Complete guide to completing Dark Waves, Black Ships quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows with expert strategies
Quest Overview and Prerequisites
The Dark Waves, Black Ships quest represents a crucial intelligence-gathering mission during Yasuke’s campaign in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Your primary objective involves tracking down Portuguese merchant Duarte de Melo, who possesses vital information about the encroaching foreign influence in feudal Japan. This mission becomes available exclusively after you’ve successfully completed The Performer main quest, which requires eliminating the elusive target known as Takeda Motoaki (the Fox).
As you begin your investigation into Duarte de Melo’s activities, the game provides two essential geographical clues to guide your search:
- Intelligence suggests potential leads located within the Wakasa province
- Additional evidence points toward activity around the coastal Trading Port facility
Pro Tip: Ensure you’ve reached at least character level 15 before attempting this mission, as the coastal areas contain numerous high-level guards who will challenge unprepared players.
Starting the Investigation in Wakasa
Your initial task requires traveling as Yasuke to the Obama settlement within Wakasa region. The most efficient approach involves fast-traveling to the Obama Guard Tower viewpoint, which provides optimal positioning for your investigation. From this elevated position, you can survey the entire area and plan your infiltration route.
Activate Focus Mode once you arrive in Obama to highlight interactive elements and mission-critical objects. This sensory ability will reveal your objective location inside a residential structure near the waterfront. The building typically contains 2-3 guards patrolling the perimeter, so time your entry carefully to avoid unnecessary combat encounters.
Inside the investigation site, locate and examine the Signal Instructions document resting on the central table. This intelligence provides explicit details about the signaling system used by Duarte de Melo’s network and reveals the precise locations where you must ignite the signal fires. The document also contains coded messages about shipment schedules that may prove useful in later missions.
Stealth Approach: Use nearby rooftops to access the building’s second floor entrance if the ground level appears heavily guarded. Yasuke’s combat prowess makes him formidable in direct confrontation, but stealth often yields better results for intelligence missions.
Lighting the Signal Fires Strategy
The core mission objective involves igniting three strategically positioned signal fires around the Trading Port vicinity. Each fire location presents unique challenges and requires careful navigation through enemy territory.
First Signal Fire – Northwest Sector: Located in the northwestern section of the Trading Port complex, this fire pit sits within a fortified area with limited cover. Approach during nighttime when guard visibility decreases by approximately 40%. Use the cargo crates and merchant stalls as concealment while moving toward the objective. Time your ignition when patrols are facing away from the fire location.
Second Signal Fire – Island Shoreline: Positioned on the shore of a small island directly south of the Trading Port, this location requires aquatic navigation. Swim from the main coastline during periods of reduced patrol boat activity. The island typically hosts only one stationary guard who patrols in a predictable circular route. Wait for them to move toward the inland portion before approaching the fire.
Third Signal Fire – Western Coastline: Situated far west of Obama along a remote stretch of coastline, this location offers the easiest access but longest travel time. Follow the beachfront while staying in the shallow waters to avoid leaving footprints. This area contains minimal enemy presence, making it ideal for players preferring to avoid combat scenarios.
Common Mistake: Many players attempt to light fires during daytime, which significantly increases detection risk. Always prioritize nighttime operations for stealth missions in populated areas.
Advanced Strategies and Completion
After successfully igniting all three signal fires, Yasuke must proceed to the designated vantage point to await further instructions. This location typically provides an elevated view of Lake Suigetsu and the surrounding coastal areas. The game will indicate the precise vantage point with a clear objective marker once all fires are active.
To reach the island vantage point, commandeer any available boat along the Lake Suigetsu coastline. Multiple small vessels are typically moored near fishing huts and docks. Select a boat with adequate speed and maneuverability, as the journey covers approximately 400-500 meters of open water. During your aquatic transit, remain alert for enemy patrol boats that may investigate suspicious activity.
Upon reaching the island, follow the objective marker to the specific vantage point location. Initiate the Wait interaction to complete the Dark Waves, Black Ships quest sequence. This action triggers a brief cinematic showing Duarte de Melo’s fleet responding to your signals, followed by the mission completion notification.
Your reward for successful completion includes 1000 experience points, which provides a significant boost toward your next character level. The subsequent story mission, My Name is Yasuke, automatically begins following the quest conclusion, continuing your character’s personal narrative arc.
Optimization Tip: Before using the Wait function, ensure you’ve collected any nearby resources or completed secondary objectives, as the mission transition may prevent returning to certain areas.
Pro Tips and Common Mistakes
Equipment Preparation: Before starting this mission, equip Yasuke with gear that enhances stealth capabilities and swimming speed. The Shadow Hunter armor set provides excellent concealment bonuses for the fire-lighting segments, while aquatic-focused gear reduces swimming stamina consumption during the island approach.
Time Management: Complete the initial investigation phase during daylight hours when civilian activity provides natural cover for your movements. Transition to the fire-lighting phase after nightfall to capitalize on reduced guard awareness and visibility conditions.
Avoiding Common Errors: Many players mistakenly believe they must light the fires in a specific sequence. The mission design allows any order of ignition, so prioritize based on your current position and enemy patrol routes. Another frequent mistake involves abandoning the vantage point too quickly – ensure you activate the full Wait interaction rather than just approaching the location.
Advanced Strategy: Experienced players can use fire arrows to ignite the signal fires from a distance, completely avoiding close-quarters detection risks. This approach requires precise aiming and the appropriate skill unlocks, but dramatically reduces mission completion time.
Also read: Yasuke romance controversy explored
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