Your Ghost of Yotei Horse Choice Guide

In the sweeping, beautiful world of Ghost of Yotei, your journey as the vengeful warrior Atsu is a solitary one, marked by loss and determination. However, you won’t have to face the sprawling landscapes alone. Early in your adventure, you’ll gain a loyal companion who will carry you across mountains and through valleys: your horse. This decision, made during the “Old Trails” quest, feels significant, leaving many players to wonder which horse they should choose.

This detailed Ghost of Yotei horse choice guide will walk you through the entire process, from starting the quest to the options presented. We’ll answer the all-important question of whether your choice matters and detail the other valuable rewards you can pick up along the way.

Ghost of Yotei: How to Choose Your Horse in the “Old Trails” Quest

Shortly after the game’s prologue, you’ll arrive at Atsu’s dilapidated family home. Exploring the area will trigger memories of her past, and she will make a remark about the stables her father used to take her to, located west of the river. This will activate the “Old Trails” side quest.

Follow the quest marker on your map to find the stables. Upon arrival, you’ll find a settler being harassed by Lord Saito’s men, who are attempting to steal his horses. You must defeat these enemies to proceed. You can use stealth to thin their numbers or engage them in open combat.

Once the area is secure, the grateful settler will guide you to a nearby pond. Here, you’ll enter a flashback sequence, reliving a memory of a younger Atsu with her father, Kengo. During this sequence, you will need to:

1. Inspect a pile of horse manure and follow the tracks around the pond.
2. Follow your father to a small mound where he speaks of a special “charm.”
3. Climb a nearby rock formation to trigger more dialogue with Kengo.
4. Return to the stable master to conclude the memory.

After the flashback ends, you will return to the present. Atsu will let out a whistle, and four horses will gallop into the clearing. This is the moment of decision.

The Horse Options: Does Your Choice Matter?

You will be presented with several horses, each with a different coat color. Your options are:

• Dapple Horse
• Black Horse
• White Horse
• Brown Horse (This option is exclusively available to owners of the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game).

Here is the most important thing to know about this decision: the horse you choose is purely cosmetic. There are no statistical differences in speed, stamina, or health between any of the horses. A Dapple horse will not be faster than a Black horse, and the White horse will not have more endurance.

This choice is entirely about personal preference. You should pick the horse that you find most visually appealing, as this loyal steed will be your constant companion for the rest of your epic journey across Yōtei.

Naming Your Horse

After selecting your horse’s color, you will be given another choice: its name. The options are:

• Shimaki (Tornado)
• Mochizuki (Full Moon)
• Homura (Flame)

Just like the color of your horse, the name you choose has no impact on gameplay. This is simply another opportunity to personalize your companion and strengthen your bond with them. Select the name that resonates most with you and the story you are creating for Atsu.

Additional Rewards from the “Old Trails” Quest

Completing this quest does more than just give you a permanent mount. The “Old Trails” quest is tied to several valuable rewards that you should make sure to collect.

1. “Naming a Friend” Trophy: Simply completing the quest and naming your horse will automatically unlock this achievement, giving you an easy trophy early in the game.
2. Charm of Bountiful Harvest: Remember the tree trunk from Atsu’s flashback with her father? Return to that spot in the present day to find and collect the Charm of Bountiful Harvest. This incredibly useful charm increases the amount of resources you gather when foraging for wood, flowers, and plants. Equipping this early on will significantly speed up your ability to upgrade your gear.
3. Hot Spring: While you are in the area of the stables, be sure to look around for a nearby Hot Spring. Interacting with this location will grant a permanent increase to Atsu’s maximum health, making it an essential stop for any player.

The Final Verdict: Pick With Your Heart

The Ghost of Yotei horse choice is one of the first major decisions you make, designed to foster a connection between you and your in-game companion. While it may feel weighty, the truth is that there is no “wrong” answer. The developers have intentionally made the choice purely aesthetic so that players are not punished for their preference.

So, when the time comes, don’t worry about stats or advantages. Simply look at the noble creatures before you and choose the one that you want by your side as you ride to reclaim your homeland. Your bond is the only thing that matters.