Bamboo Strikes return in Ghost of Yotei as precision-based challenges that test your timing and control. Completing them increases Atsu’s maximum Spirit, allowing you to unleash more healing and special combat abilities during intense fights. There are 15 Bamboo Strikes spread across Ezo, each hidden near landmarks, inns, forests, and quest areas. This guide covers every Bamboo Strike location, its regional breakdown, and the context behind each challenge.
What Are Bamboo Strikes?
Bamboo Strikes are short minigame sequences that test Atsu’s discipline and sword mastery. You must press the displayed button sequence before time runs out to cut through all stalks in a single motion.
Each completed Bamboo Strike increases your Spirit bar, represented by yellow dots above the health meter. More Spirit means longer survival — essential for executing Heal Techniques and special attacks.
Pro Tip: In the settings menu, set Accessibility → Rapid Button Presses → Simplified to make these challenges easier.
Bamboo Strikes by Region
1. Story-Related Bamboo Strikes
Two Bamboo Strikes are tied directly to main quests and cannot be missed.
- Mountain Trail Bamboo Strike – Unlocks during The Way of Dual Katana main tale when Atsu meets Master Hanbei on Mount Yotei. The challenge is left-hand oriented and introduces dual katana mechanics.
- Matsumae Encampment Bamboo Strike – Completed automatically during The Oni tale when Atsu joins Jubei at the encampment. Completing it rewards extra Spirit and unique dialogue moments.
2. Yotei Grasslands Bamboo Strikes (3 Total)
- Father’s Bamboo Strike
- Location: Near Atsu’s childhood home, overlooking Lake Shikotsu.
- Details: Interact with the broken stand near your father’s forge to repair it before attempting the strike.
- Nupur River Bamboo Strike
- Location: Northwest of Yotei’s Shadow Inn, near Crow’s Nest Watchtower.
- Details: A settler blocks access until you either spar or bribe him for 200 coins.
- Yotei River Bamboo Strike
- Location: North of the Yotei River, between the White Dye House and Mount Yotei Shrine path.
- Details: A tranquil spot watched over by foxes and cubs — a scenic challenge that boosts your Spirit early on.
3. Ishikari Plain Bamboo Strikes (2 Total)
- Urara Bamboo Strike
- Location: Behind Oni’s Breath Inn in Urara Forest.
- Details: Speak to nearby NPCs and head toward the stable area to start the challenge.
- Rumoi Bamboo Strike
- Location: On the north side of Rumoi River, west of Matsumae Encampment.
- Details: You’ll meet a practicing swordsman — you can choose to bribe or duel him before attempting the Bamboo Strike.
4. Tokachi Range Bamboo Strikes (3 Total)
- Huranui Bamboo Strike
- Location: Outside Huranui’s Rest Inn.
- Details: Requires Atsu to drink two bottles of sake before starting the minigame. No map icon appears; look for the inn marker instead.
- Misty Valley Bamboo Strike
- Location: South of Shizunai Woods, inside Abandoned Tominaga Estate.
- Quest: Available after completing The Spider Lily General Mythic Tale. Follow paths lined with red flowers through the bamboo maze to reveal the challenge.
- Niikappu’s Fork Bamboo Strike
- Location: Between Moiwa Grotto and Twin Ponds of Hidaka.
- Details: Two hostile bears roam nearby — take them out from a distance before starting the Bamboo Strike.
5. Teshio Ridge Bamboo Strikes (3 Total)
- Sakuru Bamboo Strike
- Location: On a cliff above Bifuka Sake House, north of Kamikawa Trading Post in Sakuru Woods.
- Details: Follow the golden bird to the ledge — the Bamboo Strike awaits on a flat stone surface.
- Hakodake Bamboo Strike
- Location: East of Hakodake Mountains near Sarufutsu Lighthouse.
- Details: Requires a bit of climbing using grappling points to reach the top. A fortune-teller appears afterward, offering a side quest.
- Sarobetsu Bamboo Strike
- Location: Between Deserted Village and Nakajima Sake House, near Sarobetsu Lake.
- Details: Completing this challenge triggers a surprise Nine Tails ambush.
6. Oshima Coast Bamboo Strikes (2 Total)
- Atago Bamboo Strike
- Location: South of the Oshima Coast Entrance near Atago Rice Fields.
- Details: Remove all nearby weapons before striking — otherwise, lightning will hit Atsu due to metal interference.
- Matsumae Bamboo Strike
- Location: Inside Matsumae Castle grounds, past the cherry blossom courtyard.
- Details: Requires Atsu to strike using her left hand, making it one of the most unique and challenging Bamboo Strikes.
Total Bamboo Strike Count
| Region | Number of Strikes | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Story-Related | 2 | Mountain Trail, Matsumae Encampment |
| Yotei Grasslands | 3 | Father’s Home, Nupur River, Yotei River |
| Ishikari Plain | 2 | Urara Forest, Rumoi River |
| Tokachi Range | 3 | Huranui Inn, Misty Valley, Niikappu’s Fork |
| Teshio Ridge | 3 | Sakuru, Hakodake, Sarobetsu |
| Oshima Coast | 2 | Atago, Matsumae Castle |
Total: 15 Bamboo Strikes
Rewards and Trophy Unlock
Completing all Bamboo Strikes contributes toward the “Body, Mind, and Spirit” Silver Trophy, which also requires finishing all Shrine Climbs and Hot Springs across Ezo.
Each Bamboo Strike increases Atsu’s maximum Spirit, granting more chances to heal, deflect, or unleash devastating special attacks during duels.
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QuickTips for Completing Bamboo Strikes
- Adjust Controls: Enable “Simplified” button presses for accessibility.
- Prepare for Fights: Some locations trigger ambushes post-challenge.
- Scout for Inns: Unmarked Strikes are often near rest stops.
- Use Traveler’s Maps: These can reveal hidden icons not shown on default maps.
Finding all 15 Bamboo Strikes in Ghost of Yotei is more than just a collectible hunt — it’s a path to perfecting Atsu’s spiritual and combat mastery. From her father’s cliffside forge to the stormy Oshima Coast, each Bamboo Strike deepens the theme of balance between discipline and power. Complete them all to strengthen Atsu’s resolve and earn the coveted Body, Mind, and Spirit Trophy — a true mark of mastery for any Ghost of Yotei player. Play Now!
