Akeshi Kagemitsu (The Naginata) Boss Fight Guide: How to Defeat Him in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

If you’re diving into Assassin's Creed Shadows, you’re probably here because you’re ready to face off against one of the most challenging and exciting bosses in the game: Akeshi Kagemitsu, also known as The Naginata. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from locating Akeshi to taking him down in an epic duel. We’ll also dive into the rewards you’ll unlock and share some awesome community resources to help you along the way.

Let’s get started!

1. Unlocking Yasuke and Preparing for the Battle

Before you can face Akeshi, you’ll need to progress a little bit into the story. Yasuke, the African samurai, is unlocked shortly after Oda Nobunaga's death. As soon as you have full control over Yasuke, you’re ready to embark on this quest!

Pro Tip:
Make sure your character is leveled up and has some good gear. Akeshi is no pushover, so don’t head into this battle underprepared!

2. Meet Lady Nene in Omi

Once Yasuke is unlocked, head to the Omi region. Here, you’ll meet Lady Nene, who will point you toward Aoi, an informant who holds crucial information about the Shinbakufu—the shadowy organization Akeshi Kagemitsu is part of.

During your meeting, she’ll ask you to go to Seta Bridge, where you’ll catch a glimpse of a confrontation involving Akeshi Kagemitsu. This scene will set the stage for your upcoming battle.

What You’ll Do Here:

• Speak to Lady Nene and get the quest to find Aoi.
• Travel to Seta Bridge to witness a critical cutscene between Shotei and Akeshi.

3. The Quest: "An Evening in Otsu"

After you witness the scene at Seta Bridge, the quest An Evening in Otsu will activate. In this part of the story, you'll get deeper into the Shinbakufu’s secrets, and Akeshi’s role as The Naginata becomes more clear.

This quest is important because it pushes the narrative forward and sets up the showdown with Akeshi. Once the cutscene concludes, Akeshi will reveal himself as the deadly Naginata, and you'll know it’s time to take action.

4. Defeat Akeshi's Guard and Start "Offensive Against the Koga-ryu"

After Akeshi’s reveal, you’ll need to deal with his guards before you can directly challenge him. Once you’ve defeated them, the quest Offensive Against the Koga-ryu will begin. You’ll now be tasked with heading to the Sakamoto castle south of Omi to confront Akeshi himself.

Helpful Tip:
Take your time here and explore the area a bit. You might find useful items and upgrades to help you in the final showdown.

5. The Duel: Fighting Akeshi Kagemitsu (The Naginata)

This is the big moment! Akeshi Kagemitsu, The Naginata, is a formidable opponent with lightning-fast attacks and powerful sweeping strikes. Don’t think you can just rush in blindly—this fight requires some strategy.

Combat Tips:

• Dodge and Counter: Akeshi’s naginata has an extended reach, and his attacks can catch you off guard. Time your dodges perfectly and look for an opening to counterattack.
• Stealth is Your Friend: If you’re in a position to approach him quietly, use stealth to land a few hits before going full-on combat. Stealth takedowns are a great way to weaken him before the duel even begins.
• Ranged Attacks: If you have any ranged weapons like bows, teppo riffle or throwing stars, use them to hit him from a distance. This will give you a slight edge while keeping you out of his reach.

Akeshi’s Weaknesses:

• Weak Points: Akeshi tends to be less defensive after performing wide-reaching attacks. This is your window to get in some solid hits.
• Distract with Allies: If you have any allies or summoned support, use them to distract Akeshi while you go in for the kill.

6. Rewards for Defeating The Naginata

Once you defeat Akeshi Kagemitsu, you’ll be handsomely rewarded with more than just progress in the main quest. Here’s what you can expect:

• Unlock Lady Nene as an Ally: After his defeat, Lady Nene becomes available as an ally. Her unique abilities, such as calling reinforcements and using dazing bombs, can be extremely helpful in future missions.
• Loot and Gear: You’ll also find some valuable loot, including special weapons or armor, that will give you an edge in future battles.
• Experience Points and Mastery Level: Completing the quest Showdown in Sakamoto, which culminates in the fight against Akeshi, rewards you with 2,000 experience points and one mastery level, both of which are essential for upgrading Yasuke's abilities and combat effectiveness.
• Story Progression: The defeat of Akeshi is a significant narrative event, unlocking new story elements and pushing you further into the game's plot.

7. Community Support and Resources

Not sure how to take down The Naginata? You’re not alone! The Assassin’s Creed Shadows community is full of players sharing tips and strategies to help you get through this fight. Here are a few places to check out for additional guidance:

Helpful Community Links:

• Steam Community Discussions: Join fellow players on Steam to talk about strategies, share experiences, and ask questions. They’re a great resource if you’re stuck! Steam Community - Assassin’s Creed Shadows
• Reddit - Assassin’s Creed Shadows Subreddit: The community on Reddit is super active and offers a lot of support. You’ll find plenty of guides, discussions, and helpful tips on r/AssassinsCreedShadows

Watch the Battle in Action:
Sometimes it’s easier to watch someone else take down Akeshi before you give it a shot. Check out this YouTube walkthrough to see how other players approach the fight:
Watch the Akeshi Kagemitsu Boss Battle (4KHD)

Final Thoughts

Defeating Akeshi Kagemitsu (The Naginata) is a major milestone in Assassin's Creed Shadows. It’s challenging, but with the right strategies and preparation, you’ll be able to overcome this fierce enemy and progress further into the game.

Related Articles:

For those of you looking to enhance your gaming experience, be sure to check out our guide on the Best Mid-Range PC Settings to Max FPS in Assassin's Creed Shadows, where we dive into the optimal settings to maximize your performance.

If you’re wondering whether you can play Assassin's Creed Shadows offline, we've got you covered! Learn more about the game's offline capabilities and how you can enjoy the game without an internet connection.

Additionally, for fans of previous Assassin’s Creed games, check out our detailed guide on Assassin's Creed Syndicate: Locked Chest Locations to uncover hidden treasures and upgrades in Syndicate!