All armor and armor sets locations list in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Armor is your primary means of staying safe (and stylish!) in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

You’ll expand both Naoe’s and Yasuke’s wardrobes as you play, through a mix of natural main story progression and exploration. Each armor piece can improve each character’s health and other stats, while some also feature powerful passive perks. As such, it’s worth tracking down as much armor as you can.

In this Assassin’s Creed Shadows guide, we’ll detail every all armor and armor sets in the game and explain how to get them. Though if you want tips on narrowing it down, see our guide to the best armor.

Update (April 4): We’ve added additional armor locations.

All armor list in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

There are two armor types in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: head armor and body armor. And each character — Naoe or Yasuke — has their own unique armor sets.

Although you can find plenty of armor in randomized loot boxes, some armor pieces are linked to specific locations. This is the case for all armor of legendary rarity, which is usually found within large castles, but also for some epic and even uncommon armor pieces. Those armor pieces tend to have additional perks beyond their base stats.

Each armor piece will boost Naoe’s or Yasuke’s health and critical hit damage. These stat boosts scale with the armor piece’s level, and new armor that you find scales alongside your level.

Also, once you’ve unlocked a piece of armor, you permanently unlock it as an option for visual customization. No need to hold onto it — you can sell for mon or dismantle for resources with abandon.

In the table below, see an overview of all armor in Assassin’s Creed Shadows we’ve found. Note that some armor (typically of higher rarity levels) is a reward from a fixed location or mission. In those cases, we’ve noted the province you get it in. In other cases, where armor drops as randomized loot, we’ve simply marked the province as “N/A.”

Below, we’ll show you where to find and how to get all fixed armor drops in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, broken up by province — and generally in the order in which you go through these provinces in the main story.

How to get legendary armor in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Beware that most legendary armor is hidden away in castles defended by Samurai Daisho. The armor is always stashed in a legendary chest, but this chest won’t open until you defeat the required number of Samurai Daisho (between one and five per castle). You’ll earn mastery points as you defeat them, though.

Look at the picture above to see what a Samurai Daisho looks like — they’re usually the toughest guys around, so be prepared for an intense fight! (Alternatively, you can turn on the “guaranteed assassinations” setting and sneak up on them as Naoe.)

Izumi Settsu armor locations

Here’s an overview of all armor locations in Izumi Settsu. This is where you’re really let loose into the open world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, so this region is the perfect place to loot your first legendary armor.

Shrouded Shinobi Robes

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): +20% damage at night

These uncommon robes are a reward for the “Fatherless Monk” quest, which takes place in the Gansenji Temple, south of Sakai. This is an Onryo quest, the first of the Wada Koretake objectives. 

Shrouded Shinobi Hood

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): +1 health segment removed on assassinations at night

This uncommon headgear piece is a reward for the “Killing Field” quest. Defeat the executioner in Nanatsumatsu, a small camp just west of Amagasaki Castle. 

Peasant Clothes

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Attacks have a 3% chance to remove 1 health segment on hit.

This legendary armor is inside the large chest at the top of Osaka Castle — it’s the highest floor of the highest tower, just below the viewpoint. You must defeat three Samurai Daisho in Osaka Castle to unlock the legendary chest containing the legendary Peasant Clothes.

Peasant Hat

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Grants +100% adrenaline chunk upon entering combat.

Go to Takatsuki Castle in the northern part of Izumi Settsu. After defeating three Samurai Daisho, look for the legendary chest on the second-highest floor of the tallest building. It’s in the northeastern corner of the castle, below the viewpoint.

Tools Master Gear

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Throw a kunai at the closest enemy after an assassination.

This legendary armor is located at Katano Castle. First, defeat two Samurai Daisho, then enter the largest building in the southwestern corner, directly below the viewpoint. Go to the second floor (one level above ground floor) and open the large chest in the decorated room.

Tools Master Mask

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Shuriken no longer break on hard impact.

This legendary armor is located in Amagasaki Castle, which is northwest of Osaka. The armor chest is on the top floor of the highest tower. You will find this tower in the northeastern corner of the middle section of the castle (cross the water twice). You must defeat five Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest.

Tamakichi’s Hood

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Randomized.

This epic headgear piece is quite well-hidden. Go to the Senri Hills north of Amagasaki and Osaka, and find the Path of Valor Hidden Trail. The start of the Hidden Trail is next to the viewpoint in this area, marked with two yellow flags. Complete the full run and you will find the chest with Tamakichi’s Hood at the end. Beware that it’s quite long, but you won’t easily lose your way if you follow the yellow markings.

