Dexerto / UbisoftAssassin’s Creed Shadows throws players into the shoes of Naoe and Yasuke, a Shinobi and Samurai in feudal Japan. Along with the new characters and location, it also adds a brand new feature — Scouts.
Shadows is no stranger to new features. In this game, you’ll need to find the targets and quest markers yourself, with only a few hints to guide you along Japan. While some are easy to locate, others recommend you use Scouts.
Now, considering they’re brand new, these Scouts can be a little confusing, especially in the early game, where resources are scarce and locations are yet to be uncovered. So, here’s all you need to know, including how to get more of them (don’t worry, we had the same issue).
What are Scouts?
Scouts are NPCs that can serve two different purposes along your journey. Firstly, they allow you to scout an area of the map at the cost of one intel. The bigger the radius of your search, the more intel you use up. The second lets you complete additional side quests, offering rumors when asked.
Dexerto / UbisoftScouts effectively work as a way for you to figure out where you need to go and find temples, shrines, or landmarks you’re looking for. While they don’t clear the map’s fog of war, they perform similarly to Odyssey’s eagle.
Then, if you help characters along the road or complete smaller side quests, they’ll be able to offer you another small quest, granting even more rewards.
How to get more
You’ll start off with just one Scout at the beginning of the game, but you can get plenty more by doing the following things:
- Exploring the world
- Completing side quests
- Building and upgrading Study Room in the Hideout.
- Building a Kakurega
As you explore, new NPCs will need help. If you see a speech bubble, be sure to engage with them, as they may join your cause. The same goes for side quests, which, if you’re kind to the NPC, will result in an additional Scout.
Dexerto / UbisoftThe first quest you’ll want to complete is Finding New Allies, near your Hideout. Here, you’ll recruit your first Scouts.
Alternatively, if you have enough resources, you’ll want to build and upgrade a Study Room in the Hideout. This will grant you an additional Scout and reduce your search zone for quests by up to 60%, meaning you need to use less in the long run.
On top of this, building a Kakurega will add another Scout to your roster. We suggest leveling this up as much as you can, as it has great effects for your Scouts.
How to refresh them
As you go through Shadows, you’ll quickly discover there’s always a distinct lack of Scouts when you need them. Luckily, there are a few ways you can refresh them:
- Buy them back at the Kakurega
- Change seasons
- Help people of Japan
Dexerto / UbisoftWhile not the cheapest, buying your Scouts back at any Kakurega is by far the easiest way to get them back. These Kakurega are located all around Japan and can be fast-traveled to when you unlock them for 800 Mon. Once you do, you can head inside and interact with the bags on the wall, they’ll let you buy Scouts back for 200 Mon each.
If using Mon isn’t something you’re prepared to do, then you can simply change seasons, as this will completely refresh all of your used Scouts. It’s worth noting that you can’t do this regularly, but if you’re okay with the seasons changing a lot, this is the cheapest way to refresh Scouts in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Just hold H or your respective key and refresh the season.
Dexerto / UbisoftLastly, as you’re exploring, interact with those same people we mentioned above — the ones with the speech bubble. If you offer them Mon, save them, or do the good deed they’re asking for, you can choose between asking for a World Rumor or grabbing some Scout Intel. Doing so will instantly refresh your missing Scout. Though it won’t add one if your Scouts are already full.
All uses
Scouts are a key feature in AC Shadows and are primarily used to help you look for your quest objectives or specific landmarks. However, they’re also used to bring resources to your hideout at the end of each season.
Dexerto / UbisoftWhile exploring, you’ll likely come across large stockpiles of resources. When you do, you can assign a Scout to bring it back to the Hideout, granting large amounts of straw, wood, or stone. This makes it perfect for upgrading your buildings and getting more bonuses.
So, that’s all you need to know about Scouts in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. While exploring, be sure to check out how to get more XP fast or discover more about the game’s Battle Pass, weapons, and the upcoming expansion and DLC.
