Rise of the Ronin tells the story of a time when the arrival of the Black Ships from the Western world challenged Japan’s Shogunate. As you land between all of this drama, you must choose Pro-Shogunate or Anti-Shogunate responses when questioned about your morals.
But which of the two factions should you choose to support? And how much does it affect the story? Let’s find out.
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Which Faction Should You Side With In Rise Of the Ronin?
If you want to support the Shogunate military rule over Japan and help the Shogun make Western allies to keep control, you should pick the Pro-Shogunate side.
On the other hand, if you want to support the rebellious nationalists and take down the corrupt Shogunate and prominent Western figures, then you should pick the Anti-Shogunate.
Pro-Shogunate
The Pro-Shogunate path leads you to support the shogun’s military regime. They strongly believe that Japan should be in complete control of the Shogun, and they also seek to form allies with powerful Western figures to maintain this control.
By choosing to be with the Shogunate and their allies, you will go up against the rebellious Anti-Shogunate nationalists. You will eliminate their prominent leaders and disrupt their communications to stop them in their tracks.
The rewards for increasing your Bond with the Pro-Shogunate faction grants you Western-styled clothing and some modern weaponry, including guns and revolvers. It is a truly unique aesthetic with Western and Japanese fashion culture fused together.
Anti-Shogunate
I took the Anti-Shogunate path for my first playthrough. This path had me joining Sakamoto Ryoma and his Anti-Shogunate rebellion which was on a mission to take control from the Shogunate and free Japan of its clutches.
This choice led me down some espionage and assassination missions of some powerful Western figures involved with the Shogunate. As I progressed, I was able to uncover all the dirty secrets and corruption of the Shogun.
Increasing my Bond with the Anti-Shogunate allies unlocks some traditional-looking gear, armor, and clothes for your character. So, if that is what you prefer over Western themes, choose the Anti-Shogunate in Rise of the Ronin.
Also Read: Best Skills To Unlock Early In Rise Of The Ronin
How Much Does It Impact The Story?
For most of the game, you can progress both factions and their Bonds and it won’t really affect the ending. It was only when I got to Chapter 3 and got to Kyoto, I had to pick and finalize my choice between Pro-Shogunate and Anti-Shogunate.
So up until that point, you can explore both factions and make allies with the characters of both factions. After all, your decision to choose Anti or Pro Shogunate should also be in consideration of which Allies you want to maintain and progress your Bond with.
Choosing either side will make you lose the allies on the other side, so make sure you have thoroughly thought about your decision. Based on your final siding choice, you will also get a different ending.
