Ghost Of Yotei Snow Drift Shrine Walkthrough: Location, Puzzles, and Unlock Guide

What to know

• Snow Drift Spring sits deep in the Crimson Forest; expect slippery terrain and ambient blizzard effects.
• The shrine puzzle uses three crimson markers that must be activated in sequence using the spring’s warm jets.
• You’ll face two frost wights (patrol enemies) and an environmental hazard: recurring snow drifts that push you off ledges.
• Rewards include a mid-tier charm, crafting materials, and a unique shrine tune fragment.

Snow Drift Spring (Crimson Forest shrine) is a small, puzzle-forward shrine designed to test movement, timing, and observation more than combat. You’ll use the spring’s steam vents to melt frost seals, align crimson markers, and time your movements through drifting snow to reach the altar. The following sections give a compact overview, a precise step-by-step walkthrough of the puzzle, a rewards table, useful tips, and a short wrap-up. 

Snow Drift Spring Shrine: Quick overview

Where to find Snow Drift Springs Shrine

Snow Drift Springs Shrine sits southwest of Crimson Forest, in the Teshio Ridge region. Look for a dead-end path near a lake. You'll see a grouping of fox statues and a closed shrine door.

Step-by-step guide for unlocking the Snow Drift Shrine

Follow these steps to unlock the Snow Drift Shrine:

Step 1: Observe each fox statue grouping

There are three separate fox puzzles: one by a pond left of the entrance, one by a rock on the right, and one up a small ridge behind. A brazier nearby provides the torch needed to light the lanterns.​

Step 2: Match fox poses and light correct lanterns

There are 3 sets of lanterns near the entrance.

• Near the Bridge: Light the standing fox.
• Near the Rock: Light the howling one
• Near the Hot Spring: Light the crouched one.

Note: Extinguish any other lanterns if you lit the wrong ones, so the puzzle only registers the correct match.​

Step 5: Enter the shrine

The door unlocks partially, allowing you to crouch and enter.​

Step 6 : Go through the cave

Follow the passage while climbing down to find an exit.

Step 7 : Eliminate enemies in the hideout

As you exit the cave, you see the kitsune hideout ahead. Assassinate enemy and use stealth to avoid getting into direct fights.

Step 8 : Free the prisoner

After defeating the enemies check the cages to find a prisoner and free her.

Step 9 : Solve interior fox puzzle

Find the next set of fox statues past the hideout. Again, light the lantern matching the pose of the fox carving behind each statue. For final two foxes, commonly the left statue must be lit each time.​

Step 10 : Claim rewards

The last puzzle activates a climbing rope or opens access to the Altar of Reflection, a loot bundle, and the Kitsune Puzzle Box.

Step 11 - Solve the Puzzle Box

Slide the two black stripes on the front down. Slide the top panel down.

The Snow Drift Shrine rewards

Tips for completing Snow Drift Shrine

Order doesn't matter

You can light the puzzle lanterns in any order, just ensure only the correct ones are lit at each puzzle site.​

Use stealth in hideout

Most enemies have their backs turned on the right side; approach that way for easier assassinations and less risk.​

Look for torches

There's always a torch nearby for each lantern puzzle; check braziers or fire pits.
Check fox gestures carefully: Some poses are subtle (laying, sitting, howling); zoom in or circle statues if unsure.

Inside hideout, repeat the "match-the-pose" method

Don't rush—observe and light matching statues to unlock the final rewards. Bow at the Altar of Reflection for your skill point.

Solving the fox statue puzzles and clearing out the hideout opens up shrine challenges and loot that benefit your journey through Teshio Ridge. The key is careful observation and stealth, with the reward being a meaningful chunk of progression, including a skill point, loot, and a rare Kitsune Puzzle Box. Master these subtle shrine tests, and you’ll be well on your way to conquering Ghost of Yotei’s most rewarding side quests.