So, you’re running through Azuchi-Momoyama Japan, trying to feel like a legendary shinobi, but you can't find the damn Kuji Kiri spots. It’s frustrating. Assassin’s Creed Shadows puts a massive emphasis on these ritualistic hand gestures, but the game doesn't exactly hold your hand when it comes to pinpointing every single one of them. You’ve probably seen Naoe or Yasuke perform the signs in trailers, and honestly, the "Nine Symbolic Cuts" are more than just flavor text; they are core to how you interact with the spiritual and mechanical world of the game.
Finding Kuji Kiri locations in AC Shadows isn't just about a checklist. It's about understanding the geography of 16th-century Japan as Ubisoft has built it. If you’re looking for a map marker that says "Collect Kuji Kiri Here," you’re going to be looking for a long time. These aren't just collectibles. They are environmental puzzles often tied to the game's syncretic religious landscape—a mix of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples that defined the Sengoku period.
The Problem With Modern Map Markers
Ubisoft shifted gears with this one. Remember how older games felt like a grocery list of icons? Shadows tries to pull back on that, leaning into "exploration mode." This means the locations for Kuji Kiri rituals are often tucked away in "Power Spots" or Reigai. You have to actually look at the environment. Look for the shime-nawa (sacred rice straw ropes) or the specific placement of stone lanterns.
The game uses these locations to unlock specific stealth buffs or sync points. If you’re playing as Naoe, the Kuji Kiri is your bread and butter for mental focus. If you're Yasuke, it’s often tied to shrines that commemorate his martial path. They aren't in the middle of a busy market in Kyoto. They’re usually on the fringes. Think cliffside overlooks in the Iga Province or hidden groves near Lake Biwa.
Where to Actually Look in Iga and Arima
The Iga Province is the obvious starting point. Since this is Naoe’s home turf, the density of Kuji Kiri spots is higher here than in the more urbanized Omi or Yamashiro provinces. There is a specific location tucked behind a waterfall near the western border of Iga—no, it's not the one everyone finds in the first ten minutes—it's further north. You'll know you're there when the music shifts to a more ethereal, minimalist woodwind track.
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Don't ignore the rural shrines. Honestly, the big landmarks like Honno-ji are great for parkour, but they are too crowded for ritual. You want the small, unnamed roadside shrines (hokora). These are the real Kuji Kiri locations in AC Shadows that most people skip because they’re chasing the main quest markers.
- Mountain Peaks: Look for "Sky-Touching" shrines. Any peak that requires a complex grapple-hook climb usually houses a ritual spot.
- Caves: Specifically in the coastal regions. The sound of dripping water is a dead giveaway.
- Historical Sites: Locations associated with the Hattori Hanzo line or the Iga revolts.
The "Nine Cuts" System Explained Simply
Kuji Kiri stands for Rin, Pyo, To, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, and Zen. In the game, these aren't just cool animations. Each one corresponds to a different stat boost or environmental interaction.
"Rin" is usually found at the entrance of major regions. It's the "strength" sign. "Pyo" is about energy direction. You’ll find these near military encampments because, well, that's where the energy is focused. The devs really did their homework on Shugendo (mountain asceticism) here. They didn't just throw Japanese words at a wall to see what stuck. They mapped the signs to the actual lore of the locations. If a site was historically known for healing, you’ll likely find the "Sha" (healing) gesture location there.
The Weather Connection
Here is a detail most players miss: some Kuji Kiri spots are seasonal. Assassin's Creed Shadows has that dynamic season system, right? Well, a ritual spot in a bamboo grove might only be accessible or "active" during the spring when the growth is thickest, or during a summer storm. I’ve seen players complain that a location is "glitched" when, in reality, they’re just there in the winter when the spiritual "flow" of that specific site is dormant.
Wait for the rain. Or the snow. Some of the most potent spots for Yasuke’s progression are located in the mountains during a blizzard. It sounds counterintuitive, but the game rewards that "hardship" element of the samurai/shinobi fantasy.
How to Track Them Without a Guide
If you’re tired of alt-tabbing to a map, use the eagle—or rather, the bird companion system. The visual "heat" or distortion in the air isn't just a graphics glitch. It’s a representation of Ki. When you see that shimmering effect over a Torii gate, that's a Kuji Kiri spot.
Also, listen to the NPCs. Ubisoft buried a lot of clues in the ambient dialogue. If you hear a peasant whispering about "the spirit of the woods" or "the silent monk on the ridge," they aren't just fluffing the world-building. They are literally giving you the coordinates.
Common Misconceptions About These Spots
People think you can just spam the buttons and "clear" the area. Nope. Some locations require you to be in stealth (Naoe) or out of combat for a specific duration (Yasuke). If you’ve cleared the guards but the Kuji Kiri prompt isn't appearing, check your detection meter. Even a lingering "yellow" suspicion can block the interaction. It’s about "purity" of the ritual. Kind of a pain? Maybe. But it fits the vibe.
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Another thing: the rewards aren't always permanent. Some Kuji Kiri locations provide a temporary "Zen" state that lasts for about twenty minutes of real-time play. Don't waste the buff by fast-traveling immediately. Use it to tackle the nearby fortresses that are otherwise a nightmare to sneak through.
Actionable Steps for Your Playthrough
To maximize your efficiency in finding these, stop treating the map like a flat surface. Start looking at the verticality.
- Invest in the "Eagle Eye" (or equivalent) upgrades early. Anything that highlights environmental interactables at a distance will save you hours of aimless wandering.
- Focus on the Iga and Koka regions first. These are the historical hearts of Ninjutsu. The density of ritual sites here is nearly double what you'll find in the sprawling plains of Owari.
- Check the season. If a spot isn't working, meditate (using the in-game time skip) to a different season. The environmental triggers are much more rigid than people realize.
- Follow the water. Almost every major Kuji Kiri site is near a source of flowing water—rivers, waterfalls, or coastal inlets. Water in Shinto represents purification, and the game designers used this as a literal design "breadcrumb" for players to follow.
Getting all the Kuji Kiri locations in AC Shadows isn't just for the trophy. It fundamentally changes the difficulty curve of the late-game provinces. By the time you hit the final acts in Kyoto, having those "Nine Cuts" mastered makes the high-level guards look like total amateurs. You’ll have the stealth windows and the damage resistance to actually play the game the way it was meant to be played—like a shadow in the night.
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Keep your eyes on the Torii gates and your ears open for the sound of the wind through the cedar trees. The spots are there; you just have to stop sprinting for a second to see them.