Ghost of Yotei Tier List (November 2025) Best Weapons

The Katana stands as Ghost of Yotei’s best weapon, earning SS-tier status with its perfect balance of speed, power, and versatility. This comprehensive weapons tier list ranks all 13 weapons from SS to B tier, helping you dominate Ezo’s battlefield with the optimal loadout for every encounter.

Tier	Weapon	Combat Rating	Best Use Case
SS	Katana (Wolf Blade)	95/100	Balanced dueling, precise strikes
S	Dual Katana	92/100	Fast combos, spear counters
S	Kusarigama	90/100	Stealth kills, shield breaking
S	Quickfire Tools	88/100	Tactical advantages, crowd control
A	Yari (Spear)	85/100	Reach advantage, sickle counters
A	Odachi	83/100	Heavy damage, large enemies
A	Bow (Hankyu)	80/100	Silent takedowns, precision shots
B	Tanegashima	75/100	Burst damage, armor piercing

Complete Ghost of Yotei Weapons Tier List 2025

SS Tier: Katana (Wolf Blade)

Combat Rating: 95/100 Best Use Case: Balanced dueling, precise strikes

The Katana, known as the Wolf Blade in Ghost of Yotei, earns its SS-tier status through sheer versatility and reliability. This curved blade excels in one-on-one duels where precision matters most, making it the perfect starting weapon that remains viable throughout your entire journey.

Strengths:

• Exceptional balance between speed and power
• Fluid combo potential with unlocked techniques
• Ideal for traditional samurai dueling
• Effective against sword-wielding enemies
• Available from the start

Weaknesses:

• Single-target focus limits crowd control
• Requires skill to maximize effectiveness

How to Obtain: Start the game (default weapon)

Upgrade Path:

• Katana (10 Damage) – Default
• Altered Katana (25 Damage) – 20 Metals
• Reinforced Katana (50 Damage) – 20 Metals, 20 Oni Raider Mask Pieces
• Enhanced Katana (55 Damage) – 30 Metals, 20 Shinobi Steel
• Perfected Katana (100 Damage) – 60 Metals, 15 Gun Parts, 15 Rare Metals

S Tier: Dual Katana

Combat Rating: 92/100 Best Use Case: Fast combos, spear counters

The Dual Katana setup transforms combat into a whirlwind of steel. These paired blades excel against spear-wielding enemies, using rapid strikes to overwhelm their defenses before they can establish range.

Strengths:

• Lightning-fast attack speed
• Excellent against polearm users
• Creates constant offensive pressure
• Great for stagger builds

Weaknesses:

• Lower individual damage output
• Less effective against sword users
• Requires mastery of timing

How to Obtain: Complete “The Way of Dual Katana” Revenge Quest in Yotei Grasslands

Upgrade Path:

• Dual Katana (10 Damage) – Default
• Altered Dual Katana (25 Damage) – 20 Metals
• Reinforced Dual Katana (50 Damage) – 20 Metals, 15 Oni Raider Mask Pieces
• Enhanced Dual Katana (55 Damage) – 30 Metals, 20 Shinobi Steel
• Perfected Dual Katana (100 Damage) – 60 Metals, 15 Gun Parts, 15 Rare Metals

S Tier: Kusarigama

Combat Rating: 90/100 Best Use Case: Stealth kills, shield breaking

The Kusarigama revolutionizes your approach to combat with its unique chain-and-sickle design. This weapon shines in stealth scenarios, allowing you to drag enemies into killing range from unexpected angles.

Strengths:

• Unmatched shield-breaking capabilities
• Excellent for stealth approaches
• Great crowd control with sweeping attacks
• Can pull enemies from distance

Weaknesses:

• Less effective against armored opponents
• Requires specific technique mastery

Key Techniques:

• Chain grapple for distant enemy pulls
• Sweeping attacks that hit multiple targets
• Shield-breaking capabilities unmatched by other weapons

How to Obtain: Complete The Kitsune questline, defeat Nine Tails

S Tier: Quickfire Tools

Combat Rating: 88/100 Best Use Case: Tactical advantages, crowd control

Quickfire Tools provide the tactical edge that separates good players from great ones. These aren’t just supplements to melee combat—they’re fight-winners when used strategically.

