Finding specific landmarks in the Sengoku period isn't exactly a walk in the park. Ubisoft's recreation of feudal Japan is dense. Really dense. If you've been scouring the coastlines of Iga or searching the mountain passes of Arima for the Assassin's Creed Shadows Koromodako Cave, you've probably realized that the map doesn't always give up its secrets easily.
It's a big world.
The Koromodako—a mythical "cloth octopus" from Japanese folklore—isn't just a random name tossed into a quest log. It’s a piece of world-building that anchors Naoe and Yasuke’s journey in the actual superstitions of the 16th century. Exploring these damp, dark corners of the map is how you find the gear that actually matters. But honestly? Most players sail right past the entrance because they’re looking for a giant icon that just isn't there.
The Reality of the Koromodako Cave Legend
Folklore matters here. In the actual myths of the Edo and Sengoku periods, the Koromodako was a yōkai that haunted the waters near Fukui and the Kyoto coastline. It was said to be a small octopus that could suddenly expand its body like a massive sheet of cloth to ensnare boats and fishermen.
✨ Don't miss: Fortnite Ch 6 Battle Pass: Why This Season’s Grind Feels Different
In Assassin's Creed Shadows, the developers at Ubisoft Quebec tapped into this specific regional horror to hide some of the game's better loot.
The cave itself is tucked away in a coastal region where the tides actually affect how you navigate. You can't just gallop your horse up to the front door. You’ve gotta think like a shinobi. Naoe’s grappling hook is basically mandatory here because the "front door" is often a jagged cliffside that looks like nothing more than a texture glitch until you get close enough to see the gap in the rocks.
Why the location is driving people crazy
Most people get lost because the waypoint system in Shadows can be... well, let's call it "historically accurate" in its vagueness if you’re playing on higher exploration difficulties. The Assassin's Creed Shadows Koromodako Cave is located along the rugged northern coast, specifically in the areas bordering the Sea of Japan.
Look for the "Sea of Trees" vibe but underwater.
If you see a cluster of red torii gates that look like they haven’t been touched in a century, you’re getting warm. The entrance is partially submerged. If you’re playing as Yasuke, you’re going to feel like a tank in a bathtub. This is definitely a Naoe-first location. Her ability to stay low in the water and move through tight crevices makes the platforming segments inside the cave significantly less frustrating.
What’s Actually Inside?
Inside, it’s all about the atmosphere. It’s damp. It’s dark. It smells like digital salt.
Ubisoft went heavy on the environmental storytelling here. You’ll find remnants of a fishing village that tried to "appease" the octopus spirit. It didn't work out for them. There are notes scattered around—realistically translated—that detail the locals' fear of the "cloth that smothers."
- Gear Drops: You’re usually looking for the high-tier stealth components here.
- The Atmosphere: Bioluminescent moss provides the only light, making the stealth kills inside feel incredibly cinematic.
- The Boss (Sort of): Don't expect a giant Kraken. This is Assassin's Creed, not God of War. The "monster" is often more about the environmental hazards and the elite guards protecting the "sacred" site.
The loot is the main draw. We’re talking about materials for upgrading the hidden blade and specific charms that increase your swim speed—which, given how much water is in this game, is actually a godsend.
Navigating the Tides
One thing the game doesn't explicitly tell you: the tide levels change.
Seriously.
If you visit the Assassin's Creed Shadows Koromodako Cave during a storm or at a certain time of the in-game day, certain paths might be completely flooded. This forces you to use the ceiling beams and the grappling hook. If you go during the "low tide" phase, you can walk through areas that were previously deadly. It’s a small detail, but it shows the level of depth Ubisoft reached for with the Anvil engine's new tech.
How to Not Die Immediately
The cave is crawling with bandits who think they’ve found a clever hiding spot. They haven't. But they are high-level.
If you rush in with Yasuke’s club swinging, you’re going to pull the entire room. The echoes in the cave actually affect detection. Sound travels differently in these enclosed spaces. You’ll see the sound ring on your UI expand much further than it does in the open forests of Omi.
Basically, don't be loud.
Naoe is the play here. Use the water. Use the shadows. There are patches of deep water inside the cave where you can use the bamboo reed to breathe, allowing you to bypass entire patrol groups. It’s the classic Tenchu vibe that fans have been begging for since Black Flag.
Mapping the Entrance Correctly
If you're looking at your map, focus on the North-Western coastline of the Wakasa Province.
You’re looking for a small inlet that curves inward like a hooked finger. Most players make the mistake of searching the "main" caves highlighted by synchronizing viewpoints. The Koromodako Cave is an "unmarked" location until you get within about 50 meters.
- Find the shipwreck on the jagged rocks.
- Look directly South-East from the mast.
- Swim toward the cliff face that has white silk-like banners hanging from it.
Those banners are the "cloth" of the Koromodako. It’s a visual cue that’s easy to miss if you’re just sprinting toward the next gold icon on your HUD.
Common Misconceptions
People keep saying this is part of the main questline. It's not.
You can beat Assassin's Creed Shadows without ever stepping foot in this cave. But you’ll be missing out on one of the best environmental puzzles in the game. It’s a self-contained story about local superstition versus the reality of the war-torn country. The "monster" isn't a supernatural entity; it's a metaphor for how the local populace dealt with the overwhelming pressure of the Oda clan's expansion.
Or, you know, it’s just a cool cave with a shiny sword at the end. Both interpretations work.
Practical Steps for Your Next Session
To make the most of your trip to the Assassin's Creed Shadows Koromodako Cave, don't just head there the moment you unlock the region. You need a few things first to ensure you aren't just banging your head against a wall.
First, ensure Naoe has the "Chain Assassination" skill unlocked. The tight corridors of the cave often put guards in pairs, and taking them out simultaneously is the only way to maintain the ghost bonus. Second, bring firecrackers. The cave is dark, and while your Eagle Vision (or the Shinobi Sense equivalent) works, the guards are often tucked into corners you won't see until you're right on top of them.
Once you enter, stay to the left. The right path leads to a dead end with a few minor crafting materials, but the left path has the verticality you need to find the hidden chest. Look up. Always look up. The Sengoku period was lived on the ground, but shinobi live in the rafters. The real prize in the Koromodako Cave is perched on a wooden scaffolding near the very back of the cavern, accessible only by a precise leap of faith from the stalactites.
🔗 Read more: Why A Kingdom for Keflings Xbox 360 Still Feels Like a Fever Dream
Check your inventory for "Breath Control" charms before diving into the submerged sections. The swim is longer than it looks, and there is nothing more frustrating than desyncing because you ran out of air five feet from the surface. Get in, grab the specialized Kunai blueprints, and get out before the tide rises and makes the exit a nightmare to navigate.