With the arrival of Title Update 1.0.4, Assassin’s Creed Shadows players now have access to a much-requested feature—Codex Character Bios. Inspired by classic AC games like Origins and Valhalla, this addition gives fans a deeper look into the people, politics, and history woven throughout feudal Japan. Whether you're chasing story threads or just love the lore, here’s everything you need to know about how to unlock and explore the new bios.
Why Codex Bios Matter
Ubisoft rolled out this feature in direct response to fan feedback. Players wanted more context behind the characters they were interacting with—especially with a story rooted in historical Japan. These bios don’t just offer names and titles—they tell you where characters came from, who they’re connected to, and what motivates them. It’s the perfect companion for anyone invested in the narrative.
How to Access Character Bios
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From the Pause Menu: Open the new Codex or Character tab.
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Auto-Unlocked Entries: Character bios are added as you progress through the main story, side quests, and major encounters.
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Quest or Encounter Unlocks: Certain bios only appear after cutscenes, dialogues, or defeating a specific enemy.
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Map & Journal Integration: You’ll also see bios flagged with a scroll icon when viewing quests or regional maps.
Characters Featured in the Codex
The Codex includes a mix of main characters, historical figures, and supporting NPCs. Here’s a breakdown of who you can expect:
Main Protagonists
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Naoe: Learn about her upbringing in the Iga clan, her father’s teachings, and why she resists Nobunaga’s rise.
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Yasuke: A blend of real-world history and AC storytelling, Yasuke’s bio touches on his past before arriving in Japan and his bond with Nobunaga.
Historical Figures
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Oda Nobunaga: The ambitious daimyo striving to unify Japan. His entry evolves as the game progresses.
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Luis Frois: Introduced in The Works of Luis Frois, his codex entry offers insight into Jesuit missions in Japan.
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Lady Satoko: Fictionalized but grounded in history, her bio reveals the quiet power women held in samurai households.
Villains & Antagonists
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Ronin Leaders & Warlords: As you take down major enemies, their bios unlock, revealing past betrayals, feuds, and motivations.
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Political Operatives: Those working behind the scenes—spymasters, governors, and even monks—are included as well.
Allies & Supporting Cast
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NPCs like Riku the Scout, Sato the Strategist, and others that assist in stealth missions or merchant activities have their own entries too.
Lore Implications & Gameplay Benefits
These bios do more than satisfy lore nerds—they also:
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Add depth to side quests and give context to seemingly random NPCs.
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Let players track character growth and changing allegiances.
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Help clarify historical events referenced in the game.
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Enhance replay value, as some entries only unlock through alternate choices.
Community & Reference Links
Stay in the loop and dive deeper with these resources:
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Final Thoughts
Ubisoft’s addition of the Codex Character Bios in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a small change with big storytelling impact. Whether you’re a long-time AC fan or just getting into the series, it’s a fantastic tool to help you appreciate the people and history behind your missions. Check it out the next time you're in the pause menu—it’s well worth the read.
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