The Snow Drift Springs Shrine in Ghost of Yotei is one of the more visually striking puzzles found in the frosty Teshio Ridge region. Surrounded by frozen ponds and guarded by a set of mysterious fox statues, it challenges players to interpret subtle visual clues rather than decipher complex ciphers. This guide explains how to solve every step of the Snow Drift Springs Shrine puzzle, unlock the hidden hideout beyond it, and what to expect once you’re inside.
Snow Drift Springs Shrine Location in Ghost of Yotei
You’ll find the Snow Drift Springs Shrine in the southwestern area of Teshio Ridge, just west of Red Crane Inn and near the region’s hot springs. The area is dotted with fox statues and lantern posts — key components of the puzzle. When you arrive, you’ll notice a sealed door ahead and several groups of stone foxes nearby. These statues hold the secret to unlocking the entrance.
How the Puzzle Works in Ghost of Yotei
The shrine’s riddle centers around three sets of fox statue altars, each with a unique pattern. Each set has three lantern posts topped with different fox poses — sitting, crouching, or howling. Behind each group, you’ll spot a single fox statue that hints at which altar should be lit.
To solve the puzzle, your task is simple but requires keen observation: Light the lantern that matches the fox statue’s pose behind the altar set.
A nearby brazier provides the torch you’ll need to ignite them.
How to Solve the Snow Drift Springs Shrine Puzzle – Full Walkthrough
First Set (Left of the Door)
Start from the shrine’s entrance and move left toward a small pond. Pick up a torch from the brazier beside the path. Look toward the water — you’ll see a fox statue sitting upright with its head slightly tilted. Match this pose with the leftmost lantern in the group and light it.
This completes the first step.
Second Set (Right of the Door)
Next, move to the right side of the entrance where a large boulder sits behind another trio of fox lanterns. Here, the background statue shows a fox with its head raised in a howl. Light the rightmost lantern in this group to mirror that pose.
Third Set (On the Ridge)
Turn around from the main path and climb the short ridge behind the shrine. Up here, another set of three lanterns awaits near a shallow pond. The fox statue behind this group crouches low to the ground — the same pose as the middle lantern. Light the center lantern to complete the final step of the exterior puzzle.
When done correctly, you’ll hear the door mechanism shift, and the entrance to the shrine will open slightly, allowing you to crawl underneath to access the hidden area.
Inside the Shrine: The Hidden Hideout
Beyond the newly opened passage lies a short tunnel that leads into the Snow Drift Springs Hideout, one of the Yotei Six Camps hidden throughout Teshio Ridge. The hideout is packed with Nine-Tails members, so be prepared for combat.
You can take advantage of tall grass for stealth takedowns or climb high perches to pick off enemies silently. Whether you prefer silent assassinations or open confrontation, the camp’s compact layout makes it manageable either way.
The Second Fox Puzzle Inside
After clearing the enemies and freeing the prisoner, look toward the upper level of the hideout — you’ll encounter another fox-lantern puzzle. This one is shorter and simpler.
You’ll see two pairs of fox statues behind the lanterns. Light the leftmost lanterns on both sides, matching the background foxes’ stances. Doing so opens a new pathway upward, leading to the Altar of Reflection and the Kitsune Puzzle, where you can claim your next reward and collectible progress.
What Happens After Solving the Snow Drift Springs Shrine Puzzle
Solving the Snow Drift Springs Shrine puzzle not only grants entry to a hidden camp but also unlocks one of the key Nine-Tails Puzzle Boxes in Ghost of Yotei. These boxes count toward the Trickster Fox Trophy, an important collectible milestone for completionists.
If you’re aiming for 100% completion in Teshio Ridge, make sure to finish this puzzle as it connects directly to the wider Kitsune network of hidden shrines and secret rewards.
Quick Recap: Snow Drift Springs Shrine Puzzle Solution
| Puzzle Area | Fox Pose | Lantern to Light |
|---|---|---|
| Left side of door | Sitting upright | Leftmost |
| Right side of door | Howling | Rightmost |
| Ridge behind shrine | Crouched | Middle |
| Inside hideout (upper level) | Facing forward foxes | Leftmost on both sides |
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Quick Tips for Snow Drift Springs Shrine Puzzle Ghost of Yotei
- Always grab a torch from the nearby brazier before attempting each section.
- Each puzzle’s solution mirrors the fox statue behind the lanterns — if you’re unsure, step back and observe.
- Once inside, clearing the camp and completing the second fox puzzle leads you to the Altar of Reflection for further rewards.
- Nothing here is missable — you can revisit and complete the shrine later during free roam.
The Snow Drift Springs Shrine puzzle in Ghost of Yotei relies on observation rather than deciphering codes. By carefully matching each lantern’s fox pose to the statues nearby, you can unlock the hidden hideout and progress toward full completion in Teshio Ridge. It’s a concise yet satisfying puzzle that ties beautifully into the game’s fox-spirit lore and stealth-driven gameplay. Play Now!
