Ghost of Tsushima was basically a perfect game for many of us, but if there was one thing that felt a little "video-gamey," it was Jin Sakai constantly switching his body posture to beat a guy with a shield. It worked. It was fun. But Sucker Punch clearly wanted something meatier for the sequel. In Ghost of Yotei, that old rock-paper-scissors stance system has been tossed into the trash. It’s been replaced by something way more tactile: a Ghost of Yotei weapon aligned system where your physical gear—not just your feet—determines how you survive a 1603 frontier brawl.
Honestly, it makes sense. We aren't playing as a disciplined Samurai lord this time. Atsu is a ronin, a wanderer in the wild northern lands of Ezo. She doesn't have a clan teaching her the "Stone Stance." She has whatever steel she can scavenge or win in a duel.
The End of Stances and the Rise of the Arsenal
If you're looking for the Wind Stance to kick a spearman in the face, you’re out of luck. Instead, the game wants you to literally change what’s in your hands. This is the core of being Ghost of Yotei weapon aligned. Each tool in your inventory is hard-coded to counter specific enemy archetypes.
When you run into a group of Ronin, you might start with the classic Wolf Blade (your starting katana). It’s the all-rounder. It’s for the "honorable" clashing of steel. But the second a guy with a six-foot spear shows up, the katana feels... short. That’s when you tap the quick-select and pull out the Dual Katanas.
Wielding two blades isn't just for looking cool, though it definitely helps. The speed of the dual-wielding style is designed to overwhelm polearm users. You’re basically trading defensive blocking for pure, aggressive momentum. It's a high-risk, high-reward swap that feels way more visceral than just changing your animation style.
📖 Related: Fields of Mistria: Why This Farming Sim Finally Gets the Genre Right
Breaking Down the Melee Counters
Sucker Punch didn't just add one or two new toys. They built a five-pillar melee system. You’ve got to think about your loadout before you even enter a camp in the Yotei Grasslands.
- Katana (Wolf Blade): This is your bread and butter. Best for 1v1 duels against other sword users. It has the most balanced parry window.
- Dual Katanas: Specifically aligned to beat spears and naginatas. You use one blade in a reverse grip, which looks incredible in the PS5’s photo mode, by the way.
- Odachi: This thing is massive. It’s a two-handed greatsword that moves like molasses but hits like a truck. If you see a "Brute" or a heavily armored captain, this is the only thing that’s going to stagger them consistently.
- Yari (Spear): You actually get this from Master Takahashi in the Ishikari Plains. It’s the king of reach. It’s ironically the best counter for enemies using the Kusarigama or those annoying twin-kama users.
- Kusarigama: The chain-sickle is the weirdest weapon in the game. It’s basically your shield-breaker. You use the weighted end (the fundo) to yank shields away or pull enemies off balance before finishing them with the sickle.
The cool part? You can actually pick up spears off the ground and chuck them. It’s not just about what you have equipped; it’s about using the environment. If a guy drops his weapon, you can literally pick it up and use it against his buddies.
Firearms: The 1603 Power Shift
Since we’ve moved 300 years forward from Jin’s time, technology has caught up. The introduction of the Tanegashima (matchlock rifle) and the Tanzutsu (pistol) completely changes the ranged game.
In the first game, the Longbow was your "heavy" option. Now, the Tanegashima is the nuclear option. It ignores armor entirely. If a guy is wearing a full steel chest plate, an arrow might bounce off, but a lead ball from a matchlock won't. The catch is the reload time. It takes forever. You’re basically getting one shot off per encounter unless you’ve got a lot of distance or some serious upgrades.
The pistol is even more interesting. It’s classified as a "Quickfire" weapon. You don’t really aim it like a bow; it’s more for a sudden "get off me" blast in the middle of a sword fight. It’s dirty. It’s effective. It’s exactly the kind of thing the "Ghost" would use.
💡 You might also like: Dead Island 2 Keys: Why You Can't Find Them and How to Fix That
How to Get the Best Gear
You don't just find these in chests. You have to earn them through "Revenge Quests" or "Sensei Tales." For example, the Dual Katanas are locked behind a quest for a guy named Hanbei. He’s a retired bounty hunter living on a mountain trail west of the Yotei Grasslands. You have to do a whole training montage involving deflecting glowing coals before he trusts you with the second blade.
The Odachi comes from Master Yoshida in the Tokachi Range. His dojo is near Horosaru Falls. You’ll have to defend his place from Saito Outlaws to prove you’re worthy of the heavy steel. It’s a lot more involved than the previous game's "Mythic Tales," feeling more like a personal journey for Atsu.
Mastering the Flow
The biggest mistake you can make is trying to play this like Ghost of Tsushima. If you try to use the Katana for everything, the game will punish you. Hard.
The AI is smarter this time. Enemies will actually switch their own weapons to counter you. If you’re wrecking house with the Odachi, an enemy might swap to something faster to get inside your guard. Being Ghost of Yotei weapon aligned means being flexible.
👉 See also: World of Warcraft: Why The Path of Ascension Still Frustrates (And Rewards) Players
Practical Next Steps for your Playthrough:
- Prioritize the "Way of the Dual Katana" quest early. You'll find Hanbei's rumor card almost immediately after the prologue. Having that second blade makes early-game spear enemies a breeze.
- Don't ignore the Blacksmith. You upgrade melee weapons at Atsu’s father’s forge using "Oni Raider Mask Pieces" and "Shinobi Steel." Unlike the first game, these upgrades actually unlock new moves, not just damage boosts.
- Use your Wolf. The wolf companion isn't just a pet; it can participate in Standoffs and distract enemies so you have time to reload that slow-as-dirt Tanegashima.
- Watch the glint. When using the Katana, wait for the handle to glint before releasing your heavy attacks. This triggers the "Iaido" combo, which is still the best way to end a duel quickly.
The frontier is a messy, violent place. Don't get sentimental about your gear. If a weapon isn't working, swap it out. That’s how you become the Ghost.