How to complete A Critical Encounter quest in Assassin's Creed Shadows?

The latest story update of Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a charismatic ally, Rufino, through A Critical Encounter quest. The multi-stage mission expands the League’s fight against Templars.

To unlock the ally, the players must navigate sabotage, infiltration, and decisive eliminations. With success comes more powerful game rewards and some valuable new companions. Here is the complete breakdown of how to tackle the quest in an effective way.

Find Rufino and initiate the mission

Completing Way of the Blacksmith's main quest and having access to Yasuke, head right to the hideout. Near the southeast entrance, look carefully. Ruffino is not immediately obvious.

He remains concealed in the nearby foliage. His position can be revealed by the objective marker hovering above bushes. To interact with him will begin A Critical Encounter quest.

Rufino explains the connection he has with Tomiko, his ally and immediate threat—sensitive Templar research or the Templar-linked group that operates near Osaka. He then tasks Yasuke and Naoe with the destruction. The initial phase sets a complete stage for a larger confrontation.

While the quest is playable with either of the protagonists, Naoe's stealth skills remain advantageous.Note: The choice of your dialogue options will not impact the story. Ensure to pick the responses freely. As the cutscene would end, the objective would shift to sabotaging enemy research on the ship.

Sabotage Templar ship and the research

Rufino will direct you to the large vessel that’s anchored west of Izumi Settsu region’s Sakai town. Travel east to Osaka synchronization point for better proximity.

Secure the small boat that’s nearby to sail out to the target ship. There, approach the stern for best climbing access to the deck.Use Eagle Vision immediately as you board to identify objectives and guard. There, you will see three distinct research crates that remain marked clearly and need to be destroyed. The first is on deck, the second is inside the cabin, and the third lies upstairs, near a hidden chest that contains Floral Kusarigama of Tangling.

Employ shuriken, kunai, or melee attacks to shatter them. Once you eliminate the third crate, proceed urgently to the bow of the ship.

Rufino faces a dangerous Contractor there.

Handle confrontation, secure Rufino as an ally, and complete the quest

Engage the Contractor who guards Rufino. The mini-boss needs focused combat, exploiting the opening after attacks. Defeating them and the remaining guards will secure Rufino's safety. To speak with him further would conclude a specific sabotage objective, but the mission would broaden significantly.Note: To defeat the contractor will sharpen the combat skills, specifically for the players who favor the brute strength of Yasuke.Rufino will reveal the larger threat—Seta River Killers. There are 8 new Templar targets who will appear on the objective board now. To eliminate them all will become your next task. The hunt forms the questline’s continuation core and demands strategic assassinations across the region.Once you eliminate all the eight Seta River Killers, it will complete A Critical Encounter storyline. Rufino will then formally pledge himself to League. He will become a permanent ally who can be summoned during combat encounters. The unique skillset of his includes the use of a pistol and inflicting bleed damage on foes.To complete the quest chain will even give you some tangible rewards. You can expect a distinctive Critical Role banner to adorn Hideout. Yasuke would gain access to a new potent teppo firearm. All these prizes, together with the Rufino combat capability, would complete the encounter in a highly rewarding way.