You’re probably looking for the Koromodako cave in Assassin's Creed Shadows because you’ve heard the rumors about the gear, or maybe you just want to check off every single location on the map of feudal Japan. It’s understandable. Ubisoft has a knack for hiding things in plain sight, and the rugged, vertical terrain of this game makes finding specific entrances a total nightmare sometimes.
The Koromodako cave isn't just a random hole in a rock. It’s tied to the folklore of the Koromodako—a legendary "cloth octopus" yokai that, according to Japanese myth, haunts the waters of the Seto Inland Sea. In the game, this location serves as a atmospheric bridge between the grounded historical reality of Naoe and Yasuke’s journey and the more supernatural, "creepy" undertones that AC fans have come to expect since Origins.
If you're stuck, don't worry. Most people are. The entrance is tucked away in a spot that feels counterintuitive, especially if you're playing as Yasuke and trying to smash your way through obstacles.
Locating the Koromodako Cave AC Shadows Entrance
Finding the Koromodako cave requires you to head toward the coastal regions where the land starts to get jagged. It’s not in the middle of a bustling town. You have to look for the high cliffs overlooking the water. Honestly, the best way to spot it is to look for the traditional Shinto markers—those small stone piles or tattered ropes (shimenawa) that usually indicate a place of spiritual significance in the game.
The game doesn't just hand you a waypoint. You’ve basically got to use Naoe’s parkour skills to scan the cliff faces. If you’re playing as Yasuke, you might find the trek a bit more cumbersome, but his heavy attacks are actually useful if you run into any of the local wildlife or bandits hanging out near the cave mouth.
I’ve seen players spend hours circling the top of the plateau, thinking the entrance is a trapdoor. It’s not. It’s a literal slit in the rock face, partially obscured by overhanging ferns and weathered stone. Once you find the opening, the atmosphere shifts. The sound of the wind dies down, replaced by this low, rhythmic thrumming that sounds suspiciously like water—or something breathing.
Why This Specific Cave Matters for Your Build
Is it worth the hike? Definitely. The Koromodako cave isn't just for show; it’s a prime spot for finding specific crafting materials and, more importantly, a piece of gear that leans into the "mythical" aesthetic of the Sengoku period.
In Assassin's Creed Shadows, your gear isn't just about raw stats. It's about how you interact with the environment. The loot inside this cave often links back to water-based perks or stealth enhancements. If you’re running a Naoe build focused on staying out of sight, the items found here are practically essential. They provide minor buffs to your movement speed while crouched, which, in a game where the AI is much more reactive to sound than in Valhalla, can be a literal lifesaver.
The cave itself is a bit of a platforming puzzle. You aren't just walking in and opening a chest. You’ll need to use your grapple hook to navigate the interior. Watch the ledges. Some of them are slick with moisture, and the game’s physics engine will punish you if you try to sprint jump across a gap that requires a more precise, calculated swing.
The Folklore Behind the Koromodako
Ubisoft’s researchers did their homework here. The Koromodako (衣蛸) is a bizarre creature from Japanese urban legends. It’s said to be a small octopus that can suddenly expand its body like a giant piece of cloth, wrapping around boats and dragging sailors to the depths.
While you won't necessarily fight a giant octopus boss in the middle of a cave (usually), the environmental storytelling inside the Koromodako cave in AC Shadows pays heavy homage to this. Look at the walls. You'll see "tentacle" like stains in the mineral deposits. You'll see discarded gear from sailors who supposedly wandered too far from the shore. It’s creepy. It’s atmospheric. It’s exactly what the series needs to break up the "conquer the fort" gameplay loop.
Many players miss the notes scattered near the back of the cave. These "internal documents" of the game world provide context on how the local villagers view the site. They don't see it as a treasure trove. They see it as a cursed place. Reading these isn't just for lore nerds; sometimes these notes contain hints about other nearby locations or hidden stashes that aren't marked on your map.
