Update 1.1.11 introduces the “Black Tides” mission, which concludes Naoe and Yasuke’s story and unexpectedly connects to Edward Kenway’s Caribbean adventures from Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. Ubisoft hasn’t skimped on the details—all post-release content for Shadows is available at no additional cost, and this episode is no exception. However, it won’t launch easily: you’ll need to complete a number of conditions, and if you haven’t yet completed the main story campaign, you’ll need to complete it first.
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How do I begin the Black Tides expansion?
To access the new content, you need to complete three mandatory milestones. First, the end credits of the main story—without this, nothing will work. Second, complete the two previous free quests: “Critical Encounter” (activated by NPC Rufino in the hideout) and “The Riddle” (a conversation with Kinu and Kane near the Kajii Monzeki Kuji-kiri Temple, located at the junction of Wakasa and Omi). Third, collect all 13 Isu Glyphs and open the coveted door. Reforging the Sword of Yomminis is not necessary right now; you can do that after completing the DLC. Once everything is ready, head to the small settlement on the southwestern coast of Kii—the mission will start automatically as soon as you approach the marker.
What level do I need to comfortably play Black Tides?
Technically, the DLC unlocks just after the end credits of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, but Black Tides is certainly not a walk in the park. The final boss duel between Eamon and Nirmala breaks all the post-game rules. Trying to beat them on the basic story level is a guaranteed marathon of dozens of restarts at the nearest checkpoint. Although Ubisoft doesn’t set strict entry limits, the real threshold for a comfortable playthrough starts at skill level 40, or even better, closer to the maximum cap. In the finale, you’ll face two Templars who constantly spam blocks and prolonged attack sequences. Without a well-honed parry, this fight will degenerate into a silly health trade from which your hero will definitely not survive.
Before embarking on this adventure, it’s crucial to improve the following items:
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Gear Rank: Forget green and blue gear—the final boss fight is unforgiving. Only legendary gear, sharpened at a blacksmith to at least +5.
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Talent Tree: Naoe vitally needs mastery points in the Parry, Counter, and Dodge trees. Yasuke prioritizes stamina and heavy attacks.
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Consumable Supply: Sure, there are ration baskets scattered throughout the arena, but stocking your pockets with healing potions and throwing knives before battle is a good idea.
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Weapon and Armor Engravings: In long and grueling duels, the health and damage bonuses from a successful parry provide a colossal advantage.
Remember that the combat system here is primarily based on timing, not on menu numbers. However, it is your stats that determine the cost of a mistake. While at a low level, Eamon can wipe out half your HP with just one successful combo, for a highly skilled character, the same attack will simply be a convenient pretext for a powerful counterattack.
The best build for defeating Eamon and Nirmala in the finale
Which character you choose for key encounters is a matter of taste and your personal playstyle. Below is a detailed analysis of both protagonists’ abilities in the context of the Black Tides boss fights.
Naoe excels in phases that require fine-tuned defense and one-on-one duels. — Her confrontation with Nirmala in the gloomy catacombs hinges solely on rhythm. Meanwhile, Yasuke is indispensable in the final battle, where surviving intense pressure and not being knocked back by flying kunai is crucial. Incidentally, you won’t be able to play behind just one beloved character: switching between them during the story is strictly scripted, so you’ll have to level up both of them to their maximum potential.
Encounter with the Black Cross in the Black Tides mission
The story begins with a cutscene where the main characters meet Sir Eamon Hathaway, the ancestor of Simon Hathaway from the 2016 novel Assassin’s Creed: Heresy. Eamon, a member of the elite Templar squad “Black Cross,” is interrogating some local children at this moment, and Naoe and Yasuke intervene. What follows is a classic investigation: you need to track down the drunken captain Eamon mentioned. The southeast is your landmark, so you won’t have to search long.
Upon arrival, a drinking minigame awaits you. Your choice of dialogue doesn’t really affect the outcome—Yasuke is forced to drink anyway, and in the final question (the correct answer is “The Templars are searching for a certain location”), you’ll still get into a fight with Yang. After winning, examine the blood trail and follow the blue markers—the route leads through several restricted areas, but if you act stealthily, you shouldn’t have any problems. The trail will lead to a masked assassin—Nirmala, also a member of the Black Cross. However, unlike Eamon, she’s not above using dirty tricks: she wounds a civilian to escape. The plot thickens, and this is clearly not their last encounter.
Finding the Sunken Journal in the Double Deception mission
Immediately after meeting Eamon, the “Double Deception” quest awaits you. You need to reach a shipwreck in the east of Kii—a landmark on the map will give you the exact location. Upon arrival, first deal with the marauders occupying the shore. Then search the area: there are plenty of notes around, but the key item is a key lying on a barrel. It opens three underwater chests nearby. And, of course, the journal you need will be in the furthest one. Swim past the bow of the ship, dive to the marker, and voila, we have the information.
While Naoe digs through the documents, Yasuke faces Nirmala. First, a one-on-one duel, and then a two-on-one duel. The trick is that Eamon’s name appears on your health bar, but you can focus on Nirmala if she’s easier to handle. After victory, a cutscene plays, then a transition through the darkness to three illuminated scenes. A fight with Shadow Yasuke follows—and fortunately, he’s quite weak, so he shouldn’t pose much of a challenge.
Completing Buried Secrets and the Final Boss Fight
The next stage is “Buried Secrets.” Yasuke is temporarily out of action, and you’re joined by an unexpected ally—Rufino (he’s not controllable, but you need him to progress). Your goal is to assist him by activating glowing platforms as you make your way through the chambers. The parkour sections give way to a large chamber, where the final confrontation with Nirmala awaits. You can lure her to the glyphs and activate the traps, but I personally found it easier to dispatch her with regular attacks. There are always two ration refill baskets nearby, so you won’t have to take any risks.
Once Nirmala’s health is low, Eamon appears, and that’s when things really get intense. This battle is reminiscent of the optional Hanzo fight at the beginning of the game—except now there are two enemies. They block a lot, so you’ll need to actively parry and dodge. You can try traps, but I’d advise focusing on Nirmala and keeping your distance from Eamon. He does throw kunai, though, so be on your guard.
But you won’t have to suffer for long. Yasuke arrives, and a spectacular cutscene begins. After it, the two of you finish off Eamon—this fight is noticeably easier than the previous one. The falling Eamon succumbs to brute force and well-timed parries. Another cutscene, and the DLC comes to an end. Well, as expected, a generous reward awaits.
Legendary Rewards and Gear for Black Tides
Completing the story DLC will not only reward you with moral satisfaction but also some substantial loot. Yasuke takes Eamon’s armor and weapons, and Naoe takes Nirmala’s gear. Both characters will receive trinkets related to the wooden figurines Eamon showed the children in the first cutscene, as well as a shared souvenir—the lighthouse Yasuke smashed in the final cutscene. Plus, seven new engravings and the “End of the Order” trophy.
For Naoe:
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King Cobra – Legendary Katana
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Nirmala’s Headband – Legendary Headdress
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Nirmala’s Robes – Legendary Light Armor
For Yasuke:
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Hathaway Family Sword – Legendary Long Katana
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Crusader’s Helmet – Legendary Helmet
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Crusader’s Tunic – Legendary Armor
Shared Trinkets (for both):
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Broken Lighthouse (Legendary)
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Carved Elephant (Epic)
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Carved Bear (Epic)
The set is nice, and, nicely, all the items have unique models and descriptions, so collectors will appreciate it. Black Tides is a worthy conclusion to the story, and Ubisoft has once again proven that it knows how to create free content with heart.