Available Tools:

• Smoke Bombs: Create instant escape opportunities while setting up stealth kills
• Scorch Bombs: Clear entire enemy groups with explosive fire damage
• Kunai: Interrupt enemy attacks and build stagger for follow-up executions
• Metsubushi: Blind multiple enemies simultaneously
• Tanzutsu: Deliver pistol-parry mechanics that feel incredibly satisfying

Strengths:

• Creative way to change the pace of battle
• Excellent for crowd control
• Can turn losing situations around

Weaknesses:

• Consumes items with limited carry capacity
• Requires strategic resource management

A Tier: Yari (Spear)

Combat Rating: 85/100 Best Use Case: Reach advantage, sickle counters

The Yari spear excels when you need to maintain distance while dealing consistent damage. Its sweeping attacks and thrusting techniques make it particularly effective against sickle-wielding enemies who rely on close-range chains.

Strengths:

• Excellent reach advantage
• Great for interrupting attacks and counters
• Highly effective against sickle-type weapons
• Allows for acrobatic combat maneuvers

Weaknesses:

• Can be disarmed easily if not good at parrying
• Less effective in tight spaces

How to Obtain: Complete “The Way of the Yari” Sensei quest in Ishikari Plain

Upgrade Path:

• Yari (30 Damage) – Default
• Reinforced Yari (60 Damage) – 20 Metals
• Enhanced Yari (90 Damage) – 30 Metals, 20 Oni Raider Mask Pieces
• Perfected Yari (100 Damage) – 35 Oni Raider Mask Pieces, 10 Gun Parts, 10 Rare Wood

A Tier: Odachi

Combat Rating: 83/100 Best Use Case: Heavy damage, large enemies

The Odachi is Ghost of Yotei’s BFK: Big Freakin’ Katana. This massive two-handed sword sacrifices speed for devastating damage output that can break through the toughest defenses.

Strengths:

• Massive damage output
• Best for taking on heavy enemies
• Unstoppable Strikes technique
• Bulwark Stance for stunning enemies

Weaknesses:

• Slow movement animation
• Requires precise timing
• Vulnerable during wind-up animations

How to Obtain: Complete “The Way of the Odachi” Sensei quest during “The Saito Brothers” Revenge quest

Upgrade Path:

• Odachi (30 Damage) – Default
• Reinforced Odachi (60 Damage) – 20 Metals
• Enhanced Odachi (90 Damage) – 30 Metals, 10 Oni Raider Mask Pieces, 10 Shinobi Steel
• Perfected Odachi (100 Damage) – 60 Metals, 15 Gun Parts, 15 Rare Metals

A Tier: Bow (Hankyu)

Combat Rating: 80/100 Best Use Case: Silent takedowns, precision shots

The Hankyu bow offers quick draw capabilities, making it the most appropriate bow for active combat situations. While it doesn’t have the raw power of the Yumi, its versatility and speed make it invaluable for stealth approaches.

Strengths:

• Versatile and silent
• Quick draw time
• Customizable with different arrow types
• Ideal for stealth approaches

Weaknesses:

• Deals less damage than melee weapons
• Requires precision aiming
• Limited ammunition

Available Ammo Types:

• Standard Arrows
• Fire Arrows (unlocked with Altered Hankyu)
• Poison Arrows (unlocked with Enhanced Hankyu)

How to Obtain: Complete “The Old Inn” Revenge Quest, purchase from Ran the Bowyer for 300 Coin

B Tier: Tanegashima (Matchlock)

Combat Rating: 75/100 Best Use Case: Burst damage, armor piercing

The Tanegashima is the rifle option in Ghost of Yotei, dealing high-impact damage to enemies. While highly effective in battle, it takes time to reload and the shots are loud, making it less suitable for stealth approaches.

