Ghost of Yotei The Way of Dual Katana: Step-by-step Guide

What to know

• “The Way of Dual Katana” is a Chapter 1 main quest and part of Atsu’s core journey.
• The quest introduces Dual Katana combat, ideal against spear-wielding enemies.
• You’ll train under Hanbei through bamboo and coal trials.
• Completing it unlocks Dual Katanas, Tempest, and a Spirit increase.

The Way of Dual Katana teaches you to wield two blades simultaneously, expanding Atsu’s combat style and precision. It’s the first major test of reflexes, timing, and adaptability—essential skills for later boss encounters.

The Way of Dual Katana Quest quick overview

Phase A: begin “The Way of Dual Katana”

Step 1 – Trigger the quest

After completing the Prologue and returning home, the quest appears automatically in Chapter 1. You’ll be prompted to find the Dual Katana Master on Mount Yōtei.

Phase B: reach Hanbei on Mount Yōtei

Step 2 – Search Mount Yōtei for the master

Follow the western trail through Shikotsu Woods until you reach the mountain’s base. Defeat Saito’s guards and continue along a narrow lantern-lit path leading up the cliffside.

Step 3 – Climb through traps and cliffs

Navigate wooden ledges and grapple onto beams to avoid pitfalls. Use the grapple whenever you slip to recover quickly. Continue climbing until you reach Hanbei’s secluded home near the summit.

Step 4 – Investigate Hanbei’s house

Inspect the area: examine the bamboo pile, the toolbox, and the sword stand inside. Interacting with the katana on the wall will trigger a cutscene, beginning your training under Hanbei.

Phase C: train under Hanbei

Step 5 – Deflecting coals

Hanbei tests your reflexes by throwing burning coals. Time your strikes precisely to deflect them mid-air. Missing too many is fine; you’ll still proceed to the next lesson.

Step 6 – Left-arm bamboo cutting

Hanbei instructs Atsu to use only her weaker left arm. Input the correct button sequence to slice bamboo stalks. You may fail once before being given an easier retry, symbolizing growth and determination.

Step 7 – Flashback sequence

A playable flashback begins after training, showing Atsu’s childhood memories and her encounter with Lord Saito. Complete it to progress the story and unlock deeper emotional context.

Step 8 – Final dual katana trial

Hanbei challenges you to repeat the bamboo and coal trials, now using both katanas. Success in this stage officially unlocks Dual Katana combat and the Tempest technique.

Phase D: complete the quest and defeat Saito’s men

Step 9 – Return and fight

Return to Hanbei’s home, now ambushed by Saito’s forces. Engage multiple enemies using both combat styles:

• Single Katana: Fast parries and precision duels.
• Dual Katana: Rapid combos and guard breaks, ideal against spear users.

The final fight features a Ronin commander. Use heavy attacks and quick stance switching to maintain pressure until victory.

Rewards from The Way of Dual Katana

Completion tips for Dual Katana

• Failing early training attempts doesn’t reset progress—it’s part of the quest’s pacing.
• Watch for missing grass patches to avoid traps on Mount Yōtei’s trail.
• Switch weapon styles dynamically: single for sword enemies, dual for spear enemies.
• Practice deflections; timing improves drastically before the final coal trial.

What’s next after The Way of Dual Katana

After mastering Dual Katana, the next quest, “Echoes of Iron,” unlocks. This mission sends Atsu east toward the ruined village of Kaizawa, where she faces armored soldiers resistant to standard katana strikes. The Dual Katana style becomes crucial here, allowing you to shatter armor and chain the new Tempest move into finishers. Completing both sets the foundation for the mid-chapter boss battle against General Saito’s Vanguard.