Atsu's journey through Yotei isn't just about honor—it's about survival, and survival means mastering every tool at your disposal. Unlike Jin Sakai's limited arsenal, Atsu wields an impressive collection of 14 different weapons across three distinct categories. Whether you prefer the elegant precision of traditional blades or the devastating power of early firearms, this guide breaks down every confirmed weapon and shows you exactly how to unlock them.
What Makes Ghost of Yotei's Weapon System Revolutionary?
Ghost of Yotei completely reimagines combat by replacing the stance system with dedicated weapon types. Instead of switching stances with your katana, you'll swap between entirely different weapons, each with unique movesets and tactical advantages. This creates deeper strategic choices—do you bring the Odachi for heavily armored foes, or rely on Dual Katanas for swift crowd control?
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The weapon categories break down into three core types:
tip
You can carry multiple weapons simultaneously and switch between them mid-combat, making weapon mastery essential for higher difficulties.
Melee Weapons
Katana
Your starting weapon remains the backbone of Atsu's combat style. The katana excels against sword-wielding enemies and provides the most balanced moveset for general encounters. While you lose the four stance system from Ghost of Tsushima, the katana's refined moveset focuses on precise, fluid slashes that feel incredibly responsive.
How to Get: Atsu begins her journey with this weapon
Best Against: Sword-wielding enemies, general combat situations
Dual Katanas
The Dual Katanas transform combat into a whirlwind of steel. Wielding one blade in standard grip and another in reverse grip, this setup prioritizes rapid combinations over defensive options. You'll sacrifice some blocking capability for devastating combo potential.
How to Get: Complete The Way of the Dual Katana quest and learn from Master Hanbei
Best Against: Spear-wielding enemies, multiple weaker foes
Odachi
Think of the Odachi as a katana on steroids. This two-handed great sword delivers crushing blows that can shatter enemy defenses, but demands patience due to slower attack speeds. Perfect for those satisfying one-shot eliminations against heavily armored targets.
How to Get: Progress through the Saito Brothers questline and train with Master Yoshida
Best Against: Large enemies, heavily armored foes, shield-bearers
Yari
The Yari spear gives you significant reach advantage while offering surprising versatility. Beyond standard thrusts and sweeps, you can actually throw the Yari for devastating ranged attacks—essentially turning it into a one-shot elimination tool against most enemies.
How to Get: Complete the Oni questline and defeat the Yari Master
Best Against: Sickle-wielding enemies, aggressive rushers
Kusarigama
The Kusarigama chain-sickle stands as the most unique weapon in Atsu's arsenal. This unorthodox tool excels at disarming shield-bearing enemies and attacking from unexpected angles. You can hook enemies and yank them off balance, setting up brutal finishing moves.
How to Get: Progress the Kitsune questline and defeat the Nine Tails
Best Against: Shield-wielding enemies, stealth encounters
warning
Each melee weapon requires different timing and spacing. Don't expect to master them immediately—practice against different enemy types to understand their strengths.
Ranged Weapons
Hankyu (Half Bow)
The Hankyu prioritizes quick draw speed and maneuverability. While it lacks the range and damage of its larger cousin, you can nock and release arrows rapidly, making it perfect for mobile combat scenarios.
How to Get: Complete the Old Inn Quest and purchase from Ran the Bowyer
Best Use: Mobile combat, quick enemy elimination
Yumi (Longbow)
The Yumi transforms you into a long-range assassin. This heavy bow delivers devastating damage with perfect accuracy, capable of one-shot eliminations with well-placed headshots. However, the draw time leaves you vulnerable in close combat.
How to Get: Complete the Old Inn Quest and purchase from Ran the Bowyer
Best Use: Stealth elimination, priority target removal
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Tanegashima Matchlock
The Tanegashima Matchlock represents the pinnacle of ranged destruction. This early firearm pierces armor effortlessly and delivers massive damage, but requires careful positioning due to lengthy reload times and ammunition costs.
How to Get: Currently under investigation
Best Use: Eliminating heavily armored targets, breaking enemy formations
Quickfire Tools
Kunai
Kunai throwing blades serve as your primary interrupt tool. These small, fast projectiles excel at breaking enemy attack animations and creating openings for your main weapons.
How to Get: Progress through The Burning of Castle Ishikari and learn from Hana the Kunai Artisan
Tactical Bombs and Powders
Your quickfire arsenal includes several area-denial tools:
- Smokebombs: Create concealment clouds for escapes or repositioning
- Metsubushi: Blind enemies with debilitating powder
- Scorch Bombs: Devastate enemy groups with explosive fire damage
- Oni Flame: Coat your melee weapons with fire for additional damage
important
Quickfire tools have limited uses per encounter. Use them strategically rather than spamming them against every enemy group.
Which Weapons Should You Prioritize?
For New Players
Begin with the katana and Hankyu combination. This setup provides reliable damage output while you learn enemy patterns and timing. Add kunai for interrupting dangerous attacks.
For Aggressive Players
Dual Katanas paired with Scorch Bombs creates devastating close-range encounters. Use bombs to soften groups, then wade in with dual blades for spectacular eliminations.
For Tactical Players
Combine the Yumi longbow with Kusarigama for ultimate battlefield control. Pick off priority targets from range, then use the chain-sickle's unique properties to manage remaining enemies.
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Advanced Combat Strategies
Enemy-Specific Weapon Choices
The weapon effectiveness system creates rock-paper-scissors dynamics:
Weapon Switching Mid-Combat
Don't stick to one weapon per encounter. Smart players switch weapons based on:
- Enemy reinforcement types
- Current positioning
- Remaining health/resources
- Environmental advantages
tip
Practice weapon switching in safe areas. Muscle memory for quick swaps can save your life during intense battles.
Mastering Your Arsenal
Success in Ghost of Yotei comes from understanding that no single weapon solves every problem. The katana might be your foundation, but the Tanegashima eliminates that heavily armored captain, while Dual Katanas clear the remaining troops.
Experiment with different combinations, learn each weapon's unique timing, and most importantly—don't be afraid to adapt your strategy mid-fight. Atsu's survival depends on your willingness to use every tool at your disposal.
Which weapon type calls to you most? The elegant precision of traditional blades, the devastating power of early firearms, or the tactical flexibility of quickfire tools? Whatever your preference, mastering Atsu's complete arsenal will transform you from a mere survivor into the legendary Ghost of Yotei.
For more Ghost of Yotei, check out our All Masks & Locations guide.