Master the seven duels of Nobutsuna’s Students quest with expert strategies and combat insights for Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Quest Overview and Preparation
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the Nobutsuna’s Students quest becomes available once Yasuke completes the An Education mission. This extensive side quest sends you hunting for seven former disciples scattered throughout feudal Japan’s diverse regions. Each encounter tests your mastery of specific weapon types through forced loadout restrictions that challenge your adaptability.
Before embarking on this martial pilgrimage, ensure your character is at least level 30 with well-upgraded gear across multiple weapon categories. The quest’s weapon lock mechanic means you cannot switch equipment during duels, making preparation crucial. Stock up on healing items and consider completing other side content to gain additional skill points for relevant combat specializations.
Student Duels Walkthrough
Takamatsu – Kanabo Specialist
Your first challenge against Takamatsu restricts you to the Kanabo against his level 35 prowess. This heavy weapon demands strategic adrenaline management – conserve your gauge for devastating special attacks when openings appear. His aggressive style punishes hesitation, so commit to heavy strikes during his recovery animations. Perfect parries create the best damage windows against his relentless assault.
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Asari – Teppo Expert
Locate Asari in the northwest Kii region’s bamboo grove, south of Negoroji. This encounter triggers after assisting a Teppo merchant with bandits. Asari employs smoke bombs to disengage and reposition, requiring constant target acquisition. The Teppo lock means you must master this firearm’s reload timing and shot placement. Equip perks that reduce reload speed and increase projectile velocity for better consistency.
Marume – Katana Duelist
Before challenging Marume, complete the Duel Notices side quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The duel occurs in northwest Azuchi, beyond Saikoji Temple in Omi region. Marume’s katana mastery demands precise parrying and counter-attacking. His combos feature variable timing to bait early reactions – watch his shoulder movements rather than weapon flashes for accurate reads. Dodge his unblockable crimson attacks rather than attempting parries.
Nagano – Bow Master
Begin northwest of Sotomo Gate where a wounded soldier points toward Nagano’s location across the Wakasa region cove. Follow the coastline corpse trail to find this level 32 archer. Nagano prioritizes distance management and rapid arrow volleys. Use environmental cover between shots and close distance during his reload animations. His special shots inflict status effects, so carry cleansing items or perfect dodge to avoid contamination.
Yuki – Naginata Warrior
Travel to Harima region’s northwest Kakogawa Estuary, help the injured soldier near Ishinohoden Shrine to trigger Yuki’s appearance. The Naginata lock emphasizes mobility and spacing. Yuki’s defensive posture requires breaking through guarded stances with heavy attacks after successful dodges. Her thrust attacks have extended reach but leave her vulnerable during recovery – sidestep and punish accordingly.
Yagyu Munetoshi – Advanced Katana
At approximately level 29, challenge Yagyu Munetoshi on Mount Miwa in Yamato region’s Nara Heartland. Use the nearby fast travel point for convenience. His katana style incorporates wide sweeps and heavy overhead chops that demand frequent dodge-rolling. His attack patterns cycle between three and five-hit combos – learn the tells for each finisher to identify safe punishment windows.
Sanada – Final Challenge
Sanada appears after defeating the other six students, marked in Suzuka Foothills within Omi region at the Sanada Estate. This level 42 finale tests your cumulative combat knowledge with mixed attack patterns. He alternates between rapid flurries and delayed heavy punishers designed to catch panic dodges. Maintain mid-range positioning to react appropriately to his telegraphed stance shifts.
Rewards and Strategy Analysis
After defeating Sanada in Nobutsuna’s Students quest, a reflective cutscene shows Yasuke contemplating his journey while Nobutsuna’s voice delivers final wisdom. You’re officially recognized as the new master of the sword school, completing your martial evolution.
The quest rewards substantially enhance your combat capabilities:
For optimal performance across all duels, practice each weapon type in earlier content to understand their rhythm and range. The forced specialization teaches valuable lessons about adapting to limitations – knowledge that transfers to main story encounters. Consider completing dojo training missions to refine your techniques before attempting these challenging duels.
Common mistakes include overly aggressive play against counter-focused opponents and mismanagement of stamina during extended combos. Each student tests different aspects of combat proficiency, making this quest series excellent preparation for end-game challenges.
That’s all for Nobutsuna’s Students quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Assassin’s Creed Shadows: How to complete Nobutsuna’s Students quest Master the seven duels of Nobutsuna's Students quest with expert strategies and combat insights for Assassin's Creed Shadows