Strengths:

• High burst damage
• Excellent for armor piercing
• Can eliminate tough enemies quickly

Weaknesses:

• Loud and alerts nearby enemies
• Slow reload time
• Limited ammunition capacity
• Not suitable for stealth

How to Obtain: Progress Saito Brothers storyline through “The Storm Breaks”

Weapon Acquisition and Upgrade Guide

Melee Weapon Progression Path

1. Katana (Wolf Blade) – Available from start
2. Dual Katana – Complete “The Way of Dual Katana” Revenge Quest
3. Yari – Complete “The Way of the Yari” Sensei quest
4. Odachi – Complete “The Way of the Odachi” during “The Saito Brothers” quest
5. Kusarigama – Complete The Kitsune questline, defeat Nine Tails

Ranged and Tool Acquisition

• Hankyu Bow – Complete “The Old Inn” quest, buy from Ran the Bowyer
• Yumi Bow – Purchase from Ran the Bowyer after progressing further
• Kunai – Advance to Burning of Castle Ishikari, buy from Hana the Kunai Artisan
• Smoke Bomb – Progress Kitsune questline to Tale of the Kitsune
• Tanegashima – Progress Saito Brothers storyline through The Storm Breaks

Upgrade Systems

Melee Weapons: Visit Father’s Forge to upgrade using Metal and Oni Raider Mask Pieces Bows: Upgrade through Ran the Bowyer using coins and wood Bombs: Enhance via Ina the Bomb Maker with coins and Black Powder Guns: Improve through Matchlock Murata using coins and Gun Parts

Meta Analysis and Combat Strategies

Weapon Effectiveness by Enemy Type

Enemy Type	Most Effective Weapon	Why
Sword Users	Katana (Wolf Blade)	Balanced combat, perfect for duels
Polearm Users	Dual Katana	Speed overwhelms their reach advantage
Shield Users	Kusarigama	Best shield-breaking capabilities
Brutes/Large Enemies	Odachi	Heavy damage breaks through their defenses
Sickle Users	Yari	Reach advantage keeps you safe from close attacks
Archers	Yari or Bow	Maintains distance while eliminating threats

Recommended Loadouts by Playstyle

Stealth Build

• Primary: Kusarigama
• Secondary: Smoke Bombs
• Ranged: Hankyu Bow
• Strategy: Use Kusarigama to pull enemies into stealth kills, Smoke Bombs for escape and distraction, Bow for silent eliminations

Aggressive Build

• Primary: Dual Katana
• Secondary: Scorch Bombs
• Ranged: Tanzutsu
• Strategy: Overwhelm enemies with Dual Katana speed, use Scorch Bombs for crowd control, finish with pistol shots

Balanced Build

• Primary: Katana (Wolf Blade)
• Secondary: Kunai
• Ranged: Yumi Bow
• Strategy: Use Katana for general combat, Kunai for interrupts, Bow for priority targets

Heavy Damage Build

• Primary: Odachi
• Secondary: Tanegashima
• Ranged: Yumi with Explosive Arrows
• Strategy: Focus on maximum damage output, use Odachi for melee, Tanegashima for tough targets, Explosive Arrows for groups

Advanced Combat Techniques

Stance Dancing

The most effective warriors don’t rely on single weapons—they adapt their loadout to each encounter. Master the art of switching weapons mid-combat to counter specific enemy types:

1. Start with ranged weapons for silent eliminations
2. Switch to quickfire tools for crowd control
3. Finish with your preferred melee weapon based on remaining enemy types

Technique Synergies

Certain weapon combinations create powerful synergies:

• Kusarigama + Smoke Bombs: Pull enemies into smoke clouds for guaranteed stealth kills
• Dual Katana + Scorch Bombs: Create chaos and overwhelm disoriented enemies
• Odachi + Tanzutsu: Stun enemies with Bulwark Stance, finish with pistol shots
• Yari + Metsubushi: Blind enemies at range, then close in with spear thrusts

