How To Complete the Pond of The Heron (Kuji-kiri) in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Travel to Obama in Wakasa to complete the Pond of The Heron Kuji-kiri meditation in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Pond of The Heron is a serene Kuji-kiri spot for Naoe to settle into a meditative state in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The Kuji-kiri ritual affords her some respite from assassin work and is an integral part of progressing her story. The Pond of The Heron Kuji-kiri site is situated in an isolated area on the map’s northwestern shore. Since it isn’t directly linked to any quests or other side activities, players have to make a dedicated effort to locate it.

Pond of The Heron Kuji-kiri Location in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

The Pond of The Heron Kuji-kiri site is located near the city of Obama in Wakasa. It lies northwest of Nagahide’s Teahouse and directly west of Samurai Daisho – Nochiseyama Castle. The closest fast travel point to the location is the Obama District Kakurega. After fast-traveling to the site, cross the bridge and continue heading southwest. You will soon find the Kuji-kiri site upon reaching the shore. Use the Observation skill to pinpoint the exact spot and begin the activity. 

How to Complete Pond of The Heron Kuji-kiri

Once Naoe arrives at the designated spot near the water, you can begin the Kuji-kiri ritual by pressing the interact button. As the ritual begins, four circles—top, bottom, left, and right—will begin to glow in a rhythmic pattern. When they do, press the button displayed within the pulsing circle. Each glow is preceded by a white ring closing in around it. 

As the sequence unfolds, these circles will glow in a specific order, signaling when to press the corresponding button. The white ring’s contraction around the glowing circle indicates the precise moment to input the command. For the Pond of The Heron Kuji-kiri, the circles follow this pattern:

• Top > Right > Bottom > Left

When you make correct inputs for a few cycles, the button prompts will gradually fade, forcing you to rely on memorized timing and rhythm. The pace of the sequence will also accelerate. If you find the activity difficult, you can enable automatic quick-time events for a smoother experience:

• Options > Gameplay > Quick Time Events > Auto

Pond of The Heron Kuji-kiri Rewards

Completing the Pond of The Heron Kuji-kiri ritual successfully will grant Naoe 500 XP and one Knowledge Point. Kuji-kiri activities always award a singular Knowledge point on completion, but the XP varies between 500 and 550. Completing all Kuji-kiri challenges will earn you the Zen Master achievement. 

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