The wolf is one of the most exciting companions in Ghost of Yotei, bringing both narrative depth and combat versatility to Atsu’s journey. Unlike your horse, the wolf cannot be summoned at will from the start—it requires effort, exploration, and bonding before it becomes a reliable ally. This guide covers everything you need to know about unlocking, summoning, and upgrading the wolf companion.

Early in the story, Atsu encounters a mysterious wolf during her travels across Ezo. At this point, the animal appears sporadically, lending assistance during key battles or when Atsu is in danger. These early interactions establish the bond but also highlight that the wolf isn’t fully under your command yet.
How to Unlock the Wolf Summon Song
The key to summoning your wolf companion lies in learning the Song of the Wolf, a special Shamisen melody.
- Requirement: Complete at least four Wolf Dens scattered across Ezo.
- How It Works: Once unlocked, swipe left on the touchpad to select and play the song before a fight. If the wolf is nearby (indicated by its howl), it will appear and join you in combat.
The Song transforms the wolf from a random event into a dependable battle partner.
Where to Find Wolf Dens in Ghost of Yotei
Wolf Dens are side activities that deepen your connection with the wolf while granting access to new abilities. Each Den involves:
- Locating the Den – Found through exploration, guided by golden birds, or via Cartographer maps.
- Following the Wolf – The wolf leads you to an enemy camp, often held by Saito’s men or Oni Raiders.
- Clearing the Camp – Defeat enemies, sometimes facing unique challenges like Kumigashira leaders or flamethrower-wielding raiders.
- Rescuing Captive Wolves – Freeing imprisoned wolves grants skill points for the wolf’s progression.
There are 10 Wolf Dens in total, including Hunter’s Watch, Dying Fire, Green Hill, and Great Mountain. Completing them not only strengthens your bond but also unlocks a skill tree dedicated to the wolf.
The Wolf Companion Skill Tree
Clearing Wolf Dens grants points you can spend on wolf abilities. There are 11 skills in total, divided into combat-focused and summon/support abilities.
Combat Skills
- Wolf Strike – Wolf performs a follow-up attack when you strike enemies with thrown weapons or Sake jars.
- Wolf’s Vengeance – After appearing, the wolf stays and continues to fight.
- Wolf Assassination – If Atsu assassinates or critical strikes, the wolf takes down an additional foe.
- Wolf’s Ferocity – Wolf deals greatly increased stagger damage.
- Wolf’s Might – Wolf abilities instantly kill Brutes and Leaders.
- Wolf’s Wrath – Wolf kills earn Spirit and may terrify surrounding enemies.
Summon & Support Skills
- Wolf Rescue – When Atsu is downed, the wolf may appear to save her from death.
- Wolf Howl – When using Onryo’s Howl, the wolf may attack another enemy.
- Wolf Strike Summon – Thrown weapons or Sake jars may summon the wolf for a follow-up attack.
- Wolf Standoff – Wolf joins Atsu in Standoffs, doubling opening strike potential.
- Primal Bond – Makes the wolf respond more often to the Song of the Wolf, and appear in more locations.
When the Wolf Appears
Once you’ve unlocked the Song and invested in abilities, the wolf can appear in several scenarios:
- During Stand Offs, tackling an extra enemy.
- When Atsu performs an Assassination.
- After being revived with Wolf Rescue.
- By playing the Song of the Wolf before combat.
- Occasionally, when Atsu throws objects like Sake jars or kunai.
Naming Your Wolf
After completing five Wolf Dens, you unlock the ability to name your wolf companion. The available names reflect different qualities of spirit and loyalty:
- Kiba – “Fang”
- Mikage – “Honorable Shadow”
- Shunen – “Relentless”
This moment solidifies your bond, giving the wolf a personal identity that reflects Atsu’s journey.
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Quick Tips for Wolf in Ghost of Yotei
- Prioritize Summon Skills early so the wolf appears in more encounters.
- Use the wolf as a distraction in large battles—its stagger damage and rescue skills can turn the tide.
- Pair the wolf’s follow-up strikes with thrown weapons to create deadly combos.
- Seek out Cartographer maps if you’re struggling to find Wolf Dens.
Summoning the wolf in Ghost of Yotei isn’t just about gaining a powerful combat ally—it’s about building a bond. From the first encounter to unlocking the Song of the Wolf and developing the wolf’s skill tree, each step makes Atsu’s journey feel richer. Whether pulling off synchronized assassinations or being saved from the brink of death, the wolf transforms battles into memorable moments.
Mastering Wolf Dens and upgrading abilities ensures your companion grows stronger, making every howl on the battlefield a symbol of loyalty and strength. Play Now!