In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe's personal journey is a central narrative thread, and one of the key quests you'll encounter early on is "Before the Fall." This quest requires you to complete the Kuji-kiri ritual to help Naoe heal her non-physical wounds by reliving her past memories at four specific locations. Here's a detailed guide on how to accomplish this task.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Kuji-kiri Locations

Kuji-kiri #1

The first location is within the Hideout area, on the east side of the map near a pond. This serene spot marks the beginning of Naoe’s reflective journey.

Kuji-kiri #2

The second spot is south of the Hideout, positioned east of Tennoji Pagoda and north of Makinoodera Lookout and Makinooedera Temple. This location provides a deeper insight into Naoe's past.

Kuji-kiri #3

For the third memory, head to Rolling Glen, located along the road slightly northeast of Tennoji Pagoda in Osaka. This setting offers a crucial piece of Naoe's story.

Kuji-kiri #4

The final memory is found far west of the Izumi Settsu region. From Amagasaki Tenshu, travel west until you reach just southeast of Nakayama Peak. This last location completes Naoe's healing journey.

How to Complete Kuji-kiri

At each of these locations, you will engage in a short mini-game that involves pressing four buttons in a specific rhythm. Initially, the button prompts will be visible on the screen, but they will fade away, requiring you to master the rhythm. Successfully completing this mini-game at each spot will trigger one of Naoe’s memories, leading to a short, playable section that delves into her past.

Each completed memory rewards you with a Knowledge Point, which is essential for Naoe's development throughout the game.

By following this guide, you'll be able to complete the Kuji-kiri ritual for the "Before the Fall" quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, furthering Naoe's personal journey and enriching your understanding of the game's narrative. For more tips and information on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, be sure to visit The Escapist.