Learn how to complete The Way of the Odachi in Ghost of Yotei. This mission will unlock the odachi and you’ll find tips on using it. With its heavy swings, you can cleave through many opponents if you have the skill.
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How to unlock The Way of the Odachi
You can start this mission after you get a lead on the Yotei Six and select the Dragon and Spider option. From there, you’ll need to find Master Yoshida’s dojo near Horosaru Falls.
Master Yoshida will be talking to a Matsumae Samurai in front of his dojo. After telling you he’s not taking any more students, he’ll accept you as a student and start the mission.
Training with the Odachi
Follow Master Yoshida and pick up the odachi on the rack. Training will be simple and effective, starting with blocking along with using light and heavy attacks.
Compared to a standard katana, the odachi’s swings feel very slow and heavy in comparison. While it offers heavy hitting attacks, the windup time to your swings can leave you open to attacks.
Defeat Saito’s Forces
The following day, Saito’s men will attack the dojo. You’ll be the first one to face off against them, and you’ll get to fight a brute with an axe.
Wait for the brute to finish his unblockable combo, then attack. The odachi is very effective against brutes, but it requires good timing and patience on your part to be effective.
Don’t be too hasty to swing in to attack, wait for your opponents to finish their unblockable combos first then attack.
Remember to swap to the katana against other katanas, and fight off the rest of Saito’s men. Though the fight isn’t over yet, as you and Master Yoshida must deal with the men camped out on the ridge.
Climb up the Ridge
Follow Master Yoshida and he’ll lead you to a cliff you’ll need to climb. After climbing up two cliffs, you’ll find some of Saito’s men, a couple of which are armed with teppo (muskets).
Focus on the women with the teppo first as their attacks will hit HARD. Always keep an ear out for when they shout before they fire and dodge.
Once the soldiers are defeated, follow Master Yoshida up the cliff further and you’ll be attacked by a Bo-Hiya. Don’t stop moving until you reach the soldier or take him down with the yumi.
Open the nearby yellow chest for supplies, then get through the blockage by grappling and pulling it open. Continue following Master Yoshida up the cliff.
Using the Odachi to Block
After finding a small tent at the river, Master Yoshida will teach you the importance of blocking with the odachi. Hold R2 to block incoming attacks, then release when they’re done to knock them off balance.
Once they’re off balance, follow up with a swing. Avoid doing this with unblockable attacks with the red glint. Defeat the remaining men and those that follow.
Close the Distance
Continue climbing up the cliff and you’ll be attacked by two gunners with bo-hiya. Keep running and avoid their shots, kill them, and finish off everyone else at the camp.
After defeating the camp, Master Yoshida will share his story as to why the Saito Brothers want him dead. After the cutscene, you’ll return to the dojo and complete The Way of the Odachi.
Master Yoshida will give you a list of targets to disrupt Saito’s operations at Tokachi Range. These targets are Inokichi the Hungry, and Junpei the Snatcher.
If you have not completed your hunt for The Oni or The Kitsune, finish those. If you have done so already, return to your home to start Ghosts of the Past.
