Looking to ride in style across feudal Japan? Assassin’s Creed Shadows has no shortage of mounts, but if you’re after something truly legendary and completely free, you’ll want to hunt down the hidden legendary Namazu Horse. Located in a secret underwater cavern beneath a quiet island in the Omi region, this mythical mount doesn’t have a mark on the map and won’t easily fall into your lap. So, this guide explains how to find and unlock the Legendary Namazu Horse Mount in AC Shadows, so you can make your travels through Japan more interesting and faster.
What is the Namazu Mount?
The Namazu Mount is inspired by Japanese folklore. Namazu is a mythical catfish that lives under the islands of Japan and is believed to be the cause of the Great Ansei earthquake of 1855 when it thrashes around. The mount itself has scale-like textures, catfish whiskers (barbles), and an otherworldly feel. Functionally, it’s as fast and agile as other horses in the game. But aesthetically, it’s one of the most unique mounts in the franchise series. And best of all, it’s free, hidden behind an underwater puzzle, not a paywall or Deluxe Edition.
Where to Find the Legendary Namazu Horse Mount in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Head to Okishima Island in the Omi region, smack dab in the middle of Lake Biwa. If that name rings a bell, it should—Okishima is one of Japan’s real-life “cat islands,” which makes the Namazu tie-in that much cooler.
To reach the island:
- Option A: Travel by boat from Azuchi (northwest of Kyoto).
- Option B: If you currently have access to the Okishima Kakurega, use fast travel for a direct visit.
There’s usually a boat hanging around the harbor. If not, simply jump in, and a kind fisher will row over eventually.
Once you’ve made it to Okishima, go to the western shore of the island. Look for a bonfire near the coast—some bandits will be hanging around there, so clear them out first. Swim through the water to go towards the cherry blossom tree, and just when you are close to it, dive underwater from the area between the bonfire and the tree along the rocky shore. For a clear spotting of the cave entrance, it’s better to be there during the daytime as it will be difficult to see anything at night.
Once underwater, turn toward the island and swim along the underwater cave. There’s a small, narrow entrance to a hidden underwater tunnel. If you’re struggling to see it, increasing your brightness will be somewhat helpful. Oxygen is tight, so swim as fast as possible. Diving further will take you to a small cavern where you’ll spot a Legendary Chest on the ground.
Instead of rushing to it, first come out of the water to restore your breath. Once oxygen is full, dive again and loot the chest to obtain the Namazu Horse Mount. Once unlocked, open your Inventory menu, go to the Mounts tab, and select Namazu as your active horse to ride it in your next adventure during the quest.
Beyond its design and folklore connection, the Namazu Mount is a nod to the real explorers in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. No in-game quest points you directly to it. It was first discovered by a Reddit user, xXBLOODRUSH22Xx, who noticed a glint underwater during a side mission and decided to investigate. The community swarmed the spot after, and now it’s one of the best Easter eggs in AC Shadows.
