Ghost of Yotei (November 2025) Ultimate Beginner’s Guide & Tips
Ghost of Yotei launches you into 1603 Japan as Atsu, a lone mercenary seeking revenge against the Yotei Six. This comprehensive beginner’s guide covers essential tips, combat strategies, and priority tasks to master Ezo’s challenging landscape. Whether you’re new to the Ghost series or a veteran of Tsushima, these expert tips will give you the perfect start to your journey of vengeance and discovery.
Key Information Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2, 2025 |
| Setting | 1603 Ezo, Northern Japan (300 years after Tsushima) |
| Protagonist | Atsu, seeking revenge against the Yotei Six |
| Platform | PlayStation 5 (PS5 Pro Enhanced) |
| Key Features | Dynamic combat, multiple weapons, exploration, crafting |
| Recent Updates | Day One Patch + Update 1.008 with bug fixes |
Essential First Steps: Priority Tasks
Based on extensive research from top gaming sources, these are the most critical tasks to complete early in your Ghost of Yotei journey:
Contents
1. Clear Out the Old Inn
Your first priority should be completing the Old Inn quest at Yotei’s Shadow Inn. This foundational quest unlocks several crucial elements:
- Bow merchant for ranged weapon upgrades
- Armorer for gear improvements
- Cartographer (Isaburo) for map purchases
- Bounty board for additional income
- Onryo’s Howl ability – a fear-inducing combat skill
Pro Tip: Follow the main quest at least until this point before exploring the open world. The Old Inn serves as your central hub for early-game progression.
2. Master the Spyglass Technique
The Spyglass is your most valuable exploration tool. Here’s how to use it effectively:
- Press Up on D-pad to bring out your Spyglass
- Pan the camera until you see a yellow glow in the crosshair
- Focus on that location to automatically mark it on your map
- Visit watchtowers like Crow’s Nest Watchtower near Nupur River for maximum efficiency
This technique reveals pillars, duel trees, enemy camps, and Hot Springs that permanently increase your maximum health.
3. Save Taro the Scavenger
North of the Old Inn, you’ll find Taro surrounded by hostile Ronin. Rescuing him provides:
- Personal merchant selling weapon kits, dyes, charms, and armor
- Early access to Charm of Last Chance – automatically triggers healing when suffering lethal damage
- Regular loot deliveries from defeated enemies through the Wolf Pack system
4. Purchase Traveler’s Maps
Visit Isaburo the cartographer at Yotei’s Shadow Inn to buy Traveler’s Maps. These reveal:
- Altar of Reflection locations for unlocking combat and stealth skills
- Hidden treasures and collectibles
- Efficient exploration routes
Money-Saving Tip: Buy a map, screenshot the solution, then reload a previous save. You’ll keep the knowledge without spending coin!
Combat Mastery: Essential Techniques
Understanding Combat Mechanics
Ghost of Yotei’s combat system is more nuanced than its predecessor. Master these fundamentals:
| Attack Type | Visual Indicator | Required Response |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Attacks | No special glow | Block (Hold L1) |
| Unblockable Attacks | Blue glint | Parry (Press L1 just before impact) |
| Heavy Attacks | Red glint | Dodge (Press Circle) |
| Disarm Attempts | Yellow glint | Hold Triangle, release just before swipe |
Weapon Selection Strategy
Unlike Ghost of Tsushima’s stance system, Yotei features multiple distinct weapons. Choose wisely:
- Katana/Odachi: Most effective against one-handed weapon users
- Dual Katanas: Superior against slower, two-handed polearms (naginatas)
- Yari Spear: Essential for sickle and spear-wielding enemies
- Bow/Firearm: Perfect for taking out enemies from range
Priority Weapon Quest: Complete “The Way of the Yari” early by finding the Yari Master on an island west of Ishikari Plain’s coast. This weapon is crucial for handling common enemy types effectively.