Apprentice Assassin Set

• Character: Nao
• Type: Full set
• Perk(s): Removes +1 health segments on assassinations (head) and restores 1% health on hit (body).

The Apprentice Assassin Gear and Apprentice Assassin Hood are a reward for a quest called “Secrets of the Blade,” which involves a trip to the Old Kofun dungeon east of Sakai. To unlock this quest, you must complete Naoe’s first story quest (just complete four Kuji-Kiri challenges) as well as Yasuke’s first story quests: “An Education” and “Lady of Whispers.” This will give Naoe the “Wolves and Foxes” quest followed by “Secrets of the Blade.”

Master Assassin Set

• Character: Nao
• Type: Full set
• Perk(s): Removes +2 health segments on assassinations (body) and removes +2 health segments on ground attack hits (head).

The Master Assassin Gear and Master Assassin Hood are rewarded at the end of AC Shadows’ main questline, following a quest called Out of the Shadows. This quest is unlocked once you’ve defeated all Shinbakufu targets. You simply need to visit your Hideout and speak with Tomiko to start the quest, after which you’ll receive the full Master Assassin set.

Yamashiro armor locations

Here’s an overview of all armor locations in the Yamashiro region, north of Izumi Settsu and home to Kyoto. You can find one legendary outfit for each protagonist here. 

Yurei-Walker Robes

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Enemies are less efficient at detecting sound.

This part of the Yurei-Walker armor set is inside Shoryuji Castle, in the southwestern part of Yamashiro (just north of Yamazaki Castle). It’s hidden in the legendary chest on the second-highest floor of the tallest building, which you’ll find at the center of the fortress. Beware that it’s guarded by two enemies, and don’t forget to defeat three Samurai Daisho to unlock it.

Yurei-Walker Hood

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Removes +2 health segments on assassinations in shadows.

This legendary headgear is located at Yamazaki Castle, in the southwestern part of Yamashiro. It’s inside the legendary chest on the second-highest floor of the tallest building (below the viewpoint), which stands in the southwestern part of the castle. You must defeat five Samurai Daisho to unlock the chest.

Protector’s Armor

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Can parry unblockable attacks.

This golden body armor is found in Nijo Palace, in the middle of Kyoto — look for the large square fortress surrounded by water. Defeat two Samurai Daisho, then find the tallest building in the southernmost part of Nijo Palace and go to the highest floor. The legendary chest will be waiting there.

Protector’s Helmet

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Deal 50% damage to the attacker on parry.

This legendary helmet is located in Hanazono Castle, a fortress in the northeastern part of Yamashiro. This time, the chest isn’t located directly below the viewpoint; defeat two Samurai Daisho, then go to the highest floor of the large, half-destroyed building in the east, where you’ll find the chest. Look closely at the picture with the arrow; it’s taken from the direction of the teleport viewpoint.

Hibiki’s Gear

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Randomized.

To obtain this epic armor, visit the mountainous area in the southwestern corner of Yamashiro, south of Kyoto and west of Ogura Pond. Follow the road to the heart of the Eagle’s Nest, where you will discover the Path of the Brave Hidden Trail. Complete the full course (follow the yellow markings, starting with the yellow flags) and you will find the chest with the epic armor at the end.

Omi armor locations

These are all the legendary armor pieces we’ve found in Omi, the northwestern region characterized by its sizable Lake Biwa.

Ship Captain’s Gear

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Grants a 50% chance to negate projectiles.

This legendary armor piece for Yasuke can be found in Sakamoto Castle, on the southwestern shore of Lake Biwa. You must defeat three Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary gear chest in the tallest tower (below the viewpoint, about halfway up). To find them, search the western part, “the armory.”

Ship Captain’s Mask

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Reflects projectiles towards enemies on parry.

This legendary mask is waiting for you in Azuchi Castle, the eastern side of Omi. First, defeat four Samurai Daisho (two in the main building, two in the eastern barracks), then find the legendary chest with the mask inside the tallest building, second floor. Beware that Azuchi Castle is only unlocked after you complete Lords of Azuchi, one of Yasuke’s story quests (following ‘An Education’ and ‘Lady of Whispers’).

Mamushi Snake Robes

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Dead bodies release a poison cloud when investigated.

