In Ghost of Yotei, a number of the game’s most satisfying weapons are access-restricted by quests that start in faraway and hostile areas. One of these weapons is the Kusarigama, which is lying in wait for players on the cold slopes of Owl Mountain. The actual challenge isn’t actually getting the weapon, but pushing through the cold outdoors and aggressive encounters in the process.
This guide outlines the safest and most efficient route to Owl Mountain without compromising unnecessarily and dealing with the freezing mechanic introduced in the northern section of Teshio Ridge.
Preparation for the Cold
The instant you enter Teshio Ridge, you will see a new survival mechanic: the cold will leech your health slowly and impede your vision. If you stay outside too long without taking cover, you can freeze to death in the snow. To prevent that, plan your route ahead of time, take pauses at key safe spots, and avoid distractions that could leave you stranded in the storm.
Starting Point: Red Crane Inn
After the first part in Teshio Ridge with the Kitsune fight, your map will indicate the two major points: the Red Crane Inn (as part of the main story) and Owl Mountain (for Kusarigama). Get to the Red Crane Inn first. You don’t need to start the story there—you just need to open it up as a quick travel location to make the commute much easier.
Path to Owl Mountain
From Red Crane Inn, use these landmarks in order to make sure you’re on the right track:
- Proceed northwest towards the Teshio River. As you are riding, watch for a little wooden house on your right-hand side. This assures you that you’re going in the right direction.
- Stay close to the icy river and continue along its path until you reach a trail diverging off to the right. This leads to the Kitsune Altar in Sarobetsu Forest—a side puzzle location to remember.
- Move north a little further to reach Sarobetsu Lake. You’ll see a group of enemies around a number of corpses, including the target for a bounty, Snowstorm Katagiri.
You can skip this fight and move on.
Or, if you’re feeling daring, defeat Katagiri for 1,500 Coins from Kojiro.
Then, the cold will worsen. Run to the Nakajima Sake House, a neighborhood shelter where you’ll be able to recover some health before proceeding.
Proceed out of the Sake House and travel north along the frozen lake, making your way between trees with orange leaves. Continue until a major road is reached. If the road divides near a group of wooden sculptures, take the left-hand divide. This will lead you directly out to a bridge spanning the frozen waters.
Arrival at Owl Mountain
Crossing the bridge means you’ve reached Owl Mountain, and the Way of the Kusarigama quest is automatically started there. You’ll receive the Kusarigama upon entry, but you won’t be able to exit the mountain until the quest is complete. When the quest is unlocked, the weapon is quite handy against shielded foes and is a valuable item to have in your inventory.
