What horse should you pick in Ghost of Yōtei?

Deciding what horse to pick in Ghost of Yōtei is one of Atsu’s first big choices, though as far as major decisions go, it’s a pretty lenient one. Getting to that point is the bigger challenge, since the game hides it behind an optional quest called “Old Trails,” which you’ll only discover by accident — or after reliving some missable memories.

Below, we explain how to start “Old Trails” in Ghost of Yōtei and which horse to pick. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed at the size of Ghost of Yōtei‘s open world, keep our Ghost of Yōtei interactive map handy to help you find your way.

How to get a horse in Ghost of Yōtei’s “Old Trails” quest

You’ll need to complete Ghost of Yōtei‘s “Old Trails” quest to get a new horse, but it’s possible to complete the game without ever doing this quest at all. Atsu starts the game with a perfectly serviceable horse who sticks around as long as you want him. However, if you want a horse who looks different — and a bit more background about Atsu’s childhood, “Old Trails” is the way to go.

Ghost of Yōtei handles this quest a little differently than its other side stories. To start “Old Trails,” you’ll need to relive Atsu’s memories at her old home. When Atsu tells Jubei she’s meeting their father at the stables, you can exit the memory, and you’ll see a card pop up at the bottom of the screen showing a stylized horse. A new point of interest marker appears on the map after that, just to the west of Atsu’s home. It bears no name and only tells you to “find the stables.” For us, this happened after reliving the memory near the tree, where Atsu recalls Jubei burying money.

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment via Polygon

Head west, cross Sarubetsu River, and just before you reach Shikotsu River, you’ll see the stables — it basically looks like a house on the edge of a field. Grab the wanted poster near the entryway and look around if you like, and then make your way toward the field. Atsu will remark on the horse running wild, then the stable manager appears.

Some of Saito’s men interrupt the conversation. Defeat them, then return to the settler to spark another memory from Atsu’s past. You can pick your horse after the memory ends from a few options:

• Your trusty, nameless white steed
• A black horse
• A dappled horse

If you own the Ghost of Yōtei deluxe edition, you also get the option to pick a brown horse.

What horse should you pick in Ghost of Yōtei?

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment via Polygon

Whichever one takes your fancy is the answer. Yōtei has no hidden horse stats (that we’ve uncovered, anyway), so the best choice just depends on which one you like the most. You won’t be able to swap horses later, though you can obtain new colors for their saddle and blanket at various points in the game.

You can press “R2” near each horse to hear Atsu’s opinion about them as well, if you want to factor a bit of roleplaying into your decision. Despite the settler’s caution about giving the old white horse a rest, it’s okay if you pick him. He won’t mind, nor will he die from exhaustion!

Your horse name is also just a flavor flourish, so you’re free to pick whatever you want:

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

There’s no special fourth name for deluxe edition owners.

You’ll earn the “Naming a Friend” trophy after choosing your name, and then the actual quest name “Old Trails” shows up. (Now that you’ve finished it. Okay!)

While you’re in the area, check out the Shadow of Yōtei hot spring you saw in Atsu’s memory and the location where her father placed the flower charm. Spending time in the spring increases Atsu’s maximum health, and the charm — Charm of Bountiful Harvest — increases the number of materials Atsu collects when she gathers wood and other natural items.

If you’re just getting started on Atsu’s quest for justice, head over to our Ghost of Yōtei beginner’s guide for some essential tips. We’ve also got walkthroughs for the Reliquary of Strength and Reliquary of Resilience puzzles and help with tracking down Smiling Yoshimoto, an early bounty mission.