This legendary shinobi gear is waiting for you in Nagahama Castle, on the northeastern shore of Lake Biwa. You must defeat four Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest, which is located in the tallest tower (below the viewpoint), about halfway up.

Mamushi Snake Hood

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Grants 33% less cooldown on ally abilities.

Find this legendary hood in Omizo Castle, on the western shore of Lake Biwa (further north than Sakamoto). You must defeat two Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest. Beware that the chest is not in the tallest building but on the ground, west of the tower. It’s still within the castle’s inner square. 

Sumire’s Gear

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Randomized.

To obtain this epic headgear, you must complete the Path of the Blade Hidden Trail. You’ll find this course along the river in Suzuka Foothills, northeast of Azuchi. The start of the obstacle course is marked with a lantern, a yellow flag, and yellow paint. Keep following the yellow markings to reach the finish and find the legendary chest.

Iga armor locations

Here’s an overview of all legendary armor and unique armor locations in Iga, the region where you play through Naoe’s flashbacks via Kuji-kiri meditation spots. You’ll find this relatively small province on the east side of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows map. 

Swift Shinobi Robes

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Removes +2 health segments on air assassinate.

This shinobi body armor is hidden inside Hijiyama Fort, in the northwestern part of Iga. Be sure to defeat two Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest, and then find the chest in the lower building in front of the tower with the viewpoint. 

Swift Shinobi Hood

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Slow down time when detected.

This legendary hood is found in Kunimiyama Fort, the eastern part of Ichinomiya. This time, you only need to defeat one Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest. Beware, however, that navigating this fortress is half the challenge; there are only a few ways to get inside, and if you fall down from a wall or bridge, you’ll have to sneak in again. There’s a wooden platform you can use on the east side of the fort. The legendary chest is in the wooden watchtower in the north, ground floor. 

Yu-no-shin’s Gear

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Randomized.

You must complete the Path of Shadows Hidden Trail to obtain this epic shinobi armor. The challenge starts in southern Iga — follow the path alongside the river to find it. During the challenge, follow the yellow marks (flags and paint) to reach the finish line, where a chest with your brand-new armor awaits.

Harima armor locations

These are all the legendary armor pieces found in Harima, the western region bordering on Izumi Settsu. There are many castles in this region, but not all of them offer unique armor. Here’s where to find the ones that do.

Samurai Daimyo Armor of Legend

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Offers +75% damage but limits health to 25%.

This legendary samurai armor is locked away inside Kanki Castle, at the heart of Harima. You must defeat two Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest, and then find this chest in a damaged building on the west side of the castle grounds. There’s no “main” building or viewpoint in Kanki Castle, but look for the tallest tree (one of them is noticeably taller than the others) and then the building directly next to it, with the crumbled wall. The legendary chest is inside. 

Samurai Daimyo Helmet of Legend

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Trigger samurai stand on death, once per combat.

Unlike the other half of the Samurai Daimyo set, this legendary helmet is hidden in the wilds. In northwestern Harima, between a Kuji-Kiri location and Mitsunodo Hall, you’ll find the Nagusano Falls (next to a red bridge). The chest with the armor is on the left side of that waterfall, on top of the rocks.

Defense Master Clothing

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Restore 10% health on the next hit after a parry.

This part of Yasuke’s legendary armor collection can be found in Himeji Castle, in the southwestern part of Harima. Beware that you’ll have to defeat five Samurai Daisho in this large and heavily guarded place. One of them will be waiting on the top floor of the largest building (below the viewpoint). The legendary chest with the gear is located in the same building, but a few floors below.

Defense Master Headwrap

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Slow down time after a successful dodge.

To obtain this legendary samurai headgear, you must infiltrate Miki Castle in the eastern part of Harima. Defeat four Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest, which you’ll find in the castle’s inner square. Enter the ordinary-looking building exactly below the castle’s map icon.

Yamato armor locations

Between the regions of Izumi Settsu and Iga, you’ll find a far more dangerous province called Yamato. Here’s an overview of all legendary and unique armor locations in this province.

Legendary Onna-Musha Kosode

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Knock down enemies by sliding into them.

This legendary shinobi armor is kept inside Uda Matsuyama Castle, northeastern Yamato. The legendary chest with the loot is on the ground floor of the tallest tower, below the viewpoint. You must defeat four Samurai Daisho to unlock this chest. 

Legendary Onna-Musha Headband

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Vault over enemies while sprinting.

