How to Defeat The Ox in Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Complete Boss Guide

How To Defeat The Ox in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Strategy, Weapons & Rewards

Facing the Ox? Here's the complete strategy guide to beat Bessho Harumasa and claim one of the game's best early boss rewards.

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, one of the first major boss encounters comes in the form of Bessho Harumasa, known as The Ox—a brutal warlord with a devastating kanabo and a dangerously loyal following. The boss battle unfolds in the main mission Broken Horn, and it’s not just a test of strength—it’s a test of planning, patience, and split-second decision-making.

Here’s everything you need to know to defeat The Ox, including how to prepare, which character to choose, and what to expect during the fight.

⚔️ Preparing for the Battle

Before diving into the mission, swap out your naginata for a katana. Speed and flexibility are essential—especially when fighting as Yasuke, whose heavier weapons are slower and harder to cancel mid-combo.

Also, stock up on healing items and make sure your armor is upgraded. This mission features two consecutive boss fights, both of which are punishing if you let your guard down.

🧭 Mission Overview: “Broken Horn”

The quest kicks off with a conversation with Nakamura Tadashige. Despite the dialogue wheel giving multiple options, your choices here don’t impact the outcome. Choose to begin with Naoe’s path—her stealth-focused approach makes the first half of the mission manageable and clean.

🥷 Naoe’s Stealth Section – Step-by-Step

1. Start by assassinating the two soldiers directly ahead after gaining control.

2. Climb the central structure to the highest point. Use Eagle Vision to mark all nearby enemies.

3. Begin your takedown from the sniper farthest back near the bridge, then move clockwise around the courtyard.

4. Ignore the melee guards by the wheelbarrow—they pose minimal threat.

5. Save the tower sniper for last, then regroup with Yasuke near the bridge.

You’ll soon be introduced to the Ox’s right-hand enforcer: The Tsuno (a name that translates to "horn"—a clever nod to his master).

⚔️ Boss Fight 1: The Tsuno

Once Yasuke takes over, you’ll face The Tsuno and his support guards.

Strategy:

• Eliminate his allies first to avoid being overwhelmed.

• Tsuno's poison weapon and parry counter can be lethal. Limit attacks to 2–3-hit combos and dodge often.

• Don’t get greedy. Stay patient, control the field, and conserve health.

Defeating Tsuno triggers a story-heavy cutscene that sets the stage for the main boss: The Ox.

🐂 Boss Fight 2: Bessho Harumasa, a.k.a. The Ox

You’ll choose between Naoe and Yasuke for the final encounter. While Naoe can deal heavy damage upfront, her lack of endurance makes Yasuke the smarter long-game pick.

Henchmen First:

• The Ox’s two bodyguards can summon reinforcements if left alive. Prioritize them before engaging the boss.

Ox Combat Breakdown:

• Wields a massive kanabo with unpredictable combos.

• Many attacks have no red-glint warnings, requiring double dodges or preemptive spacing.

• The Ox rarely blocks, so counter-attacks are your key to victory.

• Don’t button mash—timing, dodging, and stamina management are crucial.

This is one of the tougher early boss fights in the game. You’ll need solid reflexes, a leveled-up weapon, and a careful approach to survive.

🎁 Rewards for Defeating The Ox

Once the Ox falls, you’ll unlock:

• Daybreak’s Fury Kanabo – A devastating weapon that causes explosive shrapnel when enemies’ armor breaks.

• +2000 XP – A significant boost early in the game.

• Narrative rewards – Including cutscenes that tease future plot threads and a few final dialogue choices (with limited impact on gameplay).

Unfortunately, the Tsuno’s real name remains a mystery, even in the end—just one of the game’s unresolved story threads.

🧠 Final Tips

• Start the mission with Naoe for a cleaner setup.

• Use Yasuke for the final battle—his durability and power make the fight more manageable.

• Watch out for ambush mechanics—the Ox’s henchmen can quickly shift the tide if not dealt with early.

• Dodge twice if unsure—several of the Ox’s attacks break conventional combat warnings.

The Ox may be a blunt instrument, but defeating him requires finesse. With the right setup and a tactical approach, you’ll cut through this warlord and walk away with one of Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ most satisfying early victories.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more Assassin’s Creed Shadows guides, strategies, and deep dives as we unravel Feudal Japan, one hidden blade at a time.