In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, set during Feudal Japan, romance plays a significant role, allowing players to deepen their connection with certain characters. This feature, familiar to fans from previous titles like *Odyssey* and *Valhalla*, takes a unique turn in *Shadows*, where both protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, have the opportunity to engage in romantic relationships. These relationships can be shaped into fleeting moments or enduring bonds, even with canon mode activated.

How Does Romance Work in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Romance in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is integrated into the game's quest chains, where interactions with potential allies can turn flirtatious. Characters may drop hints or engage in playful dialogue, setting the stage for romance. Players have the power to decide whether to pursue these relationships further by choosing specific dialogue options marked with a heart icon. As the relationship develops, this icon evolves, featuring a cupid's arrow at crucial moments, indicating significant progress in the romance.

Choosing these options consistently is key to advancing a romantic storyline, but it's not a one-time decision. Players can opt in or out of romance at various points. For instance, missing a flirty dialogue choice early on might not seal the deal, but it can impact later interactions. In my playthrough, I initially passed on a flirtatious option with Gennojo but pursued it later. However, due to my earlier choice, Gennojo rejected Naoe's advances when I tried to escalate the relationship. This highlights the importance of keeping your romantic options open, as you never know which character might captivate you down the line.

Who Can You Romance in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, both Naoe and Yasuke have distinct romantic paths:

• Naoe can romance Gennojo
• Naoe can romance Katsuhime
• Yasuke can romance Lady Oichi

These options cater to both heterosexual and same-sex preferences, offering a diverse range of romantic engagements. It seems the game's narrative slightly favors certain characters, but the choice ultimately lies with the player.

That concludes the romance guide for *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, detailing how to engage in romance and who you can romance in the game. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is now available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, allowing players to explore these romantic narratives in Feudal Japan.