Resource Management

Effective weapon usage requires careful resource management:

• Melee Weapons: No resource cost, use freely
• Bows: Carry limited arrows, craft more at camps
• Bombs: Limited capacity, purchase from merchants
• Guns: Very limited ammunition, use sparingly

Community Resources

Official Sources

• Official PlayStation Website: Ghost of Yōtei
• Sucker Punch Productions: Official Website
• Sucker Punch Twitter: @SuckerPunchProd

Community Platforms

• Reddit Community: r/Ghostofyotei – Active discussions, strategy sharing, and community events
• Official Discord: Ghost of Yōtei Discord – Real-time discussions, LFG, and community events
• Ghost of Tsushima Subreddit: r/ghostoftsushima – Related franchise discussions

Useful Resources

• IGN Wiki: Complete weapon lists and upgrade paths
• Game8.co: Regularly updated tier lists and guides
• gam3s.gg: Detailed combat analysis and build recommendations

FAQ Section

What is the best weapon in Ghost of Yotei?

The Katana (Wolf Blade) is considered the best weapon overall due to its perfect balance of speed, power, and versatility. It excels in one-on-one duels and remains effective throughout the entire game.

Which weapon is best for stealth gameplay?

The Kusarigama is the best weapon for stealth builds, allowing you to drag enemies into killing range from unexpected angles and perform silent assassinations from tall grass.

How do I unlock all weapons in Ghost of Yotei?

Weapons are unlocked by completing specific quests throughout the game:

• Katana: Available from start
• Dual Katana: Complete “The Way of Dual Katana” quest
• Yari: Complete “The Way of the Yari” Sensei quest
• Odachi: Complete “The Way of the Odachi” during Saito Brothers quest
• Kusarigama: Complete The Kitsune questline

What’s the difference between Hankyu and Yumi bows?

The Hankyu is a medium bow with faster draw speed and moderate damage, ideal for active combat. The Yumi is a longbow with higher damage but slower draw time, better for long-range precision shots.

How important are weapon upgrades?

Weapon upgrades are crucial for late-game success. Upgraded weapons deal significantly more damage and unlock new techniques, making them essential for challenging encounters and New Game+ content.

Can I change weapons mid-combat?

Yes, you can switch between weapons instantly during combat using the weapon wheel. This is essential for adapting to different enemy types and situations.

What’s the most effective weapon against bosses?

The Odachi is generally most effective against bosses and large enemies due to its high damage output and ability to break through tough defenses.

How do I get more ammunition for ranged weapons?

Ammunition can be purchased from merchants, crafted at camps, or found in the world. Different arrow types become available as you upgrade your bows.

Are there any hidden or secret weapons?

All weapons are obtainable through normal gameplay progression, but some require completing specific side quests or advancing certain storylines.

What’s the best weapon for beginners?

The Katana (Wolf Blade) is the best weapon for beginners as it’s available from the start, has balanced stats, and is effective against most enemy types you’ll encounter early in the game.

Conclusion

Mastering Ghost of Yotei’s diverse weapon system is key to becoming an unstoppable force in feudal Ezo. While the Katana stands as the top-tier weapon due to its versatility, each weapon serves a specific purpose and excels in different situations.

The most effective warriors adapt their loadout to each encounter, switching between weapons to counter specific enemy types and maximize their combat effectiveness. Whether you prefer the lightning-fast Dual Katana, the strategic Kusarigama, or the devastating Odachi, understanding each weapon’s strengths and weaknesses will help you dominate any battlefield.

Remember to upgrade your weapons regularly, experiment with different loadouts, and don’t be afraid to switch weapons mid-combat. The best weapon is ultimately the one that fits your playstyle and the current situation.

For the most up-to-date information and community discussions, join the official Discord server and Reddit community. Happy hunting in Ezo!

This guide was last updated in November 2025. Check back regularly for the latest weapon balance changes and meta shifts as Ghost of Yotei continues to evolve.