Introduction
If you’re exploring the sprawling world of Rise of the Ronin, you’ve likely stumbled upon a rise of the ronin fugitives quest or two. These champion enemies are scattered across Japan, and defeating them is the key to unlocking powerful gear, silver coins, and rare items. But tracking all 91 fugitives can be a challenge without a solid map strategy. Whether you’re hunting for the legendary Stolen Art Alom Sword or just want to maximize your rewards from government officials, this guide covers everything you need to know about rise of the ronin fugitives — from map icons to reward tables and a step-by-step unlock for the tricky Meguro duo.
What Are Fugitives in Rise of the Ronin?
Fugitives are special, named enemies that appear as part of the game’s collectible system. Unlike regular enemies, they hit harder and often require a solid combat approach. The game includes 91 fugitives in total, spread across multiple regions. According to player experience, these foes are “champion” versions of normal enemies, and many have unique nicknames like “Temple-Crasher Yosuke” or “Bloody Butcher Hanaharu.”
The official Rise of the Ronin Wiki describes fugitives as “special champion enemies that can be defeated for rewards.” Once you take one down, you’ll earn valuable Silver Coins and unlock new items at the government official’s shop. But the map-related key detail is this: reaching Bond Level 2 in an area automatically marks all fugitives on your map. That means you don’t have to search blindly — just increase your Bond with each region to see exactly where every fugitive is hiding.
Why Bond Level Matters for Map Tracking
- Bond Level 1: Fugitives are hidden; you may find them by exploring or completing missions.
- Bond Level 2: All fugitives in that area are revealed on the map with a distinct icon.
- Higher Bond Levels: Unlock additional rewards from the local official and more vendor items.
For a comprehensive map view, focus on completing Ronin Missions and Bond Missions in each area to quickly raise your Bond level. This is especially useful for the Edo region, which has the highest concentration of fugitives.
How to Find Fugitives on the Map
Using the in-game map to locate fugitives is straightforward once you understand the system. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Progress in the region: Complete main story missions and Bond missions to earn Bond points with the local faction.
- Check the map frequently: Press the map button and look for a special fugitive marker (a figure with a red X or similar). This icon appears only after Bond Level 2.
- Use fast travel points: Fugitives are often near landmarks, shrines, or mission areas. The map icons make it simple to set a waypoint.
- Night and day matter: Some fugitives, like “Kipp the Carrier,” only appear at night. Check the time and use a Veiled Edge Banner to rest until nightfall if needed.
If you haven’t reached Bond Level 2 yet, you can still find fugitives by exploring thoroughly. The game’s world is dense, and many fugitives are tucked into side alleys, caves, or enemy camps. But the map marker system saves hours of searching.
Rewards for Defeating Fugitives
After you take down a fugitive, you’ll earn Silver Coins. Spend those coins at any government official (a merchant found in major cities) to buy exclusive items. The more fugitives you defeat, the more items become available. Based on the official game data, here is the full list of rewards and their costs:
| Item Name / Description | Cost in Silver Coins |
|---|---|
| Healing Elixir | 5 |
| Fish Basket (Remodel) | 10 |
| Warrior’s Headband (Head) | 30 |
| Pursuer’s Charm Pouch (Accessory) | 15 |
| Ronin Gauntlets (Arms) | 30 |
| Lone Wolf Kimono (Body) | 20 |
| Lone Wolf’s Ronin Kasa (Head) | 20 |
| White Jar (Remodel) | 10 |
| Handwoven Sandals (Legs) | 30 |
| Hatchobori Truncheon (Accessory) | 15 |
| Constable’s Kimono (Body) | 30 |
| Orange-Coloured Bowl (Remodel) | 10 |
| Medicine Case (Accessory) | 15 |
| Shinobi Cowl (Head) | 30 |
| New Urn (Remodel) | 10 |
| Bound Gauntlets (Arms) | 30 |
| Shogunate Soldier’s Cowl (Head) | 20 |
| Shogunal Soldier’s Uniform (Body) | 20 |
| Oak Geta (Legs) | 30 |
| Iris (Ceramic Bud Vase) (Remodel) | 10 |
| Peacekeeper’s Uchigatana (Katana) | 40 |
| Retainer’s Kimono (Body) | 30 |
| Red Yak Cowl (Head) | 40 |
| Shogunal Officer’s Attire (Body) | 40 |
| Fish and Lotus (Remodel) | 10 |
| Treatise on Strength x13 | 30 each |
| Treatise on Enlightenment | 10 |
Table 1: Complete reward list from government officials in Rise of the Ronin. Prices in Silver Coins.
As you can see, the rewards range from healing items to cosmetics, weapon remodel kits, armor pieces, and consumables that boost your stats. The Peacekeeper’s Uchigatana (a katana) costs 40 Silver Coins and is a solid early-to-mid-game weapon.
