One of the first major choices you’ll make in Ghost of Yotei is selecting your horse. Much like in Ghost of Tsushima, this companion is more than just a way to travel—it’s a constant presence throughout your adventure. However, the process of acquiring and naming your steed isn’t immediate, and it comes with some unique story-driven steps.
At the beginning of the game, Atsu is given a simple white horse with no name. This default steed carries you through the early Grasslands and allows you to get a feel for horseback travel. But before long, the game introduces a quest that lets you choose a permanent horse and name it, sealing the bond for the rest of the journey.
Where to Find the Old Trails Quest
To begin the process of choosing your horse, you’ll need to trigger the Old Trails tale:
- Return to Atsu’s Childhood Home – Located in the Yotei Grasslands near Lake Shikotsu.
- Enter the Past – Hold the Touch Pad to shift into a memory sequence where you play as a young Atsu.
- Speak With Atsu’s Brother – You’ll find him digging near the entrance. After a brief dialogue about their father and the stables, the “Old Trails” quest unlocks.
- Equip the Quest – Select it from your map with the D-Pad to set your next destination.
Journey to the Old Stables
With the quest active, head southeast into Shikotsu Woods until you find the Old Stables. Here’s what you’ll face:
- Enemy Encounter – Two outlaws are abusing a horse nearby. Defeat them and follow the horse back to the stables.
- Meeting the Settler – Upon arrival, you’ll discover the stables are abandoned except for a lone Settler. Speaking with him leads to another fight against Saito’s Outlaws.
- Flashback Trigger – After clearing the enemies, follow the Settler into an open field where a memory sequence with Atsu’s father begins.
Tracking the Horses
During the flashback, you’ll need to track horses alongside Atsu’s father:
- Follow the horse tracks and manure along a muddy trail.
- Climb a cliff to continue the trail.
- At the top, use the Whistle (Left on the D-Pad) to call the horses.
When the scene ends, Atsu returns to the present day with the chance to choose a permanent companion.
How to Choose and Name Your Horse in Ghost of Yotei
At this point, you’ll select from three horses:
- White – Your current horse.
- Black – A sleek alternative.
- Dappled Gray – A mottled option.
There are no gameplay differences between the horses—they all share the same speed and stamina. The decision is purely cosmetic but permanent, so choose carefully.
Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll also pick one of three names:
- Shimaki (“Tornado”)
- Mochizuki (“Full Moon”)
- Homura (“Flame”)
Confirming your choice grants the “Naming a Friend” Bronze Trophy and finalizes your bond.
Exclusive Horse from the Digital Deluxe Edition
If you purchased the Digital Deluxe Edition, you’ll unlock a unique brown horse alongside the three standard choices. Like the others, it doesn’t offer stat bonuses but gives you an exclusive cosmetic option.
How to Summon Your Horse
Once you’ve chosen, summoning your companion is simple:
- Press Left on the D-Pad – Atsu whistles, and the horse spawns nearby.
- The horse is invincible—it won’t take damage from combat or terrain.
- You don’t need to feed or maintain it, though Atsu still interacts with it affectionately throughout the story.
Can You Change Your Choice Later?
No. Once you’ve chosen your horse and name during the Old Trails quest, the decision is final for the rest of your playthrough. You can revisit the Old Stables to see the horses you didn’t pick, but they won’t be available to switch.
See also: Digimon Story Time Stranger Review – Story, Gameplay, and Final Verdict
Getting your horse in Ghost of Yotei is a key early milestone. While the choice won’t affect combat or gameplay stats, it has emotional weight—this companion will be with you until the very end. Whether you keep the faithful white steed or start fresh with a black, dappled, or Deluxe horse, naming your companion feels like the moment Atsu’s journey truly begins. Play Now!
