In the heart of Assassin’s Creed Shadows lies a feline-filled secret: Okishima, better known as “Cat Island,” awaits intrepid explorers in the middle of Lake Biwa. Venture to this tranquil Omi province sanctuary and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a playful swarm of cats and kittens-some of which can even join you back at your Hideout. Whether you’re seeking a break from stealth or simply want to pet every cat in sight, this hidden island is a must-visit for any would-be shinobi with a soft spot for whiskers.
In this guide, we’ll tell you where to find “Cat Island” in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and which colorful felines you can recruit there to take back to your Hideout.
’Cat Island’ location in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
‘Cat Island’ in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is officially known as Okishima, and it’s located in the Omi province, right in the middle of Lake Biwa-the largest body of water on the eastern side of the game’s map. To reach Okishima, players need to travel to the shores of Lake Biwa, most easily from the city of Otsu, and then take a boat or swim across the water to the island. The island is easily recognizable thanks to its central position in the lake and a synchronization point on its northern edge, which also allows for fast travel once unlocked. Upon arrival, players will find a charming village teeming with cats and kittens, making it a must-visit location for animal lovers and those looking to recruit feline companions for their Hideout.
“Cat Island,” whose official name is Okishima, is located in the Omi province, and is the large island smack in the middle of Lake Biwa, the massive body of water on the east side of the game’s map. Of the few small islands in Lake Biwa, Okishima is the biggest one, and you can mark it by the synchronization point on the north side.
To get to Okishima, we unlocked the Otsu kakurega at the southern end of Lake Biwa, grabbed a boat, and sailed until we reached the island.
Once you make landfall on Okishima, make your way to the little village in the middle of the island. Here you’ll find tons and tons of cats, including entire litters of kittens. There are multiple congregation spots for these cats, so have fun running around and exploring – and make sure to keep that photo mode handy!
Other players have suggested that there is a side quest that will eventually take you to Okishima naturally, but we have yet to run into that one ourselves.
Before you go, be sure to activate the synchronization point on the island so you can quickly fast travel back the next time you need a feline fix.
What cats are on Cat Island in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Cat Island in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, officially known as Okishima, is home to a delightful variety of cats that players can interact with and even recruit for their Hideout. On the island, you’ll encounter several breeds, including the Calico Bobtail, Calico Kitten, and Tabby Bobtail, along with numerous other cats and playful kittens roaming freely around the village and shoreline. Petting these cats not only adds them to your collection but also unlocks them as companions in your Hideout, making Okishima a must-visit location for any cat lover exploring feudal Japan.
If you didn’t know, petting animals out in the wild – or in town – will add them to your little menagerie back in your Hideout. In the Build menu, you can then select the pets section and drop them into the field around your Hideout, which causes them to roam your home.
While there are a ton of cats on the cat island, the diversity of breeds is pretty low. Here are the three types of cats we were able to find on the island and add to our Hideout:
- Calico Bobtail
- Calico Kitten
- Tabby Bobtail
What makes Okishima the ultimate feline hideaway in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
What Makes Okishima the Ultimate Feline Hideaway in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
A True Cat Sanctuary
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Okishima, known as “Cat Island,” is a dedicated feline haven in the heart of Lake Biwa, Omi province, teeming with cats and kittens of various breeds, including Calico Bobtail and Tabby Bobtail.
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The island is visually and atmospherically designed to evoke the real-world “Town of Cats,” with cats roaming freely, napping by the water, and gathering in playful litters throughout the quaint village.
Interactive Pet Features
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Players can interact with the cats by petting them, and both protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, have unique petting animations, adding a personal touch to the experience.
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After befriending the cats, players can recruit them to their Hideout, allowing you to create your own personal cat sanctuary within the game.
Immersive and Wholesome Atmosphere
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Okishima’s peaceful setting, complete with the sounds of purring and playful meows, offers a tranquil break from the main action and stealth gameplay, making it a memorable and heartwarming detour.
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The inclusion of Okishima as a side-mission location and a spot for in-game photography encourages exploration and rewards curiosity with wholesome encounters.
Cultural Authenticity
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The island is based on a real location in Japan, reflecting the country’s famous cat islands and enhancing the game’s immersive recreation of feudal Japan.
Okishima stands out as the ultimate feline hideaway in Assassin’s Creed Shadows due to its abundance of friendly cats, interactive features, serene environment, and authentic cultural inspiration-all making it a must-visit for cat lovers and explorers alike.
Why is Okishima considered the best place to find cats in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Okishima is considered the best place to find cats in Assassin’s Creed Shadows because it is a dedicated island sanctuary teeming with felines, including various breeds and playful kittens, all freely roaming the landscape. Located in the middle of Lake Biwa in the Omi province, Okishima stands out as the largest and most cat-populated island in the game, making it a unique and immersive destination for players seeking feline companionship.
Upon arrival, players can interact with and pet the cats, which allows them to recruit these animals as pets for their Hideout, further enhancing the appeal of Okishima as the ultimate cat-collecting spot. The island’s atmosphere, inspired by real-world Japanese cat islands, offers a tranquil and picturesque environment, perfect for exploration, photography, and enjoying the company of countless cats. While other locations in the game may have groups of cats, Okishima is specifically designed as a feline haven, making it the go-to destination for cat lovers in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
