Ghost of Yotei is vast in its open world and dangers, so players should check in to see a few beginner tips and things they wouldn’t otherwise know about. Here, players can find the tips and tricks they need to start out in Ghost of Yotei without being confused, or worse, killed. Below is a list of essential Ghost of Yotei tips to help get you started on the warrior’s path for revenge, from combat tips to general exploration advice that will ensure that you always have the best gear and strikes for taking on the Yotei Six and the bountiful Ronin.
Claim Bounties for Currency
Korijo Offers a Multitude of Unique Bounty Hunting Jobs
By visiting the Old Inn, you will open many more vendors and merchants. One such vendor is that of Korijo and the entire Bounties system. With this NPC unlocked, players can now visit Bounty Boards around Ezo and the Old Inn and accept these quests in exchange for money. Money is always important for buying goodies, but completing these Bounties is also a great way to practice with your blade, and who knows, you might even stumble upon a Ronin or a wanted mercenary who has more than just money to offer. Some Bounties can offer even greater rewards, so these are best completed as they appear.
Track the Right Quests
Each Type of Quest Has a Unique Color
Atsu’s main quest is marked with revenge, and as such, the main quests to follow will be marked with a Gold icon on the map, and with a Gold card. These quests are called “Revenge” and allow players to know that they’re following the main story quests by accessing the Map. However, there are far more quests out there than just the revenge against the Yotei Six. In fact, players can categorize and sort through the cards that they have available on their Map, and this is useful to keep up with what they want to do next that won’t be the main activity. Here’s what each icon does:
- Revenge – Story Missions and Main Quests are marked with a Gold color.
- Tales – Side Missions are marked with a Gray color.
- Myths – Storyteller quests are marked with a Black card.
- Sensei – Blue cards showcase quests that involve upgrades and weapons.
- Bounties – Accepted bounty hunting missions have mugshots.
- Unfinished Business – Activities that involve fighting enemies have Red markings.
Purchase Maps to Reveal Activities and Boosters
Cartographers and Merchants Sell Locations for Easy Exploration
Ezo is a large map, so it’s no secret that players can get lost or even get overwhelmed in deciding where to go first. To help with exploration, speak with Cartographers and Merchants and purchase the maps that they sell. These characters will sell maps that provide players with valuable information and pinpointed locations to Shrines, so that you can invest in Skills for Atsu and the Wolf. Skills are not obtained through XP and missions, and only through Altars, so finding them easily with maps is a great way to upgrade Atsu, and fast.
Set Up Camp for Stat Boosts and Travel Maps
Sleep, Eat, and Converse at Camps for Valuable Information and Spirit Bonuses
When near your horse, you can hold Left on the D-Pad to set up a Camp. The Camp is a great way to allow Atsu some much-needed rest, as simply by activating the Camp, she will restore her Spirit points (Resolve). This is a combat-free way of getting Spirit back, so feel free to take plenty of rest between battles. Also, in the Camp, you can sleep to change the time of day, and cook food to gain bonuses, like how cooking a Mushroom will provide 24 hours of an extra Spirit. What’s more, is that an occasional stranger will venture to your camp and make conversation with you, and these strangers can be talked to in order to gain valuable insight. Strangers can mark locations on your map worth exploring, like activities or enemy camps.
Use the Spyglass to Mark Unexplored Areas
The Spyglass Helps to Tag Locations and Activities You Haven't Visited Yet
By pressing Up on the D-Pad, you can activate your Spyglass. The Spyglass is a new tool for Atsu that really comes in handy, especially when the map is so big and unexplored. Find a vantage point by reaching somewhere high, or even just on a merry hill, and activate the Spyglass. You can then use the Spyglass to hover over distant locations to see the central cursor turn gold, and your controller will begin to vibrate. This indicates that Atsu is tagging a location so that it will become available on the map. This can be done with a variety of activities or bandit camps, so use the Spyglass when you see something in the distance, or a smoke cloud forming, as you may just discover something awaiting your exploration.
Know When to Parry, Block, or Dodge
The Art of War Has Many Tactics
Combat is fluid, fun, and intricate in Ghost of Yotei. Players aren’t just going to be able to spam the Square button to slash their way through enemies. There are a multitude of different enemy types, with villains who use katanas, spears, shields, bows and arrows, and even giant brutes. Of these enemies, there are special attacks that players need to look out for and know which of them has a specific counter. As an enemy readies an attack, a glint will shine from their weapon. If there is no glint, it means it can be blocked or parried. Take a look at the attack forms below so you know what to do when you see the following colors:
- Blue – Must be parried, so tap L1 as the enemy is about to strike
- Yellow – Must hold Triangle and then release Triangle, as failing to do so will see you disarmed
- Red – Must be dodged with Circle, as it cannot be blocked or parried
Create Loadouts for Diverse Builds
Loadouts Allow for an Easy Swap of Charms and Outfits
Heading into the Options menu, players can select their Gear and create unique Loadouts. There are multiple Loadouts that players can make, and this isn’t just used to change your outfit, but it can also be used to change your Charms and stances, allowing you to better equip yourself depending on the encounter. Loadouts allow a stress-free way of creating and keeping unique builds, like ones curated to stealth or full-frontal assault engagements, and more. Head into the Gear section and start experimenting with builds, as Outfits and Charms have their own bonuses that can make every fight unique.
Loot Enemies, Camps, and Nature for Upgrade Materials
Utilize Materials to Upgrade Weapons, Armor, and More
Materials are essential to upgrading Atsu’s gear and weapons, and players can find them throughout Ezo. Whether it’s by picking up Young Bamboo from the floor, an abundance of flowers, or looting Copper and other metals from buildings and dead enemies, players should never forget to loot corpses and what’s found in nature. Looting should never be ignored, as it will provide players with valuable materials that can be exchanged at Armorers, Merchants, and Bowsmiths so that you can continue to upgrade and purchase gear to make Atsu’s arsenal stronger.