Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes players on a journey through feudal Japan, offering a rich tapestry of historical locations to explore. Among these is the Nishinomiya Shrine, a significant landmark that plays a crucial role in the game’s progression system. This article delves into the shrine’s location, its importance, and how players can maximize their experience while visiting this virtual representation of a real-world religious site.
Locating Nishinomiya Shrine
Nishinomiya Shrine is situated in the Izumi Settsu region of the game map. Players can find it along the western coast, specifically:
- West of Amagasaki Castle
- Near the border of Harima
- In an area known as Nakayama Peak
The shrine’s placement reflects its real-world counterpart, which is located in the city of Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. This attention to geographical accuracy adds to the game’s immersive quality, allowing players to experience a virtual tour of historical Japan.
The Significance of Nishinomiya Shrine
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Nishinomiya Shrine serves more than just a scenic backdrop. It’s an integral part of the character progression system:
- Visiting the shrine allows players to earn Knowledge Points
- These points are used to unlock new skills and abilities
- Completing shrine activities contributes to overall game completion percentage
This gameplay mechanic encourages exploration and rewards players for engaging with the cultural elements of the game world.
Navigating the Shrine Complex
The Nishinomiya Shrine complex in the game is designed with multiple areas for players to explore:
Main Temple Building
The centerpiece of the shrine complex is a large temple building. This structure serves as a primary landmark and is visible from various points within the shrine grounds.
Surrounding Structures
Several smaller outbuildings are scattered around the main temple, creating a realistic shrine layout. These buildings may house additional activities or collectibles.
Water Features
A pond is featured prominently within the shrine grounds, adding to the serene atmosphere and providing navigational reference points for players.
The Three Shrine Locations
To fully benefit from visiting Nishinomiya Shrine, players must interact with three specific locations within the complex. Here’s how to find each one:
First Shrine Location
Step 1: Enter the shrine complex through either the northern or western entrance.
Step 2: Locate the pond near the main temple building.
Step 3: Take a left turn through a fence near the pond.
Step 4: Follow the pond’s edge until you reach the first shrine interaction point.
Second Shrine Location
Step 1: Return to the main pathway leading to the large temple building.
Step 2: Before reaching the building, look for a red bridge on your left.
Step 3: Cross the bridge to find the second shrine interaction point at its end.
Third Shrine Location
Step 1: Make your way back across the red bridge.
Step 2: Approach the main temple building.
Step 3: Locate the steps leading up to the temple.
Step 4: The final shrine interaction point is on these steps.
Rewards for Completing Nishinomiya Shrine
Upon interacting with all three shrine locations, players receive:
- 1 Knowledge Point
- 500 XP
These rewards contribute directly to character progression, allowing players to unlock new skills and advance in the game’s skill trees.
Tips for Shrine Exploration
To make the most of your visit to Nishinomiya Shrine:
- Use the game’s focus mode to highlight points of interest
- Pay attention to environmental cues like fences and bridges
- Take time to appreciate the architectural details and ambiance
- Consider revisiting the shrine at different times of day for varied lighting effects
Cultural Context
Nishinomiya Shrine’s inclusion in Assassin’s Creed Shadows reflects the game’s commitment to cultural authenticity. The real Nishinomiya Shrine is dedicated to the deity Ebisu and has a history dating back to the 4th century. By incorporating such landmarks, the game offers players a unique blend of historical exploration and gameplay mechanics.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues the franchise’s tradition of melding historical settings with engaging gameplay. The Nishinomiya Shrine serves as a perfect example of how the game integrates real-world locations into its progression system, encouraging players to explore and interact with the richly detailed world of feudal Japan.