How Ghost of Yotei Players Are Tackling Weapon Upgrades

A new chapter begins in the hit action-adventure franchise. “Ghost of Yotei” has officially launched worldwide. Players now step into the role of Atsu, a new protagonist guarding the island of Hokkaido. The game expands its combat with a wider array of melee and ranged weapons.

Mastering these tools is key to survival. According to early reviews from IGN, the upgrade system is deeper and more integrated into the narrative than its predecessor. Knowing where to enhance your gear is the first step to becoming a true ghost.

Forging a Legacy: Upgrading Swords and Polearms

Atsu’s connection to her father, a master swordsmith, is central to the game. His forge at her home serves as the primary hub for enhancing all melee weapons. This includes her katanas, the long-reaching Yari spear, the versatile Kusarigama, and the powerful Odachi.

Upgrading requires specific resources like common metals, rare metals, and gun parts. Players engage in a brief smithing mini-game at the forge. This process can be skipped, but successfully completing it may yield a small resource bonus.

Specialist Artisans: Enhancing Bows and Throwables

Not all gear can be improved at the homestead. Ranged weapons like the Hankyu and Yumi bows require a specialist known as a Bowyer. Early in the story, players meet Ran the Bowyer at the Yotei’s Shadow Inn. She later becomes available at other inns and random camp encounters.

Bomb upgrades are handled by another unique character. Ina the Bombmaker, found in the Ishikari plains, unlocks and improves explosives like the Scorch Bomb and Blind Bomb. Her services demand resources such as black powder and parts scavenged from defeated Oni Raiders.

The Rise of Firearms and Strategic Customization

The Edo period setting introduces new combat options. Atsu can acquire a pistol (Tanzutsu) and a rifle (Tanegashima) through story progression. Upgrading these powerful firearms falls to “Matchlock Murata,” a character rescued during a mission on the Oshima coast.

This strategic division of labor encourages exploration and relationship-building with the world’s inhabitants. Players must manage resources carefully, deciding which weapon to enhance first based on their preferred combat style. This system adds a rich layer of preparation to the game’s intense action.

Success in Ghost of Yotei hinges on a well-maintained arsenal. Upgrading Atsu’s diverse weapons is not just a mechanic—it’s a core part of her journey. Mastering this system is essential for any player looking to conquer the challenges that await on the frozen slopes of Mount Yotei.

Info at your fingertips

Where do I find the Bowyer in Ghost of Yotei?

You first meet Ran the Bowyer at the Yotei’s Shadow Inn during an early story mission. After this encounter, she can be found at other inns and sometimes at your camp in the open world.

What resources are needed for sword upgrades?

Upgrading melee weapons primarily requires various metals and gun parts. The specific type and amount needed increase with each upgrade tier, encouraging exploration and combat.

Can I upgrade my weapon ammo capacity?

Yes. Both the Bowyer and the gunsmith, Matchlock Murata, offer upgrades to increase the ammo capacity for bows and firearms. This is a crucial upgrade for players who favor ranged combat.

Who is the Bombmaker and what does she do?

Ina the Bombmaker is a specialist found in the Ishikari plains. She unlocks new bomb types and upgrades their potency and carrying capacity using resources like black powder.

Is there a way to skip the forging mini-game?

Yes, the game allows players to instantly complete the upgrade and skip the smithing mini-game. However, successfully playing the mini-game can provide a small bonus to resources.

Trusted Sources

Information in this article was cross-referenced from reports and reviews by IGN, GameSpot, and Polygon.