Learn how to start the story of the Claws of Awaji expansion in Assassin’s Creed Shadows and access the new Awaji Island map.
This newest expansion for Assassin’s Creed Shadows will put your skills to the test and there are many new dangers ahead. This guide will help you prepare for your journey in Awaji.
Table of contents
Acquiring the Claws of Awaji Expansion
UPDATE from 17:17, 16th September, 2025: There seems to be an issue currently with the expansion’s availability. It seems some players are unable to access the expansion’s content. Ubisoft Just posted this on their Discord channel:
We’re aware of an issue where players are unable to access their game or Claws of Awaji DLC content. We’re investigating the issue, and we will update you once we have an update. Thank you for your patience.
We will update this guide when there is new information.
If you pre-ordered any version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, then you’ll receive the Claws of Awaji expansion for free! If you didn’t pre-order your copy, Claws of Awaji can be purchased for $25 USD / €25 EUR.
You can purchase the DLC on Ubisoft Connect, Steam, or through your console’s store app starting September 16, 2025.
Spoiler Warning: There are light spoilers for the Assassin’s Creed Shadows story from this point on.
Prerequisites to unlock Claws of Awaji
After acquiring and installing the DLC, you’ll need to complete the following tasks before you can start the Claws of Awaji story:
- Shinbakufu Target Circle
- Naoe’s Personal Quests
- Yasuke’s Personal Quests
- Templar Target Circle
- Junjiro’s League Quests
- “Out of the Shadows” Epilogue quest
Completing these objectives mean you’ve effectively completed the story of the base game. With Claws of Awaji, the story can continue and wrap up some loose ends that were left in the base story.
We have a quests list and progression guide where you can see the structure and order – what quest unlocks what and the intended order for completing them all.
News from Hattori Hanzo
Upon meeting these prerequisites, you’ll be able to start the quest News from Hattori Hanzo. Hanzo has sent a contact, Konatsu, and she will be waiting to talk to you at the Hideout.
She’ll tell Naoe that there’s a puppet show in Settsu that can lead Naoe to her mother. After giving her this message, you’ll start the quest The Puppet Show.
Preparing for Awaji
The Island of Awaji is a beautiful and unforgiving place. Leaves in the wind follow the trails as if spirits are walking through them, there are whispers in the winds, and the island gives you an uneasy feeling. If you think you’re being followed, then you probably are.
The ruler of the island is as devious as they are paranoid. Here are some tips to make it through Awaji safely:
Upgrade your gear
If you haven’t taken the time to do so already, upgrade your armor and weapons with Heiji at the Hideout. This DLC can get challenging so your gear will need to be up to date so you can be fully prepared for the dangers to come.
Watch out for tripwires
A new mechanic that’s introduced with this DLC is the use of tripwire booby traps. You’ll find these across roadways or underneath buildings of well-guarded areas.
If activated, they’ll cause a small explosion that will release poison onto you. Keep your eyes open and tread carefully wherever you go. Look for the boxes the tripwire connects to and disarm them.
Vision turning gray
As you’re traveling along the roads of Awaji, your vision may suddenly turn gray for a few seconds. If this happens, stop what you’re doing and run to the sides to find cover.
This happens if there’s a shinobi ambush and there will typically be traps such as tripwires and caltrops in the area. Watch your step, take out the shinobi, then move on.
Assume no one is on your side
There are many spies in the settlements. They’re often disguised as civilians and they can be men or women. If one of these spies catches you, they’ll attack with the ensuing chaos bringing in soldiers.
Traveling around towns
To avoid traps and spies, your best bet to traverse the towns of Awaji is to stick to the rooftops and avoid crowded areas. The spies can’t spot you up there for the most part. Use the ropes and parkour your way across to reach your destinations.
If you’re a veteran Assassin’s Creed player, this should be easy as this is your default mode of transportation within towns and cities.
If you need a helping hand during the journey, we have a full walkthrough for the main story of Claws of Awaji.
