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There’s a vast world waiting to be explored in Ghost of Yotei, divided into several large open areas filled with clues to keep you engaged. You might notice things like colorful trees in the distance or drifting steam and smoke, inviting you to discover what’s causing them.
Walking through the landscape is an incredible experience, especially when you learn how to interpret the environment around you. However, missing certain hints can leave some areas feeling like dead ends, especially since much of your character development depends on discovering features like hot springs and altars to boost your stats.
From my experience playing Yotei, figuring out where everything is located is probably the part I struggled with most at first. There are birds that can guide you, maps available for purchase, and NPCs who give helpful tips, but it took me a while to realize just how important certain locations really are.
While the game offers plenty of information about skills and weapons, what I wish I understood earlier was how crucial it is to know where to find all the key items and places. Once you figure this out, you’ll have much better control over leveling up and mastering your weapons, which is essential for seeking revenge. Here’s what I’ve learned now that I wish I knew when I started.
Basics
If you’re new to the game, the official beginner guides are a great way to get started. Since the game’s universe is so open-ended, it’s easy to miss important things early on. For example, you start by choosing a horse, which will stay with you throughout your adventure—so no pressure there. You can also turn off the cinematic black bars that appear when riding if you prefer a less cinematic experience.
One of the first big questions is how long the game is. Spoiler alert: because of how much freedom you have, the length of your playthrough can vary greatly.
Weapons and Gear
There are six distinct weapons you can unlock for your main character, each with quick attacks and throwable options to add variety. The good news is, you can explore and unlock all of these weapons before you even start following the main story’s path. It might seem like certain areas are locked behind story progression, but all you really need to do is unlock those areas first and then go after whatever gear you want.
As you gather gear, it’s smart to accumulate as much in-game currency as you can to upgrade your equipment. Some upgrades, like gun parts, are only available late in the game, so timing those upgrades is important.
Lastly, while there’s plenty of armor to find, I wish I had known about the Ghost of Yotei Undying Armor earlier. It’s very powerful and available early on, giving you a strong advantage. Better gear will come later, but starting strong makes a big difference.
Finding Everything
Knowing where everything is in the world is a game-changer because your abilities are upgraded by exploring and discovering specific locations. For instance, Altars of Reflection, which can be found and used to upgrade your core skills, are crucial. The points gained can improve a wide range of powers and weapons, so familiarizing yourself with their locations is very helpful.
You’ll also want to find all the hot springs, since bathing in each one adds a little more health—helpful during long, tough fights. An often-overlooked discovery is the wolf dens, which are important for unlocking your wolf companion. These spots are small rocky hills with a tree on top and can be easy to miss unless you recognize their shape from different angles.
Getting familiar with these key locations early on can make your journey far smoother and more enjoyable.





