Completing contracts and side quests in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an essential aspect of gameplay that allows players to enhance their experience, gather resources, earn Mon (the in-game currency), and delve deeper into the rich lore of the game. Here’s a structured approach to effectively engaging in both activities:

Contracts

Accessing Contracts
1. Reach the Hideout: The first step is to gain access to the Hideout, which acts as your central hub where several activities, including the management of contracts, take place.

2. Build the Kakurega: Construct the Kakurega, an essential addition to your Hideout that opens up access to contracts. This upgrade is crucial for unlocking various contract options.

3. Browse Contracts: Once the Kakurega is built, interact with the small set of drawers inside to access the contracts menu. This menu provides information on available contracts, including their objectives, the rewards upon completion, and the level requirements necessary to undertake them.

Completing Contracts
1. Select a Contract: Look through the list of contracts and select one based on its objectives and your character’s current level. It’s ideal to choose contracts that match your skills for better success.

2. Track the Contract: After selecting a contract, accept it and use the tracking feature to mark it on your map. This will display a blue sword icon that guides you to your contract’s location.

3. Complete the Objectives: Navigate to the designated area on the map and fulfill the contract’s requirements. These may vary from assassinating specific targets to stealing vital supplies.

4. Receive Rewards: Upon successfully completing the contract, rewards such as resources and Mon will be granted automatically, contributing to your overall progression in the game.

Refreshing Contracts
Contracts refresh with each seasonal change in the game. If you’ve exhausted your current contracts and are eager for new challenges, you can manually change the season to refresh the available options.

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Side Quests

Accessing Side Quests
1. Exploration: Side quests typically begin by interacting with various NPCs or overhearing rumors in your surroundings. Engaging with townsfolk or vendors can often lead to potential side quests.

2. Quest Log: Keep track of your accepted side quests using the Quest Log, which organizes your current objectives and progress.

Completing Side Quests
1. Follow Quest Markers: Note that side quests may not always display directly on your map. You’ll need to rely on environmental cues and clues given in dialogues to navigate.

2. Complete Objectives: Engage with the storyline of the quest and fulfill its objectives, which might include tasks ranging from simple item retrieval to taking down key enemies.

3. Explore for Clues: Many side quests incorporate an investigative element, requiring you to gather clues from dialogues, notes, and the environment to proceed.

Beneficial Early Side Quests
– Way of the Blacksmith: Provides access to valuable crafting materials and rewards essential for equipment upgrades.
– Kuji-kiri Spots: Dive into intriguing story elements related to Naoe’s background while also earning Knowledge Points.
– The Kabukimono: Engage in hunting dangerous bandits to acquire unique loot that can bolster your character’s capabilities.
– Yokai Quests: Investigate mysterious sightings that offer deep narrative value and immersive gameplay, enriching the overall experience.

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Both contracts and side quests are not only vital for resource acquisition but also serve to enrich the overall narrative of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, making them indispensable for players seeking a comprehensive understanding of the game’s world and its characters. By strategically engaging with these elements, players can enhance their gameplay experience significantly.