructs you to infiltrate Kunimiyama Fort and gather intelligence on the enemy’s strategies. You can assassinate enemies during this portion or opt for direct combat based on your approach.

To accomplish this mission effectively, it’s best to stay hidden and leverage Naoe’s stealth skills while navigating rooftops.

You need to eavesdrop on two pairs of guards in the camp. Make sure to use your grappling hook to scale high walls and difficult terrains. Listening to them will reveal a dead Igan fort leader at the top of the tower. After obtaining this information, head back to the village leader.

To exit the Fort, move to the right side of the back corner, where you’ll find an opening to escape down a hill.

Return to the village and report back to Sanayu. Once the cutscenes conclude, you will return to the present, ready to embark on the final flashback.

Traditions

The fourth and last flashback in ‘Before the Fall’ can also be activated from any Kuji-Kiri. The fourth Kuji-Kiri location is likely found north-east of Kyoto, on the eastern riverbank in the Hills of Meeting sub-region and within a temple complex.

Complete the Kuji-Kiri meditation, and you’ll flash back to 1581, two years after the previous segments.

Your first task will be to speak with Sandayu and follow him, as the village elders convene to devise a strategy against the impending invasion. Tensions rise, leading to a duel between Naoe and Fujita Juro. He should be easy to defeat; utilize your usual combat methods, and Naoe will handle him with ease. Afterwards, you’ll proceed to Hiyiyama Fort, which you can sneak into through openings in the walls.

Your dialogue choices here don’t impact the mission’s outcome or the story overall, so feel free to choose what aligns best with Naoe’s character.

Unexpectedly, your father, Nagato, arrives to assist, explaining how to find the plans for the attack. Listen in on a pair of Kogan Fighters, and again, utilize your grappling hook to navigate rooftops effectively.

With the information gathered from the fighters, make your way to the south-east corner of the courtyard, where the plans are hidden behind some sliding doors. Look for a large piece of paper with a candle resting on it if you’re having trouble finding it.

Collect the plans, completing the narrative arc of Naoe’s backstory. The end of ‘Traditions’ effectively marks the beginning of Naoe’s journey in the prologue of the game.