Thrown to the Dogs is an early, pre-order exclusive side quest from the People of Settsuin board in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, available in the Izumi Settsu region. The quest begins with an abandoned dog at a grave near Osaka and leads you to his master’s hidden belongings. This guide explains how to start Thrown to the Dogs, where to find the dog to pet, and how to get the key needed to claim the reward and complete the quest.
How to Start the Thrown to the Dogs Quest
You can trigger the Thrown to the Dogs quest very early in Assassin’s Creed Shadows after you’ve unlocked your Hideout by completing the From Spark to Flame main quest. Once that’s done, go to the northwest of the Tennoji Temple and northeast of Osaka, in Izumi Settsu, as shown in the above map.
Find and Follow the Dog
You will come across a hill with purple flowers on the ground. Move left through the bushes and climb the hill to find a scruffy dog by a grave. Pet the dog to trigger a cutscene and start the Thrown to the Dogs quest. This dog’s name is Tsuki-Maru, and you’ll learn that his owner is Ichiro. Tsuki-Maru wants to show you something, so follow him west down the path.
On the way, you’ll run into a Samurai Duelist and his two goons. They’re hunting Ichiro’s dog and want a key they believe he has – kick their butts to move forward. Don’t rush into the fight if other roaming enemies are nearby (especially mounted ones). If they get involved, it will turn into a tough battle. Either wait them out or reload a checkpoint before you engage. Deal with the trio of opponents and continue tailing the dog.
Kill or Spare Takako Choice
The dog leads you to a small settlement where you’ll meet Takako, Ichiro’s sister-in-law. She has her opinions about Ichiro and isn’t here for the dog’s well-being. She wants the estate’s inheritance key too, and knows it is hidden and that the key is possibly with the mutt. You will get a choice here on how to deal with her:
- Spare Takako – If you pick, “Touch this dog, and deal with me,” Takako will run away with her guards, and the quest will progress as usual.
- Kill Takako – If you choose the dialogue option, “You will pay for hurting this dog,” Takako and her two bodyguards will fight, and you’ll have to defeat all three of them.
The choice won’t change the quest outcome. Either she walks away or tastes the blade; you’ll be free to search for the key and obtain it.
Ichiro’s Key Location
There’s no fixed spawn for Ichiro’s Key, and it can be found in one of the three possible locations in the homestead. Use your Observe Mode (hold L2/LT or Right-Click on console or PC) to highlight interactable areas with blue markers.
These are the three places to check for the key:
- Behind the small shed towards the northwest corner. Cut through some bamboo to reach it.
- Under the eastern side building, look for a crawl space behind bushes; there is a small hole covered by foliage. Go prone and slip under to find Ichiro’s Key inside. So far, this is the most common spawn in many playthroughs.
- Inside the western house, enter the building and look near the doors. The key can be found under a hat in the corner.
Examine the Gravesite
Once you have the key in hand, the dog will return to Ichiro’s grave. Head to the gravesite following the waypoint. Using the key, unlock the box next to it. These are the rewards you’ll receive from inheritance and completing Thrown to the Dogs:
- Tsuki-Maru joins your Hideout as a pet
- Ichiro’s Letter
- Minerals x60
- XP Boost x1000
Back at the hideout, go to the Hiroma room and open the Build menu. Scroll over to the “Dogs (and Cats)” tab, and you’ll see Tsuki-Maru available to place in your Hideout.
