Assassin’s Creed Shadows walkthrough: How to complete Hunting the Hunters quest

Complete guide to Hunting the Hunters quest with locations, rewards, and advanced assassination strategies in AC Shadows

Quest Overview and Preparation

Hunters quest in Assassin
Rufino during the Hunting the Hunters quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming // Ubisoft)

Hunters quest in Assassin
Rufino during the Hunting the Hunters quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming // Ubisoft)

Following the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows patch 1.0.6, Hunting the Hunters represents one of the newest quest additions players can experience. This mission serves as the direct continuation from A Critical Encounter, requiring elimination of multiple Seta River Killers throughout feudal Japan’s diverse regions.

While initial targets offer some flexibility in engagement order, certain antagonist locations remain concealed until you’ve eliminated specific predecessors in the chain. This creates a progressive discovery system that encourages methodical gameplay.

Preparation Recommendations: Before embarking on this assassination chain, ensure you’ve upgraded your hidden blade for instant kills and stocked smoke bombs for quick escapes. The restricted areas housing some targets require careful infiltration planning.

Target Locations and Elimination Guide

Builder Location Strategy: Your first target resides within the Bamboo Cutter’s Camp situated in Yawata Plains. This territory falls within the Izumi Settsu regional boundaries. Successful elimination yields 2000 experience points, 305 Mon currency, and the crucial Builder’s Encoded Message quest artifact.

Collector Approach: The subsequent target positions herself near Shoryuji Castle in the Yamashiro region. Specifically, she occupies the riverbank area west of Iwashimizu Shrine. Assassinating the Collector provides 2000 XP, 360 Mon, and the Collector’s Kill Assignment quest item essential for progression.

Stalker Positioning: This adversary maintains position on the eastern flank of Seta Bridge. This strategic location lies within the Mouth of Seta area of the OMI region. Defeating him rewards 2000 XP, 220 Mon, and the Stalker’s Kill Assignment quest component.

Trader Acquisition: Locating the Trader becomes straightforward from your Stalker elimination point. Journey approximately 500 meters northward to reach the destination. She occupies a compact hut structure adjacent to the Lake Biwa coastline. Completion grants 2000 XP, 320 Mon, and the Trader’s Encoded Message.

Tormentor Elimination: This target positions himself on the southeastern riverbank perimeter of Takatsuki Castle. This location resides within the Izumi Settsu territory. Target elimination provides 2000 XP, 155 Mon, and the Tormentor’s Kill Assignment item.

Exterminator Final Target: The concluding antagonist situates himself south of Muggy Lands and west of Takatsuki Castle. You’ll locate him within the Koriyama Camp restricted zone, ideally approached via rear assassination. Successful elimination yields 2000 XP, 255 Mon, and the Exterminator’s Encoded Message.

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Quest Completion and Rewards

After successfully eliminating all six designated targets, return to Rufino at your Hideout location. Initiate interaction to commence the concluding cinematic sequence. When Rufino vocalizes “I don’t want this blood on my hands,” you’ll confront these dialogue alternatives:

  • This is what it takes (Yasuke)
  • Your hands aren’t clean (Naoe)
  • Selection between these narrative prompts remains inconsequential to overarching storyline development, though each reflects character-specific perspectives.

    Following cinematic conclusion, the Hunting the Hunters quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows achieves completion status. This accomplishment automatically initiates the ultimate mission within Rufino’s narrative arc, titled Man Behind the Curtain.

    Reward Analysis: Beyond immediate currency and experience gains, the encoded messages collected throughout this quest chain contribute to unraveling broader conspiracy elements within the game’s narrative framework.

    Advanced Strategies and Common Mistakes

    Optimal Route Planning: For maximum efficiency, tackle targets in geographical clusters rather than strict narrative order. The Izumi Settsu region contains multiple targets that can be cleared during single expeditions, minimizing travel time between objectives.

    Stealth Approach Techniques: Utilize rooftop pathways and vegetation cover when infiltrating restricted camps. The Koriyama Camp particularly benefits from elevated approaches that allow reconnaissance before engagement.

    Common Player Errors: Many players underestimate the detection ranges in bamboo forest areas. Maintain greater distance when approaching the Bamboo Cutter’s Camp and use auditory cues to track guard patrol patterns.

    Advanced Combat Alternatives: If stealth fails, leverage environmental hazards like explosive barrels near the Lake Biwa coastline hut. These can create diversions or eliminate multiple enemies simultaneously when combat becomes unavoidable.

    Check out more Assassin’s Creed Shadows guides below:

  • How old is Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
  • AC Shadows system requirements: Minimum and recommended PC settings
  • Can you play AC Shadows as a newcomer to the series?
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