Survival Tips for the Deep Interior
The deeper you go into the Koromodako cave, the darker it gets. Shadows is a game that actually cares about lighting. If you don't have a torch out, or if you haven't adjusted your HDR settings, you are going to fall into a pit.
- Switch to Naoe: Her agility makes the vertical sections of the cave much easier. Her grapple is more responsive in tight spaces.
- Check the Water: There are pools inside that you can dive into. Hidden tunnels often reside beneath the surface.
- Listen to the Audio: The 3D audio in this game is a tool. If you hear dripping that sounds "off," move toward it.
- Save Your Bombs: There are a few breakable walls near the rear of the cave that require explosives. Don't waste your tools on enemies outside if you plan on full-clearing this cavern.
I remember my first time through; I missed a side-passage because I was too focused on the main light source. Take it slow. The rewards are tucked away in the shadows—literally.
Common Bugs and How to Avoid Them
Let's be real: it’s a massive open-world game. Sometimes the Koromodako cave entrance might seem "blocked" or the interaction prompt for a chest won't appear. This usually happens if you’re in the middle of a high-notoriety state or if a nearby combat encounter hasn't fully resolved.
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If the cave feels "empty" or the loot isn't spawning, try fast-traveling away and back. This resets the cell's assets. Also, make sure you’ve updated to the latest patch; early versions of the game had some clipping issues near coastal caves where players could get stuck in the geometry. If you do get stuck, use the "unstuck" feature in the menu or reload your most recent autosave. It’s a pain, but it’s better than losing three hours of progress.
Navigating the Politics of the Region
The cave is situated in a territory that is often contested by various factions. Depending on where you are in the story, the area around the cave might be crawling with patrol guards.
Entering the cave isn't just about the cave itself; it’s about the approach. If you’re playing as Yasuke, you might find that the local guards are more aggressive. Naoe can slip through the treeline and reach the entrance without firing a single arrow or swinging a katana. Think of the cave as the "prize" for a successful stealth run.
The cave also serves as a thematic metaphor for the game's protagonists. Just as the Koromodako is a creature that changes its shape to survive and hunt, Naoe and Yasuke must adapt to a Japan that is rapidly changing under the influence of the Brotherhood and the Templars (or their regional equivalents).
Final Strategic Takeaways
Don't treat the Koromodako cave as a one-and-done objective. The materials you find here—especially the unique ores—can be used to upgrade your gear back at the hideout. These upgrades are vital for the late-game encounters where enemies have significantly higher armor values.
If you’ve been struggling with a particular boss, the gear found in this cave might be the edge you need. Specifically, the elemental resistance buffs some of the items provide are great for dealing with enemies that use fire or poison.
Once you've cleared the cave, don't just fast travel out. Walk out the way you came. The view from the cave mouth at sunset is one of the most visually stunning moments in the game. It gives you a real sense of the scale of the world Ubisoft has built.
Actionable Steps for Players
To get the most out of this location, follow this specific sequence:
- Preparation: Ensure you have at least three smoke bombs and a full stock of arrows. The cave isn't combat-heavy, but the surrounding area is.
- Timing: Arrive at the coast during the "Night" cycle. It’s easier to see the bioluminescent markers and the torchlight of any bandits guarding the perimeter.
- Exploration: Enter as Naoe. Use the grapple to reach the high ceiling rafters inside the first chamber. There’s a hidden chest there that 90% of players walk right under.
- Diving: When you reach the deep pool at the center, don't just swim across. Dive. There is a submerged tunnel that leads to a small room with a historical scroll.
- Crafting: Take the "Obsidian Shard" found at the end of the cave back to your blacksmith immediately. It unlocks a specific weapon tier that is extremely effective against armored samurai.
By focusing on the verticality and the hidden water paths, you’ll find that the Koromodako cave is one of the most rewarding "secret" spots in Assassin's Creed Shadows. It’s a perfect blend of history, myth, and gameplay utility. Keep your eyes on the cliffs and your ears open for the sound of the sea.