Selecting your horse in Ghost of Yōtei is one of Atsu’s initial personal choices — but it’s also one to which players tend to happen upon by accident. As opposed to the game’s more significant story choices, this is one that doesn’t radically change your path, but is rather quietly emotionally resonant. The quest tied to this choice, “Old Trails,” is optional and easy to miss if you’re focused solely on the main path.
Still, it’s one of the most heartfelt side stories in the game, revealing memories from Atsu’s childhood and deepening her bond with her companions — both human and animal.
If you’re curious about how to begin “Old Trails” or which horse to choose after you arrive, here’s all the information you’ll need.
How to Unlock the “Old Trails” Quest
You will not get a quest indicator for “Old Trails” until you replay a certain series of memories at Atsu’s old residence. Throughout the flashback, Atsu is remembering telling brother Jubei she’s meeting up with their father at the stables. After this exchange of dialogue plays, you can leave the memory, and a small card pops up at the bottom of the screen with a stylized horse.
Once that moment is past, a new target of interest shows up on your map, just west of Atsu’s home, with no title or clue, just that direction. For most players, this trigger occurs after the memory by the old tree — the one where Atsu remembers Jubei burying treasure.
Head west, cross the Sarubetsu River, and head for the Shikotsu River. The stables will be found on the edge of a grassy meadow. The stables are a plain farmhouse-style building, and there is a wanted poster near the entrance of the building — a small environmental hint related to the history of the area. When inside the meadow, Atsu will notice that a horse is running loose, and soon after, the stable master will come up to speak to her.
This tranquility is shattered when Saito’s men show up and put you in a quick skirmish. Kill them, then go back to the settler to initiate the next memory from Atsu’s past. When it finishes, you’ll finally arrive at the moment of choice: choosing your new horse.
Horse Options in Ghost of Yōtei
When the memory fades, you’ll see several horses in front of you. Each one is fully ridable, but the game doesn’t display stats or hidden bonuses — your decision is purely aesthetic and personal.
You can choose between:
- Your original white steed, the same loyal companion Atsu began her journey with.
- A black horse, elegant and understated.
- A dappled horse, with mottled gray coloring that stands out in the sunlight.
- A brown horse, accessible only to players who have the Ghost of Yōtei Deluxe Edition.
There’s no bad choice — and no mechanical benefit attached to any of them. What’s different is how you want Atsu’s narrative to make you feel. Her bond with her horse is a feeling one, not a functional one, built on moments shared and not upgrades.
If you approach each horse by pressing R2, Atsu will comment out loud about them, saying something about their demeanor or looks. These remarks don’t change the outcome but give your choice a bit more flavor, allowing you to role-play slightly more realistically.
And in spite of the stablekeeper’s mention of the old white horse needing rest, you’re free as a bird to select him. He’ll stay strong and dependable throughout the game.
Naming Your Horse
Once you’ve chosen your mount, you’ll be asked to name your horse. This is a purely cosmetic choice, though it adds a nice personal touch to your journey. The three available names are:
- Shimaki (Tornado) – Symbolizing speed and strength.
- Mochizuki (Full Moon) – A calm, reflective name for a horse of quiet grace.
- Homura (Flame) – Fiery and bold, ideal for players who see Atsu as a fierce warrior.
There isn’t a special fourth name for Deluxe Edition players. Regardless of what name you select, you’ll earn the “Naming a Friend” Trophy, which is the point at which Atsu establishes a new friendship.
After the naming ritual completes, the quest title — “Old Trails” — at last appears on screen, retrospectively giving the experience you just finished its title.
The Best Horse to Choose
The best horse in Ghost of Yōtei is the one that means the most to you. The game does not judge your selection by speed, endurance, or fighting capability — it judges your selection by emotion. Whether you remain faithful to the white horse that has borne Atsu since the start or choose a new ride that represents her evolution, the choice is about who she is becoming, not what she can do.
Ghost of Yōtei lives on in peaceful, intimate moments such as these — the reminders that the connection between warrior and world is just as significant as any combat. So, make your choice with your heart, bow in thanks, and keep moving down the path that feels most true to you.
