We’ll show you the most useful tips and tricks in Ghost of Yotei – whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced player.
Ghost of Yotei offers not only a huge open world but also multiple branching storylines. To help you not just survive in Ezo but truly become a legend, we’ve gathered numerous tips – from clever combat tactics to hidden mechanics and valuable locations that even veteran players often overlook.
1. Start with the Old Inn
If you want quick access to merchants, bounty boards, and your first major skill upgrade, the Old Inn is the place to begin. Its questline unlocks several key NPCs – a blacksmith, a map seller, and even the first talisman trader. You’ll also receive Onryo’s Howl, a powerful ability that causes enemies to panic – perfect for early-game crowd control.
2. Complete the Side Quest “Savior of Taro”
When you save the young merchant boy Taro, you gain not only allies but also your own scavenger who collects loot for you. He sells powerful talisman charms, including the “Charm of Last Chance,” which automatically heals you once per fight when your health drops critically low – a real lifesaver.
3. Buying Maps Pays Off Twice
Cartographer Isaburo sells maps that lead to Reflection Shrines – small altars that unlock new combat and stealth abilities. Many players overlook them since they’re barely marked on the map. Get your hands on map fragments early and watch out for swirling wind effects in the environment – they often guide you indirectly toward a shrine.
4. Use Bounties as Your Main Income Source
Once you finish the Old Inn questline, the bounty system becomes available. These missions reward you with solid amounts of currency and exclusive masks. You can also adjust your reputation and restore spirit energy through them – giving you more flexibility when switching between stealth and direct combat playstyles.
5. Gamble Smart – Win Without Risk
In Huranui’s Rest, the gambling feature unlocks. Bet small, win a few rounds, and then start wagering for charms instead of coins. Some of these talisman rewards are exclusive to this location. The “Charm Necklace of Abundance,” for example, boosts drop rates and is a must-have for efficient resource farming.
6. Get the “Armor of the Immortal”
This legendary armor is obtained through Ugetsu, the storyteller at the Old Inn. After collecting four Wind Bells, you’ll summon the Immortal Samurai for a duel. Winning grants you one of the best armors in the game: extended parry timing, health regeneration when weakening foes, and bonus damage during focus attacks – perfect for counter-heavy fighters.
Also worth checking out:
- Ghost of Yotei Story: The Yotei Six Chapters Explained
- Ghost of Yotei Difficulty Levels: Which Challenge Should You Choose?
- Ghost of Yotei Trophy Guide: How to unlock every achievement
7. Learn the Way of the Yari and the “Typhoon Kick”
Spears are underrated early on, yet they’re perfect for countering enemies with sickles and polearms. Complete the quest “The Way of the Yari” on the western island of the Ishikari Plains. After dueling the Yari master, you’ll gain not only the weapon but also techniques like the Typhoon Kick, which keeps enemy groups at bay.
8. Combine Charm Builds the Right Way
Two specific charms drastically boost your resource gathering efficiency:
- Charm of Kanayago: Doubles metal and gunpowder yields
- Charm of Rich Harvest: Doubles plant-based resources
Switching between them saves you dozens of hours of material farming.
9. Experiment with Combat Stances
A common mistake even among veterans: not switching stances often enough. Rotating between Storm, Stone, Wind, and Wolf stances increases your parry windows significantly. Use Wind against spearmen, Stone against shielded foes, and Wolf to unleash devastating combos with your companion.
10. Expand Wolf Synergies
Your loyal wolf is more than a companion: through the Wolf skill branch, you can turn it into real combat support. Abilities like “Call of the Pack” or “Instinct of Rescue” can pull you out of dire situations. The latter is especially powerful – your wolf can revive you once per encounter.
11. Set Up Camps Regularly
Each camp – whether conquered or improvised – serves as a fast travel point and offers crafting, meditation, and wolf care. Building camps frequently shortens travel times, strengthens companion bonds, and unlocks hidden dialogue events.
12. Learn to Read the World
Smoke trails, circling crows, or sudden gusts of wind often indicate hidden activities. Ghost of Yotei communicates subtly through environmental signs instead of UI markers. Train your eye to spot these cues for a more natural exploration experience.
13. Take Care of Your Horses
The quest “Old Paths” allows you to name and slightly upgrade your horse. Later upgrades let it carry extra gear, such as healing items or throwing weapons. Customize your horse to your playstyle: sprinters for aggressive players, pack carriers for collectors.
14. Trust the Guiding Wind
Wind currents react to mission goals but sometimes also point toward hidden side quests. If you spot random gusts of wind, follow them – they don’t always lead to main quests, but sometimes to unique side areas, mini-bosses, or rare materials.
15. Bounty Masks Offer More Than Style
Many bounty masks grant passive bonuses such as lower detection at night or higher drop rates from elite enemies. Swap masks depending on your target – style is secondary when efficiency matters.
16. Follow Fireflies and Birds
In the open world, you’ll often encounter fireflies or songbirds. They’re persistent for a reason – they’re trying to tell you something. Even if you’re mid-mission, follow them. They’ll guide you to hidden treasures or collectible Ainu artifacts. Golden birds, in particular, can lead you to shamisen songs and sumi-e painting locations.
