Well, would you look at that! Just when I thought I'd mastered every trick up Naoe's sleeve in Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft goes and drops a pleasant little surprise. With the release of the Claws of Awaji expansion, my favorite shinobi can now wield a Bo staff, and the best part? The very first one is a freebie for everyone, DLC or not. It’s like the game developers decided to throw us a bone, and honestly, I’m not complaining one bit. This long stick isn't just for show; it adds a whole new layer of whack-and-smack to Naoe's stealthy repertoire. So, let me break down exactly how you can get your hands on this introductory weapon and start practicing the way of the Bo.

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The "Go With the Bo" Quest: Your Free Ticket

First things first, you gotta finish the main story. I'm talking about seeing through the personal journeys of both Naoe and Yasuke, and wrapping up all those major Shinbakufu and Templar targets. It's a bit of a grind, but hey, good things come to those who wait, right? Once the credits have rolled and you're back in the open world, keep your eyes peeled on the map. A new quest marker will pop up called "Go With the Bo." This little gem is your golden ticket.

This quest isn't hiding in some far-flung corner of Japan. Nope, it's conveniently located just outside your Hideout, to the southwest. Just head over there and you'll meet a fellow named Junjiro, who's apparently the local Bo staff sensei. He’ll get you started on the basics. The fact that this is free for all players is a really nice touch—it’s Ubisoft’s way of saying, "Here, try this out. You might like it."

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What the Bo Staff Brings to the Table

Now, the staff you get from this quest is the basic model. It's reliable, it gets the job done, and it lets you experience the weapon's core move set. But let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for Naoe. The combat flow feels different—more fluid, with wider swings that are perfect for crowd control. It's a welcome addition to her arsenal alongside her trusty hidden blade and kusarigama.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes the Bo staff special:

  • 🧙‍♀️ Exclusive to Naoe: Sorry, Yasuke fans. The big man doesn't get to play with this new toy. The Bo staff is strictly for Naoe, which makes sense given her agile, ninja-style fighting. Yasuke has to make do with his already impressive, brute-force weaponry.

  • 🆓 Free for All: This can't be stressed enough. You do NOT need to own the Claws of Awaji DLC to get this initial Bo staff and quest. It’s a base-game reward for completing the story.

  • 🎯 A Taste of Things to Come: Think of this free staff as an appetizer. If you enjoy the gameplay, it's a perfect lead-in to considering the full DLC course.

For the DLC Enthusiasts: The Real Bo Staff Bonanza

Okay, so you've tried the free sample and you're hooked. What's next? If you decide to purchase the Claws of Awaji expansion, the world of Bo staffs opens up dramatically. The main adventure takes you to the island of Awaji, and that's where the real treasure trove is.

Over on Awaji, Bo staffs become part of the regular loot you'll find. They'll start dropping from enemies and appearing in chests, just like any other weapon. And let me tell you, the ones you find there are a whole different league. We're talking about staffs with unique perks, better stats, and seriously cool designs. The absolute best of the bunch are often tucked away in the most dangerous places—think heavily fortified castles and other high-level Points of Interest on the island. It’s a loot hunter's paradise.

Once you make significant progress in the DLC's story, these fancy Bo staffs will even start appearing back on the mainland. But Awaji Island remains the prime hunting ground. It’s like the staff's spiritual home.

My Final Two Ryo on the Matter

Ubisoft's decision to give all players a free Bo staff is a smart move. It's a low-risk way for players to engage with new content and potentially get invested in the expansion. For me, it added a fresh breath of air to my post-game activities with Naoe. The quest itself is straightforward, and the reward is immediately useful. It makes you wonder what other surprises they might have in store...

So, if you've finished the tale of Naoe and Yasuke, don't just hang up your hood. Seek out Junjiro and "Go With the Bo." You might just find your new favorite way to silently... or not so silently... dispatch your foes.

The following breakdown is based on TrueAchievements, a leading source for Xbox achievement tracking and player insights. TrueAchievements frequently highlights how new weapon additions, like the Bo staff in Assassin's Creed Shadows, can impact achievement strategies and completion rates, especially when tied to post-game quests and DLC expansions.