To obtain this legendary shinobi headgear, pay a visit to Koriyama Castle, in northwestern Yamato. The legendary chest with the loot is on the top floor of the tallest building, below the viewpoint. You must defeat four Samurai Daisho to unlock this chest. 

Sumire’s Hood

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Randomized.

First, find the Path of Secrets obstacle course in eastern Yamato, near Katsuragi. Complete the course (follow the yellow markings) to find the legendary chest containing the armor.

Elegant Samurai Outfit

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Offers +20% posture damage per adrenaline chunk filled.

This fancy samurai outfit is very easy to miss as it’s hidden in the Megalithic Vault, a tomb in northern Yamato. Clear the tomb using Yasuke (Naoe can’t move the wooden crates) and you’ll find the legendary chest with the armor at the end. 

Elegant Samurai Hat

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Reduce damage taken by 5% per enemy in conflict.

Perhaps even harder to find than the Elegant Samurai Outfit, is the Elegant Samurai Hat. This legendary headgear is hidden at the very heart of Yamato, in a small enemy enclave called Yama Camp. It’s located southeast of Takatori. Defeat the enemies, then find the legendary chest on the north side of the camp.

Wakasa armor locations

The northern province of Wakasa is not only blessed with an epic coastline, but also epic armor. Here’s an overview of all legendary and unique armor locations in Wakasa.

Master Archer Outfit

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Offers +200% damage with ranged weapons while out of combat. 

This legendary samurai fit is waiting for you in Tsuruga Castle, in the northern part of Wakasa. You’ve got to defeat two Samurai Daisho to unlock a chest containing the armor. The chest is in the northern corner of the castle, inside an ordinary-looking building on the square with all the bamboo. 

Master Archer Headband

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Slow down time on headshots every 8 seconds.

This legendary headband can be looted from Kanegasaki Castle, in the northernmost part of Wakasa. You must defeat four Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest and grab the armor. Beware that this castle is much larger than it looks; explore all three areas (connected by bridges) to find enough Samurai Daisho. The chest with the armor is in the middle part, below the castle icon on the map. Enter the small building between the two watchtowers to find it. 

Tamakichi’s Gear

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Randomized. 

If you’d like to get this epic armor, you must complete the Path of Wisdom obstacle course in the northern part of Wakasa, west of Mount Uchinakao. Follow the yellow markings (flags and paint) to complete the course. The legendary chest containing the armor will be waiting at the finish line.

Last Dance of the Onryo Robe

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Avoid death and gain immunity for 8 seconds one time.

This secret legendary armor location is easily missed as it’s hidden in the Grave of the Three Emperors, in southern Wakasa. Follow the road west from the Onyu Pass Overlook viewpoint to the Shattered Coast (or vice versa) and you’ll come across the grave. Behind the small wooden building, you’ll find a little nook with a legendary chest holding the Last Dance of the Onryo Robe. 

Last Dance of the Onryo Mask

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Restore 5% health on the next hit after using abilities.

This legendary headgear is difficult to find, as it’s hidden inside a cave. See the city of Obama in Wakasa? If you follow the road south along the coastline, you will find the Yaobikuni Cave on your left hand (it will be marked on your map when you’re close enough). Defeat the enemy inside the cave and loot the chest to obtain the mask.

Tamba armor locations

The northwestern region called Tamba contains no less than three full armor sets; one for Naoe and two for Yasuke. Be careful not to miss the Extravagant Kabukimono set in particular as it’s hidden in random locations instead of the usual castles and fortresses.

Outfit of the Legendary Ronin

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Improves damage by 50% while in combat after a brutal assassination.

Travel to the northwestern part of Tamba, and you’ll find the Legendary Ronin Armor in the legendary chest inside Miyazu Castle. You must defeat four Samurai Daisho to unlock the chest, which is located in the middle area, one of the smaller buildings.

Kasa of the Legendary Ronin

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Removes +2 health segments on brutal assassinations.

To get this legendary kasa, visit Fukuchiyama Castle in central Tamba and defeat five Samurai Daisho. Open the legendary chest to receive the headgear. The chest is about halfway up the tallest tower, directly below the viewpoint.

Hidden Servant Kosode

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Get +25% adrenaline gain in restricted zones.

You’ll find these fabulous robes in Kameyama Castle, southeast Tamba. Defeat five Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest, which is on the second-highest floor of the tallest building directly below the viewpoint.

Hidden Servant Hat

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Double adrenaline gain on assassinations.