Spotlight: Unlocking the Meguro Fugitives
One of the most popular sets of fugitives — especially for players seeking legendary weapons — is the pair found in the Meguro area (often referred to as “Meguro fugitives” by the community). According to a player guide by Zach from the Kon Channel, these two fugitives are gated behind a specific Bond mission: “In Search of New Discoveries.”
If you haven’t seen the mission yet, it’s likely because you need to complete a few story missions in the Edo region or finish other Bond missions first. Once you get “In Search of New Discoveries,” complete it, and the two fugitives will be waiting in the main hall of the Meguro location.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Progress through Edo story missions until Bond missions for Meguro appear. |
| 2 | Complete any prerequisite Bond missions that unlock the chain. |
| 3 | Accept the Bond mission “In Search of New Discoveries.” |
| 4 | Finish the mission objectives (usually a conversation or simple task). |
| 5 | Return to the main hall in Meguro where the fugitives spawn. |
| 6 | Fight and defeat both fugitives. |
| 7 | Collect your rewards: Stolen Art Alom Sword and Virtuous Pair Swords. |
Table 2: Step-by-step unlock for the Meguro fugitives.
This is a community-proven method, and many players confirm that the swords are fantastic for builds focused on counter sparks and night-time damage.
Legendary Weapon Breakdown
The two weapons you get from the Meguro fugitives are both legendary (yellow rarity) and have unique special effects. Here’s a comparison based on data from the game and community reports:
| Weapon | Key Special Effects | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|
| Stolen Art Alom Sword (Katana) | Finishing Attack +14% (damage on last normal hit); Ki Recovery: Effective Counter Spark +6% (restores Ki on successful deflect); Attack: Counter Spark (temporarily buffs damage after deflecting); Ki Consumption: Dodging (reduces Ki cost on dodge); Night Time (increases damage at night) | Deflect-focused, night-oriented samurai builds. Pairs well with Ki recovery skills. |
| Virtuous Pair Swords (Pair Swords) | The Wise Doctor (set bonus, requires multiple pieces); Attack: Afflicted Enemy (damage up vs. status-effected foes); Attack: Max Health (bonus damage at full HP); Attack: Mid-air (increases aerial damage) | Aggressive, pressure-based players who use jumping attacks and status effects. |
Table 3: Comparison of legendary weapons obtained from Meguro fugitives.
According to the video creator, these swords are “quite nice to have,” but once you reach the second region (likely the Kyoto area), you’ll encounter many more legendary weapons. The choice comes down to personal preference and your equipment set. Both swords scale well into the mid-game, though the Alom Sword’s Night Time effect might be less useful if you prefer daytime exploration.
Tips for Farming Fugitives Efficiently
- Prioritize Bond Level 2: The biggest time-saver is unlocking the map markers. Grind Bond missions in each region early.
- Use the official merchant: Spend your Silver Coins wisely. Items like Treatise on Strength boost permanent stats, so buy them as soon as they’re available.
- Night-only fugitives: Some, like Kipp the Carrier, are only huntable at night. Rest at a Veiled Edge Banner to change the time.
- Combat styles matter: Fugitives can have high health. Use elemental attacks and counter sparks to stagger them. The Alom Sword’s deflect bonuses are perfect here.
- Co-op hunting: If you’re struggling, consider summoning a partner via the Veiled Edge Banner. Fugitives scale, but having a distraction helps.
For more official game details, check the Rise of the Ronin website on PlayStation.com.
FAQ
1. What exactly are rise of the ronin fugitives?
Fugitives are special champion enemies that are part of the collectible system. There are 91 in total. Defeating them gives you Silver Coins and unlocks new items from government officials. They appear on the map once you reach Bond Level 2 in an area.
2. How do I unlock the Meguro fugitives?
You need to complete the Bond mission “In Search of New Discoveries.” If it’s not showing up, progress further in the Edo region’s story and complete other Bond missions. After finishing the mission, the two fugitives appear in the main hall of Meguro and drop the Stolen Art Alom Sword and Virtuous Pair Swords.
3. Are there any rise of the ronin fugitives that only appear at specific times?
Yes. Some fugitives, like Kipp the Carrier, are only available at night. Use the rest option at a Veiled Edge Banner to change the time of day before searching.
4. What’s the best way to track fugitives on the map?
Focus on increasing your Bond with each area to Level 2. After that, all fugitives in that region are marked with a distinct icon on the map. Use fast travel to get close and then hunt them down.
Conclusion
Hunting rise of the ronin fugitives is one of the most rewarding side activities in the game. Not only do you earn Silver Coins for rare items, but you also get legendary weapons like the Stolen Art Alom Sword. By understanding how the map marker system works, you can efficiently track all 91 fugitives and never miss a reward. Prioritize Bond missions, check the time of day, and equip the right combat style to make each encounter a quick victory. Happy hunting, ronin.