Mastering Sumi-e: The Guide to Painting Legendary Animals in Assassin's Creed Shadows

In Assassin's Creed Shadows, players can engage in the traditional Japanese art of Sumi-e by painting five Legendary Animals scattered throughout the game world. Capturing all five not only enriches your cultural experience but also unlocks the "A Rare Occurrence" achievement and rewards you with unique wall decorations for your hideout. Each Legendary Animal appears under specific seasonal and temporal conditions. This guide provides detailed locations, precise conditions required to find and paint each one, and additional tips to enhance your Sumi-e journey.​

1. Legendary Macaque (Three Wise Monkeys)

• Location: Sarumaru Shrine, east of Little Leaf Glade, Yamashiro region.​

• Season: Any​

• Time of Day: Evening​

The Legendary Macaque, representing the "Three Wise Monkeys," is located at the Sarumaru Shrine, east of Little Leaf Glade in the Yamashiro region. This is the only Legendary Animal that appears during all seasons but exclusively at the evening. To locate them, ascend the shrine's stairs to find the three monkeys positioned before a Buddha statue. Approach stealthily to avoid startling them and initiate the painting process. ​

2. Legendary White Tanuki

• Location: Shigaraki Hamlet, The Shimmering Fields, Omi region.​

• Season: Summer​

• Time of Day: Day​

The Legendary White Tanuki resides in Shigaraki Hamlet, northwest of Iga in the Shimmering Fields region. This elusive creature appears only during the summer season in daylight. To find it, navigate the stairs leading up a small mountain within the hamlet; the Tanuki is often seen resting on the ground. Move quietly to get close enough for painting without causing it to flee.

3. Legendary Grey Heron

• Location: Lake Suigetsu, north of Wakasa, between Obama and Mount Uchinakao.​

• Season: Winter​

• Time of Day: Day​

The Legendary Grey Heron can be spotted at Lake Suigetsu, situated north of Wakasa. This majestic bird appears only during winter and in daylight hours. The snow-covered landscape of Lake Suigetsu during winter provides a picturesque backdrop for painting the Grey Heron. Approach slowly and use cover to avoid detection, ensuring a successful painting session. ​

4. Legendary Silver Fox

• Location: Kamimisu Inari Shrine, Nakahechi Route, Kii region.​

• Season: Autumn​

• Time of Day: Night

The Legendary Silver Fox is located at the Kamimisu Inari Shrine along the Nakahechi Route in the Kii region. This creature makes its appearance only during autumn nights. The shrine's serene environment under the autumn moonlight sets the perfect scene for capturing the essence of the Silver Fox. Be mindful of your noise and movements; use stealth to get within painting range without alerting the fox. ​

5. Legendary Deer (Sakura Shika Deer)

• Location: Yoshino, Yamato region.​

• Season: Spring​

• Time of Day: Night

The Legendary Deer, also known as the Sakura Shika Deer, can be found in the Yoshino area of the Yamato region. This noble animal appears exclusively during spring nights. The tranquil ambience of Yoshino during springtime nights offers an ideal setting for painting the Deer. Approach with caution, using the environment to remain unseen and ensure a successful painting.

Tips for Painting Legendary Animals

• Approach Stealthily: To avoid startling these creatures, approach them quietly. Utilise stealth techniques to get close enough for painting.​

• Check Compass Indicators: When near a Legendary Animal's location during the correct season and time, a paintbrush icon will appear on your compass, signalling their presence.​

• Respawn Strategy: If a Legendary Animal doesn't appear, move approximately 200-300 meters away from the location and then return. This can help in respawning the animal. ​

• Seasonal Planning: Since most Legendary Animals are season-specific, plan your in-game activities to align with the appropriate seasons for each animal.​

• Time Management: Each in-game season lasts approximately three real-time hours. Plan your gameplay sessions accordingly to ensure you're exploring during the correct season and time of day. ​

• Utilise Fast Travel: Fast travelling to the nearest viewpoint or Kakurega can help refresh the spawn of Legendary Animals if they don't appear immediately. ​