Essential Early Skills
Focus on these skills first for maximum combat effectiveness:
- Perfect Parry (Onryo > Attacks): Allows quick counterattacks after successful parries
- Indomitable Counter (Melee tree): Upgrades Bulwark Stance into a Perfect Counter move
- Assassination tree skills: For stealth takedowns and silent eliminations
Exploration & Resource Management
Environmental Navigation
Ezo’s landscape is vast but manageable with these techniques:
- Gust Wind: Swipe up on the PS5 touchpad to create wind pointing toward your tracked destination
- Horse Mount: Available immediately; gallop through white flower fields for speed boosts
- Golden Birds: Follow these to discover notable areas and secrets
- Landmark Fast Travel: Most discovered locations allow seamless fast travel
Resource Enhancement Charms
These early-game charms significantly boost your resource gathering:
| Charm Name | Location | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Charm of Kanayago | Fall’s Rest Shrine (SE Yotei Grasslands) | Doubles Common/Rare Metals |
| Charm of Bountiful Harvest | NE corner of lake in Shikotsu Woods | Doubles wood, flowers, plants |
Health & Spirit Enhancement
Permanently increase your capabilities:
- Hot Springs: Scattered throughout Ezo; bathing increases maximum health
- Bamboo Strikes: Complete button-pressing minigames to increase maximum Spirit (resolve points)
Advanced Tips & Strategies
Memory Sequences
When Atsu remarks that places seem familiar, press and hold the touchpad to revisit her childhood memories. These sequences:
- Reveal backstory and character development
- Provide clues for present-day treasures (like hidden coin stashes)
- Unlock additional narrative context
Camping System
Hold Left D-pad to set up camp. Camping offers:
- Health and Spirit restoration
- Crafting ammo for ranged weapons
- Cooking food for temporary buffs
- Time of day changes
- Visits from Wolf Pack vendors selling exclusive items
Bounty System
After unlocking the bounty board at the Old Inn:
- Track bounties via world map (gold borders indicate rough locations)
- Complete bounties for substantial coin rewards
- Reduce notoriety and restore Spirit by selecting your own bounty
- Collect target masks as proof of completion
Photo Mode Scouting
Use Photo Mode strategically:
- Zoom out extensively to scout areas before entering
- Reveal enemy locations and potential ambush points
- Identify platforming segments and hidden paths
- Plan your approach to difficult areas
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Skipping NPC Conversations
Talk to every NPC you encounter. They provide:
- Side mission opportunities
- Main story quest leads
- Valuable information about nearby activities
- Potential Wolf Pack recruits
2. Neglecting Weapon Quests
Complete weapon quests immediately when entering new regions. Without appropriate weapons:
- Combat becomes significantly harder
- You’ll face enemies with weapon type advantages
- Progression slows dramatically
3. Ignoring Quest Card Rewards
Pay attention to the bottom of each quest card – it shows reward types. Prioritize quests offering:
- New throwables
- Charms
- Significant gear upgrades
4. Overlooking Early Gear Upgrades
Purchase gear with upgrade challenges early. This allows you to:
- Complete upgrade requirements naturally during progression
- Avoid backtracking later
- Maximize gear effectiveness throughout the game
Community Resources & Official Links
Official Communities
- Discord: Community-run server for Ghost of Yotei and Tsushima – Active discussions, contests, and seasonal events
- Reddit: r/GhostofYotei – Fan community with tips, discussions, and news
- Official Website: Sucker Punch Productions – Developer news and updates
- PlayStation Store: Ghost of Yōtei Official Page – Official game information and purchase options
Recent Updates & Patches
- Day One Patch: Improved cinematic transitions, fixed armor issues, enhanced ray tracing performance
- Update 1.008: Fixed coin glitches at gambling tables, addressed horse vanishing issues, additional stability improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghost of Yotei a direct sequel to Ghost of Tsushima?
No, Ghost of Yotei is set 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima and features a completely new protagonist and story. While it shares design elements and mythology, it’s a standalone experience.
Will Jin Sakai appear in Ghost of Yotei?
No, Jin Sakai does not appear in the game as it’s set centuries after his time. However, his legend endures in the world.
When will Legends mode be available?
Legends mode will return to Ghost of Yotei but won’t be available at launch. Developers plan to release this multiplayer experience in 2026.
How long does it take to complete Ghost of Yotei?
Completion time varies based on playstyle, but following Atsu’s story to conclusion and discovering all the world has to offer will take many hours. The game offers substantial content for completionists.
What’s the best starting strategy for beginners?
Focus on completing the Old Inn quest first, then prioritize weapon quests and essential charm collection. Master the Spyglass technique for efficient exploration and don’t skip NPC conversations.
Are there different editions of the game?
Yes, there’s a Standard Edition ($69.99) and a Digital Deluxe Edition ($79.99) that includes exclusive armor, dyes, horse accessories, and early access to Traveler’s Maps.
How do I pronounce “Yōtei”?
In Japanese, “Yōtei” is pronounced “Yo-tay.”
Conclusion
This comprehensive beginner’s guide provides everything you need to start your Ghost of Yotei journey with confidence. Remember to explore thoroughly, master the combat mechanics, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Ezo. For the most current information and community discussions, join the official Discord and Reddit communities linked above.
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates as new content and patches are released. Your path to revenge against the Yotei Six begins now – may your blade be sharp and your spirit strong in November 2025!
