In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the exclusive pre-order side quest “Thrown to the Dogs” invites players to embark on a heartfelt mission in the Izumi Settsu region, where you’ll encounter a wounded stray dog at Tennoji Temple that leads you into a web of samurai intrigue and hidden secrets. Follow the dog through perilous encounters, uncover a crucial key, and uncover the story behind Ichiro’s loyal companion in this unique quest that rewards you with more than just victory-it’s a tale of loyalty, danger, and unexpected allies.
Our Assassin’s Creed Shadows guide will tell you how to start “Thrown to the Dogs,” where to find the dog, and where to find the key to complete the quest.
Where to find the dog in ’Thrown to the Dogs’
The dog in the “Thrown to the Dogs” quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows can be found at Tennoji Temple, located on a hill in the northwestern corner of the Izumi Settsu region near Osaka. The area is marked by purple petals on the ground, and the dog is near the burial site of its owner, Ichiro. To start the quest, pet the dog at this location, after which it will lead you to the next objectives. The exact spot is northwest of Tennoji Temple, accessible via a narrow path through the cemetery and up a small hill.
The “Thrown to the Dogs” quest will be on the People of Settsu board of your Objectives menu after you reach the Hideout in the main story. The start point for the quest will already be on your map. Look for it northeast of Osaka and northwest of Tennoji Temple, home to three Lost Pages.
When you arrive at the location, the marker will disappear and you’ll have a fuzzy area to explore. Start on the Tennoji Temple area on the east side of the blur. There’s a narrow path leading out of a cemetery and up a small hill. Follow that path through the trees.
At the top, you’ll meet a stray dog who has had a rough go of it. Pet him and learn that he belonged to a man named Ichiro.
After you pet him, you’ll follow the dog for a ways down the road. Along the way, you’ll have to deal with a few samurai.
Eventually, he’ll lead you to an estate. There, you’ll meet Ichiro’s sister, Takako, who will explain that her brother hid their inheritance and the key somewhere. However you deal with Takako, your next objective is to find the key and claim the inheritance.
Where to find Ichiro’s key in ’Thrown to the Dogs’
After dealing with Takako and her group during the ‘Thrown to the Dogs’ quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you’ll need to find Ichiro’s key, which is hidden somewhere around Takako’s homestead. The key can spawn in one of three possible locations: behind the shed in the northwest corner (cut down any bamboo blocking the way), under the eastern building’s crawl space, or inside the western house under a hat on the floor; check each spot thoroughly, as only one will contain the key per playthrough. Once you have the key, follow Tsuki-Maru back to the grave at Tennoji Temple to unlock the box and complete the quest.
Observe your environment (holding down L2/LT on a default scheme) to look around and you’ll highlight three locations with blue dots. The one you’re after is to the right (northeast) of where you talked to Takako.
Loop around to the back of the building to find a gap where you can crawl under the floor. Crawl along until you can pick up Ichiro’s key.
When you crawl back out, the dog will be gone. Naoe will say he probably went back to the gravesite. Luckily, your map will have a waypoint for you this time.
Back at the grave, open the box the Tsuki-maru dug up to claim the inheritance: Ichiro’s Letter, 60 minerals for your Hideout, and a Tsuki-maru pet.
How to invite Tsuki-maru to your Hideout
To invite Tsuki-maru to your Hideout in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, first complete the “Thrown to the Dogs” side quest by finding and protecting the dog, acquiring the key to Ichiro’s inheritance, and unlocking the box at the gravesite. After the quest completion cutscene, Tsuki-maru becomes available to place in your Hideout. To add him, go to the Hideout, access the build menu from the table in the Hiroma room, and navigate to the Dogs section. There, you can select Tsuki-maru and place him anywhere with grass in your Hideout. This also contributes to the “Everybody Benefits” trophy for adding animals to your base.
Naoe’s comment that Tsuki-maru would make a great guard dog is more than an empty promise. Head back to the Hideout and go to the table in the Hiroma room to improve Hideout.
Open the Build menu and tab over to Dogs (and Cats) on the right. From there, you can place Tsuki-maru in your Hideout along with any other dogs and cats you’ve met.
What secrets does the ‘Thrown to the Dogs’ quest reveal about Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The “Thrown to the Dogs” quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows reveals several narrative and thematic secrets about the game:
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Hidden Inheritance and Family Betrayal: The quest uncovers a backstory involving Ichiro, who, before his death, hid his inheritance and entrusted his loyal dog, Tsuki-Maru, with the key to its location. This inheritance is at the heart of a family conflict, as Ichiro’s sister-in-law, Takako, is revealed to have taken over his estate, possibly through betrayal and violence.
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Moral Choices and Consequences: Players are faced with a significant choice regarding Takako-whether to fight or spare her after learning about her actions. This decision underlines the game’s emphasis on player agency and the moral ambiguity present in feudal Japan.
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Themes of Loyalty and Companionship: The quest highlights the deep bond between Ichiro and his dog, with Tsuki-Maru remaining loyal even after Ichiro’s death. The dog ultimately becomes a companion at the player’s hideout, symbolizing themes of trust and friendship in a world marked by treachery and loss.
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Secret Locations and Exploration: The quest involves discovering a hidden crawlspace beneath a building to retrieve Ichiro’s key, encouraging exploration and attention to environmental details.
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Personal Stories Amidst Larger Conflicts: Through the story of Ichiro, Takako, and Tsuki-Maru, the quest provides insight into the personal lives affected by the broader turmoil of the era, adding depth to the setting and the motivations of its characters.
In summary, “Thrown to the Dogs” reveals Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ focus on personal stories, moral choices, and the enduring power of loyalty, all set against a backdrop of betrayal and hidden secrets.
What does the quest reveal about Ichiro’s hidden inheritance and its significance
The “Thrown to the Dogs” quest reveals that Ichiro’s hidden inheritance is not just a cache of valuables but a symbol of trust, betrayal, and loyalty within his fractured family. Ichiro, anticipating treachery from his sister-in-law Takako, hid both his inheritance and the key, entrusting the latter to his loyal dog, Tsuki-Maru. Takako’s resentment and actions-having her guards forcibly take the key from the dog and ultimately claiming Ichiro’s estate-underscore the depth of the family conflict and her willingness to use violence to secure her claim.
When players recover the key and open the inheritance at Ichiro’s grave, they discover a heartfelt letter from Ichiro. In it, he expresses regret over Takako’s betrayal and entrusts Tsuki-Maru’s care to whoever finds the inheritance, highlighting the dog’s role as both guardian and companion. The inheritance itself serves as a narrative device, revealing Ichiro’s awareness of the dangers around him and his reliance on loyalty-both human and animal-over blood ties.
Ultimately, the quest’s significance lies in its exploration of trust, the consequences of betrayal, and the enduring bond between Ichiro and Tsuki-Maru, who becomes a companion for the player, symbolizing that true loyalty is the greatest treasure.
