The Trail of Eshima is a parkour challenge, located on Awaji island in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Completing it will take you to the sumi-e location, part of the Breathtaking achievement.
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Hidden Trails in Base game vs Expansion
In the base game of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Hidden Trails are parkour challenges where Naoe had to traverse difficult terrain to earn a reward and progress her storyline.
In the Claws of Awaji expansion, there are two Trails. They are very similar in style to the ones from the base game, but here Yasuke can take on the challenge as well. There are alternative paths for him.
Awaji island is only accessible if you own the Claws of Awaji expansion. It is available for free to everyone who pre-ordered Assassin’s Creed Shadows. You can purchase it separately from all platforms where the game is available.
The rewards at the end of the two trails on the island are sumi-e locations. Discovering them and making the drawings leads to unlocking the Breathtaking achievement.
How to start the Trail
The starting point for the Trail of Eshima is in the Eshima Coast. A quick and easy way to get there is from the Iwaya Castle, where you can use the Iwaya Tenshu viewpoint.
From the top of the castle, leap into the water pool on the southwest side and swim underwater to the other end.
An alternative approach is from the south. From the main road heading northwest from Kamaguchi Village, at the crossroad on the middle of the island, take the north path. It will lead you to the starting point of the trail.
Video Walkthrough
Step-by-step Walkthrough
This walkthrough is from the point of view of Naoe. While the challenge is possible for Yasuke to complete, Naoe is far superior at these things and I recommend you use her to make it quicker and easier.
The actual starting point of the trail, is this old shrine in the middle of the forest. Next to it, there is a narrow path heading northeast. This is where you have to go.
While following this dark “alley”, you will have to crouch a couple of times to get under the tree branches. Then follows a short climb until you arrive at the abandoned village.
There is a parkour path you can take jumping off the branch and using your hook to get through the area. Or you can land on the ground and pick up the couple of treasure chests available in the ruined buildings.
The path going east follows the small stream. You can parkour through the trees or stick to the ground. In any case, you will reach the end of the cliff where a leap of fate awaits you. At the bottom, you will also find a small treasure chest.
Follow the stream and past the narrow tunnel, get out of the water and enter a small narrow cave tunnel through.
You will have to crouch and prone a couple of times to get past some very narrow places. But it’s a linear path. When you emerge on the other side, you will see the sumi-e spot before you with Eshima rock in the distance.
This location in the game is inspired by the real island of Eshima, which is located in the northern end of the real Awaji island. Its in-game model closely resembles the actual unique shape of the real island.
Reward
Completing this trail and making the sumi-e, will grant you a wall decoration for the Hideout.
