Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Quick Wanted Status Fix

After hours prowling feudal Japan in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, one slip—neglecting to sabotage alarms—had me branded with the dreaded wanted status. Suddenly, every ronin and guard in the area was after my head, and peaceful wandering became impossible. If one misstep has left Naoe or Yasuke barred from towns, this guide is for you. I’ll share the exact steps I used to understand, prevent, and most importantly, remove that wanted status.

What Is Wanted Status and Why It’s a Pain

The wanted status—sometimes called a regional alert—kicks in when you trip alarms in a guarded zone. Here’s what you need to know:

• Region-specific: You’re only hunted in the exact area where you caused trouble.
• Character-bound: If Naoe sets off alarms, only he gets the bounty there. Swap to Yasuke, and that region is clear for him.
• Persistent until cleared: It won’t auto-reset by hiding—you must actively remove it.
• Hostile NPCs: Guards, ronin, and others will attack on sight. Shops shut tight, and sneaking is a nightmare.

Whether you favor stealth or head-on combat, clearing this status quickly is crucial to keep your adventure flowing.

Prerequisites for Clearing Wanted Status

• At least 2 Scouts (Éclaireurs): These consumables are required to deactivate a regional alert.
• A safe zone: You must be outside any active conflict or hostile territory.
• Access to a Kakurega (Hideout): To restock Scouts if you run dry.
• Some spare Mon: In-game currency to purchase Scouts at a hideout.

Pro tip: Frequent alarms mean you should always carry extra Scouts—running out mid-clearing is a rookie mistake.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Wanted Status

1. Exit the Conflict Zone
   As soon as you see the alert, leave the red-highlighted area. Distance is your friend—don’t stick around to fight off every guard.
2. Open the Regional Map
   On PC, hit M; on consoles, press your map button. Spot the wanted icon or red alert in the affected region.
3. Select “Deactivate Regional Alert”
   In the map menu, choose the deactivation option. The prompt (like Hold Y on Xbox or Hold Triangle on PlayStation) will appear.
4. Use 2 Scouts to Clear It
   Hold the button until the progress bar fills. You need at least two Scouts; otherwise, the action is blocked.
5. Watch for Confirmation
   A message will confirm the alert is lifted, and the red icon disappears. Towns and patrol routes return to normal.

If You’re Out of Scouts

• Visit a Kakurega: Head to the nearest hideout merchant and purchase Scouts.
• Recruit on the Road: Look for NPCs with an exclamation mark—help them out to earn free Scouts.
• Switch Characters: If only one hero is wanted, swap to the other and tackle side activities until you can restock.

Warning: You can’t clear the alert from inside forts or active battle zones. Move to neutral ground first.

Playstyle Variations: Stealth vs. Aggression

• Brutal approach: Yasuke fans will often trigger alerts. Keep your Scout count high and clear after each big skirmish.
• Stealth path: With Naoe, alarms usually stem from one misfire. Always disable bells before slipping inside.

In both cases, overstocking Scouts is the best fail-safe against unexpected alerts.

Common Pitfalls & Troubleshooting

• Can’t deactivate? You’re still in conflict: Exit all red zones first.
• No option visible? Make sure you’re viewing the correct region where the alert originated.
• Low on funds? Random encounters often reward Scouts without spending Mon.
• Alert stays after character swap? Each hero’s status is tracked independently.
• Left the region while wanted? Return to clear the alert if you need to revisit settlements.

The alert won’t vanish on its own—clear it ASAP.

Pro Tips to Never Get Wanted

• Always sabotage alarms: Use Hold Y/Triangle on alarm bells before sneaking in.
• Survey with your companion: Send out your hawk or cat to tag alarms and patrols before moving.
• Restock at every hideout: Make it a habit to top off Scouts whenever you dock at a Kakurega.
• Adjust to each character: Yasuke’s brawling draws more attention—be ready to clear alerts often.
• Check the map: Before re-entering towns, confirm the wanted icon is gone.

TL;DR: Quick Wanted Status Removal

• Escape conflict zones with the wanted character.
• Open the map and find the alert icon.
• Hold the prompt to deactivate (requires 2+ Scouts).
• If you lack Scouts, visit a hideout or complete road encounters.
• Look for the confirmation message—then you’re free to roam.

Arming yourself with Scouts and clearing alerts swiftly lets you savor Assassin’s Creed Shadows without every guard on your tail. Happy exploring!