Thrown to the Dogs is one of the side quests in Assassin’s Creed Shadows that’s easy to miss but worth your time. Exclusive to pre-order players, this short mission has you playing as Naoe in the Izumi Settsu region, where you’ll come across a lonely abandoned stray dog near Osaka. What starts as a simple animal encounter turns into a small mystery involving a lost key, a hidden inheritance, or a new furry friend to join your party. Our AC Shadows walkthrough explains in detail how to complete the Thrown to the Dogs quest.
How to Start the Thrown to the Dogs Quest
You can pick up the Thrown to the Dogs quest very early in Assassin’s Creed Shadows after you’ve unlocked your Hideout by completing the From Spark to Flame main quest. Once that’s done, open your map and move northwest of the Tennoji Temple, near Osaka, in the Izumi Settsu region.
Look for a hill with purple flower petals on the ground. Move towards the left through the bushes and climb the hill where you’ll find a scruffy dog by a grave. Walk up and pet the dog; it triggers a cutscene and starts the quest. This dog’s name is Tsuki-Maru, and you’ll learn in the cutscene that his owner is Ichiro, who recently passed. Tsuki-Maru wants to show you something, so follow him west down the path.
Partway through your stroll, you’ll run into a Samurai Duelist and his two goons. They’re hunting Ichiro’s dog and want a key they believe he has – that’s your cue to kick their butts. Don’t rush into the fight if other roaming enemies are nearby (especially mounted ones). If they get involved, it’s chaos. Either wait them out or reload a checkpoint before engaging. Deal with the trio opponents and continue tailing the dog.
Kill or Spare Takako
The dog leads you to a small settlement where you’ll meet Takako, Ichiro’s sister-in-law. She has her opinions about Ichiro and isn’t here for the dog’s well-being. She wants the estate’s inheritance key too, and knows it is hidden and that the key is possibly with the mutt. You have a couple of choices to deal with her:
- Spare Takako – Threaten her, make her leave.
- Kill Takako – Choose dialogue option, “You will pay for hurting this dog,” and exact justice for her harsh treatment of the dog.
The choice doesn’t change the outcome of the quest. Whether she walks or gets the blade, you’ll still need to search for the key yourself.
Where to Find Ichiro’s Key
The key’s location is randomized between three possible spots around the homestead. Use your Observe Mode (hold L2/LT or Right-Click depending on console and PC) to highlight interactable areas with blue markers.
Here are the three places to check:
- Behind the Shed (Northwest corner): Cut through some bamboo to reach it.
- Under the East Building: Look for a crawl space hidden behind bushes; there is a small hole covered by foliage. Go prone and slip under to find the key inside. So far, this is the most common spawn in many playthroughs.
- Inside the Western House: Head in and look near the doors. The key is tucked under a hat in the corner.
Return to the Gravesite
Once you’ve got the key, the dog runs back to Ichiro’s grave on its own. Head back to the spot where this all began — the grave by Tennoji Temple. You’ll now be able to unlock the box next to it. Inside is a heartfelt letter from Ichiro, some minerals, and that’s the end of the quest.
These are the rewards for completing Thrown to the Dogs in Assassin’s Creed Shadows:
- Tsuki-Maru joins your Hideout as a pet
- Ichiro’s Letter
- 60 Minerals
- 1000 XP Boost
Back at your hideout, head to the Hiroma room and open the Build menu. Scroll over to the “Dogs (and Cats)” tab, and you’ll see Tsuki-Maru ready to be placed. Remember, though — pets are mostly aesthetic. Tsuki-Maru won’t guard your HQ or follow you around on missions, but it’s always nice to have a pet giving company to you.
