All Kuji-Kiri Locations for the Before the Fall Quest in AC Shadows (2026 Guide)

Hey there, fellow shadow walkers! It’s 2026, and even after all the updates and expansions Assassin’s Creed Shadows has received, one of the most atmospheric early-game activities remains the Before the Fall quest. Right after Naoe survives that brutal ambush by the Onryo and catches her breath at Sorin’s temple, the game nudges you toward Tomiko. But if you’re anything like me, you want to soak up every drop of lore before pushing the main story forward. That’s where the four hidden Kuji-Kiri meditation spots come in—they throw you straight into Naoe’s memories and fill in the gaps leading up to the game’s dramatic opening. Let’s dive into all four locations, how to reach them, and what powerful flashbacks they unlock.

🏯 First Kuji-Kiri – Eboshigata Hachiman Shrine (Shinobi Warfare)

As soon as you step out of Makinoodera Temple and start heading downhill, keep your eyes peeled to the left. You’ll spot Eboshigata Hachiman Shrine nestled among the trees—it’s almost impossible to miss. Walk through the shrine grounds and you’ll find a secluded Kuji-Kiri spot at the far end. Meditating here kicks off the memory Shinobi Warfare, where Naoe relives the moment Iga warriors ambushed Oda Nobunaga’s convoy and forced him into retreat. This memory isn’t just a cutscene; it drops you into one of Naoe’s first real duels against a formidable samurai, giving you a taste of the combat mechanics early on. Pro tip: the fight is a great warm-up for parrying and dodging, so don’t rush through it!

⛰️ Second Kuji-Kiri – Kawachi Heights (Meditation Lesson)

This one is tucked away northeast of the Kawachi Lost Pagoda, deep in the hills of the Izumi Settsu region. If you’re scouring the map, look for an undiscovered location marker in the Kawachi Heights area—it’s intentionally hidden, so you might need to climb a few rocky paths. Once you find the meditation spot, Naoe reflects on a tender memory: her father, Nagato, first teaching her the art of meditation. But the memory doesn’t stop there. It seamlessly transitions into a side task where Naoe helps Lady Matsu recover stolen family scrolls—scrolls that Lady Matsu claims hold “valuable lessons.” Completing this Kuji-Kiri not only adds depth to Naoe’s backstory, but also gives you a second, more stealth-focused gameplay segment inside the memory.

🌳 Third Kuji-Kiri – Katano Foothills (A True Iga)

Head to the Katano Foothills area, still in Izumi Settsu, and look for the picturesque Rolling Glen. The meditation spot here is right out in the open, almost as if the game wants you to stumble upon it while exploring. Interacting with it starts the memory A True Iga, where Momochi Sandayu—Naoe’s mentor figure—sends her on a reconnaissance mission to check on a watchtower that’s gone silent. The memory is a masterclass in climbing and eavesdropping, and it perfectly sets up the tension between the Iga shinobi and the forces that will soon shatter their world. It’s also one of my favorite moments because you really feel Naoe’s nervousness and determination.

🏞️ Fourth Kuji-Kiri – Hideout Waterfall (The Prologue)

This final meditation spot is inside your very own Hideout in the Lost Hills area. Once you gain access to the hideout, simply walk toward the waterfall—you’ll see the Kuji-Kiri prompt appear near the rocks. Meditating here lets Naoe piece together the fragmented events that directly lead to the opening of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. It’s the perfect narrative bookend before you commit to the main storyline, and it adds an emotional weight to everything that follows. If you’re a completionist like me, you’ll want to hit this one as soon as the hideout becomes available.

💎 Why These Memories Matter in 2026

Even though the game has been out for a while and there’s a ton of post-launch content (including the Tales of Iga DLC that dropped last year), the four Before the Fall Kuji-Kiri remain essential for understanding Naoe’s psyche. They’re not just side activities—they’re the narrative backbone of Act 1. Plus, each memory rewards you with a solid chunk of XP and Mastery Points, so you’ll start your journey with a few extra skill unlocks.

Here’s a quick summary to keep you on track:

If you’re starting a fresh playthrough in 2026—maybe after the big performance patch that finally added 120 FPS support on console—I highly recommend deviating from the main path just long enough to meditate at all four spots. The flashbacks are beautifully acted, and they make Naoe’s story hit so much harder when the real tragedy unfolds.

Happy meditating, and may your hidden blade always find its mark. 🗡️