In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the quest to uncover the secrets of the Butterfly Collector is a gripping journey that starts in the heart of Osaka, within the central part of Izumi Settsu. As you wander through the city, you'll encounter a woman engaged in a seemingly innocuous game of hunting origami butterflies. These large paper butterflies, pinned to tree trunks and surrounded by fluttering real butterflies, are your first clue to a much darker plot.
As you gather these butterflies, you'll begin to discover hidden, nefarious notes revealing the true nature of the Butterfly Collector. This secret group, composed entirely of women, is involved in the sinister act of kidnapping children from affluent families to gain power and influence. Your mission becomes clear: stop these heinous acts by hunting down the members of this faction, which consists of five key individuals.
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To track down the members of the Butterfly Collector, you'll need to follow geographical clues scattered throughout the game. Here's where you can find each member:
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Shucho's carelessness leads you to her. She has lost a kidnapped child in the Fishermen’s District at the southeastern tip of Osaka. You'll find her dressed in green, frantically searching at an intersection. Dispatch her using Naoe’s blade or Yasuke’s weapons, and then rescue the child hiding behind nearby horses.
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From Shucho's location, head northwest across the bridge to the Kojo ruins. Mucho has been posing as a family servant to get close to her victims. You'll find her struggling with her current mark on the road just south of the ruins. Use the child's resistance as your opportunity to approach, and when Mucho attacks, eliminate her. Then, escort the child back to her mother before moving on.
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Richo, a young woman who pretends to be of higher social standing, can be found at the northern end of Osaka, specifically in Noda Village across the water. Rumors of a suspicious woman frequenting a bamboo grove lead you to her. Enter the grove and locate Richo, dressed in pink. Neutralize her either stealthily or through combat, and save the child she has kidnapped.
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After dealing with the previous three members, you'll face Kacho, the leader of the Butterfly Collector. She's located just north of the Nishinomaru Garden, west of Osaka Castle, in a restricted zone. Approach cautiously, and when you see many butterflies, you know you're close. Engage her in conversation, then prepare for a deadly confrontation. Kacho will fight to the death, leaving one last member to address.
Finally, return to the Gamemaker, the woman who initiated the origami butterfly hunt. As a former victim, she created this game hoping someone would unravel the mystery and save others. You face a moral decision: punish her for her involvement or allow her a chance at redemption. Choosing the latter will let her adopt a new identity and start anew.
Regardless of your choice, eliminating the Butterfly Collector faction earns you 5,500 XP, propelling you toward the next level. This guide provides the best way to find and confront the Butterfly Collector and its members in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more assistance with the game, be sure to explore resources on The Escapist.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.