Bowl Turn Guide – Assassin’s Creed Shadows Tea Ceremony
Image Credit: Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows)
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe’s pursuit of the Onryo brings her face-to-face with a formal tea ceremony, where blending in means knowing your etiquette—or faking it well enough to avoid suspicion. One part that trips people up? Turning the bowl.
Here's what turning the bowl means, how to do it, and why your tea-sipping skills matter for this mission.
What Is Bowl Turning in AC Shadows?
During the tea ceremony, you’ll be asked to turn the tea bowl before drinking. This is a key part of traditional Japanese tea etiquette. The host presents the front of the bowl to you, but you’re not supposed to drink from that side. Turning it shows respect and awareness of custom.
How to Turn the Bowl (Correctly)
When prompted during the tea ceremony:
Pick up the tea bowl using both hands.
You’ll get a prompt to “turn” the bowl.
Rotate it clockwise (usually twice).
Then sip from the side facing you, not the front that was presented.
After drinking, rotate it back and set it down.
Note: If you don’t turn the bowl or turn it incorrectly, some guests will judge you. Not enough to ruin the mission, but enough to lose a bit of respect.
Does It Matter If You Mess It Up?
Kind of. If you want to impress your host and unlock extra dialogue options, performing the tea ceremony correctly helps. That includes turning the bowl, sitting properly, and using polite language.
Messing up doesn’t fail the quest, but you might miss some insights or clues when choosing which guest to confront.
Final Blurb
The tea ceremony in Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t just about sipping tea—it’s about looking the part while hunting a killer. Turn the bowl, drink with respect, and don’t look like a clueless foreigner. Or do. Just know Otama’s going to mock you either way.