This legendary headgear is waiting for you in Takeda Castle, western Tamba. Defeat five Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest, which is on the middle floor of the tallest tower, directly below the viewpoint.

Extravagant Kabukimono Outfit

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Grants +100% of an adrenaline chunk with weakpoint attack.

This legendary Kabukimono armor is hidden in an unmarked, remote location in northern Tamba, so be careful not to miss it! Starting from Fukuchiyama, ride north to the coast, where you’ll find a fishing village called Yura and a tiny island. The legendary chest with the Extravagant Kabukimono Outfit is on this island, in the valley. 

Extravagant Kabukimono Headgear

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Automatically perform a weakpoint attack on a successful parry.

The headgear part of the Extravagant Kabukimono armor set is also hidden in a remote part of Tamba. This time, go to southern Tamba, the area between The Silver Lands and Yakami. There’s an area called Narutaki Falls, which is also a Kata location. Climb the waterfall’s first ledge, and you’ll see the legendary chest with the gear. 

Hibiki’s Hood

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Randomized.

To obtain this epic headgear, explore the Tamba Highlands and complete the Path of Silence hidden trail. The starting point is on the main road, marked by yellow paint and flags. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll find a chest with the gear. 

Kii armor locations

The region of Kii doesn’t hide as much armor, robes, masks, and helmets as Tamba, but you’ll still find some of the best gear pieces here. Beware that the Noh Masterstroke set is hidden in the wilds, so it’s easy to miss without this AC Shadows armor locations guide.

Noh Masterstroke Costume

• Character: Naoe
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Spread affliction buildup on afflicted enemy kill.

The Noh Masterstroke Costume is hidden away on the western side of the Kii province. The easiest way to find it is to start at the Jison-in Temple, then follow the road west for a short while. Directly after crossing the bridge, turn left and follow the winding road up the mountain, alongside the river. About halfway up, the name ‘Iimori Cave’ will appear on the screen. Now, leave the path to the left, and climb the rocks behind the broken bridge and tree. This will lead you inside the cave, where you will find the legendary chest with the armor.

Noh Masterstroke Mask

• Character: Nao
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Grants 20% of an adrenaline chunk on affliction buildup.

The legendary Noh Masterstroke Mask is also found on the western side of Kii. It’s very close to the Mount Koya viewpoint (between Kinokawa Valley and Koyasan), so be sure to unlock that first. From there, jump down to the broad ledge with the bamboo fence. Break the bamboo and loot the legendary chest to receive the mask.

Armor of the Legendary Samurai

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Body
• Perk(s): Heal over time after 10 seconds, but -50% from rations.

To get this legendary samurai armor, go to Iseji Trails in the northeastern part of Kii and pay a visit to Akagi Fort. You must defeat two Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest – it’s on the northern side of the fort, in the square surrounded by yellow flags. 

Helmet of the Legendary Samurai

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Heal increases critical chance by 15% for 5 seconds.

This samurai helmet is found in the northwestern corner of Kii, in Tsuchibashi Fort. First, defeat two Samurai Daisho, then find the legendary chest with the helmet in the northeastern part of the fortress — it’s inside the tallest building, on the highest floor.

Yu-no-shin’s Hood

• Character: Nao
• Type: Head
• Perk(s): Randomized.

Travel to the east coast of Kii, just north of the river delta, to find the Path of the Chosen. Complete this obstacle course to obtain this epic shinobi hood. During the challenge, follow the yellow markings to reach the finish line, where you’ll see the chest containing Yu-no-shin’s Hood. Be careful though; there’s a rather strong enemy just in front of the chest. If you haven’t reached a high level yet, try to sneak past this fearsome warrior.

Destroyer Samurai Set

• Character: Yasuke
• Type: Full set
• Perk(s): Reduce impact from enemy attacks (body) and grants +10% damage per 10% health missing (head).

The legendary Destroyer Samurai Armor and Destroyer Samurai Helmet are rewarded during one of Yasuke’s final story quests: Fighting for the Cause. You must go to the Hibuse Fudo Temple and defeat Kimura Kei, who’s inside the highest tower (the one behind the gate house, after walking up the large staircase). Beware that a few more ronin will jump out as you approach the entrance. You will receive the Destroyer Samurai set immediately after the mission is completed.

For more Assassin’s Creed Shadows guides, see our running lists of Lost Pages and Kuji-kiri locations. Or see our full Assassin’s Creed Shadows walkthrough, and our guides on how to get all companions and romance options.