Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Complete Guide to Finishing The Betrayers Quest

Key Takeaways:

1. The Betrayers is one of the most complex and rewarding side quests in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, requiring the elimination of seven traitors across feudal Japan.
2. Strategic use of stealth, combat, and character abilities (Yasuke for brute strength, Naoe for mobility) is crucial for success in this multi-phase quest.
3. Completing the quest yields massive XP, Mastery Points, and Epic/Loot Gear including Hori Hidemasa’s Helmet, unique weapons, and engravings.

Looking to clean house and crush a rebellion? Welcome to The Betrayers quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

This side mission, unlocked in Act 2 in the Omi region, is more than just a simple hit list. It’s a full-blown conspiracy takedown involving strategic assassinations, infiltration, dramatic choices, and a rewarding finish. Here’s your ultimate walkthrough to smoke out every traitor working against Lord Nobunaga.

How to Start The Betrayers Quest

Once you enter Act 2 of the main storyline, make your way to the Omi region, specifically north of the Mouth of Seta. Look for Hori Hidemasa, standing near a jagged rock at the entrance to a temple. Interact with him, and you’ll receive your first set of objectives three initial traitors to track down.

These are:

• Fujichika Nakayama
• Sato Katsubei
• Endo Tomoyasu

Get ready to do some serious sleuthing and stealth work.

Target 1: Sato Katsubei – Yamazaki Castle, Yamashiro

Location: Eastern wing of Yamazaki Castle
Recommended Strategy: Stealth approach using wall traversal and rooftop sneaking

How to Take Him Down:

• Use your Scouts to pinpoint his location.
• Climb the wall near the castle’s eastern stairs.
• Sneak around using foliage and structures for cover.
• Whistle from behind corners to isolate guards, then slip inside and backstab him.

Rewards:

• Engraving: Damage on Afflicted Enemies
• Letter to Sato Katsubei
• 2,000 XP
• 320 Mon

Target 2: Fujichika Nakayama – Takatsuki Castle, Izumi Settsu

Location: Viewpoint tower at the northeast of Takatsuki Castle
Recommended Strategy: Use Naoe’s agility to parkour in

Assassination Tactics:

• Parkour up the wall and enter the first-floor window.
• Find him behind a door with two guards.
• Use stealth for a backstab or go in guns blazing with Yasuke if needed.

Loot:

• Epic Bow: Ill-Fated String
• Letter to Fujichika Nakayama
• 2,000 XP
• 2 Mastery Points
• 300 Mon

Target 3: Endo Tomoyasu – Koyasan, Kii

Location: East of Kongobuji Temple
Mission Outcome: Already dead when you arrive

After eliminating the first two, Endo becomes visible on the map. Head to Kii, and you’ll find Endo has already been assassinated by Hori. A cutscene plays revealing the situation.

Rewards:

• 2,000 XP
• 360 Mon

Return to Hori – Unlocking the Final Four Targets

After completing the first three, report back to Hori Hidemasa (as Yasuke). He reveals the names of the last four betrayers:

• Sato Genta
• Itakura Shigezo
• Usami Yoshiko
• Masatoshi Nakahara

Target 4: Sato Genta – Military Harbor, Azuchi, Omi

Location: Docks at Azuchi Military Harbor
Tactic: Can only be killed at night

How to Assassinate:

• Wait for nightfall.
• Sneak into Nobutada Estate using walls.
• Enter the building quietly through the back door.
• If spotted, use parries and abilities to finish him quickly.

Loot:

• Weapon: Sorrowful Surrender (Katana)
• 2,000 XP
• Mon

Target 5: Itakura Shigezo – Himeji Castle, Harima

Location: Southwest porch of Himeji Castle
Challenge: Heavily guarded courtyard

Best Strategy:

• Approach from the south.
• Use Kunai or smoke bombs to thin the crowd.
• Focus on fan enemies and archers first.
• Itakura has a standard tanto moveset, so block knife throws and dodge kicks.

Rewards:

• Epic Gear: Samurai Daimyo Armor
• Engraving: Adrenaline with Backstab
• 2,200 XP
• 2 Mastery Points
• 320 Mon

Target 6: Usami Yoshiko – Katano Castle, Izumi Settsu

Location: House west of Katano Castle, across from a Christian Church
Tactic: Dialogue choice

Choices:

• Kill her for betrayal
• Spare her for mercy

Regardless of choice, you’ll receive:

• 2,200 XP
• 2 Mastery Points
• 275 Mon

The only difference is how her status appears on the Objectives Board.

Target 7: Masatoshi Nakahara – Kameyama Castle, Tamba

Location: Northern part of Kameyama Castle
Challenge: Surrounded by four guards

Execution Plan:

• Use rooftops or walls to jump down.
• Smoke bomb or assassinate from above.
• Take out the guards first before engaging Masatoshi.
• Masatoshi uses katana-based attacks parry and counter effectively.

Loot:

• Legendary Engraving
• Weapon: Warrior’s Garden Tanto (for Naoe)
• 2,200 XP
• 2 Mastery Points

Final Step: Return to Hori Hidemasa

Once all seven betrayers are down, head back to Miidera in Omi. You’ll find Hori at his usual spot near the Mouth of Seta. Talk to him as Yasuke to trigger the final cutscene and wrap up the quest.

Dialogue Options:

• “Meeting you was my reward”
• “I am the grateful one”

Choose whichever feels right both give a heartfelt closing to the story.

Final Rewards:

• Epic Helmet: Hori Hidemasa’s Helmet (Yasuke)
• 1 Gold
• 5,000 XP

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What level should I be for The Betrayers quest?
A: The suggested level is 30-35, but stealth and tactics matter more than raw stats.

Q: Do I need to play as Yasuke or Naoe?
A: You’ll need both. Yasuke is required for specific interactions and brute force combat, while Naoe is ideal for parkour, stealth, and traversal-heavy assassinations.

Q: Can I skip killing Usami Yoshiko?
A: Yes, you can spare her. The choice doesn’t affect the quest rewards, only her status on the objectives board.

Q: Does the time of day matter for assassinations?
A: Yes. For instance, Sato Genta can only be assassinated at night, so plan accordingly.

Q: Can I revisit the traitor locations after the quest is done?
A: Yes, the locations remain open for exploration, but targets will not respawn.

The Betrayers quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a masterclass in open-world stealth, assassination, and layered storytelling. From shady conspiracies to emotional confrontations and adrenaline-fueled kills, it offers everything a side quest should high stakes, player choice, and epic loot.

If you’re aiming for 100% completion or just want that sweet Daimyo armor, this quest is worth every drop of blood and sweat. Be methodical, use your abilities wisely, and show those traitors what happens when you cross the wrong side of history.