What to know
- Found northwest of Sarobetsu Lake within the Teshio Ridge region.
- Entry and progression depend on solving three fox statue (Kitsune) puzzles.
- Rewards include the Altar of Reflection and a Puzzle Box required for the Trickster Fox trophy.
- Equip armor that resists Cold damage (e.g., Taro’s Armor) before entering.
The Nakajima Ice Cave is a multi-stage hideout with fox statue mechanisms that open paths and conjure ropes for traversal. Combat and platforming skills are required, alongside puzzle-solving.
Nakajima Ice Cave Hideout : Quick overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Teshio Ridge, northwest of Sarobetsu Lake |
| Type | Hideout (Puzzle + Combat Area) |
| Key Feature | Dual fox statue puzzles controlling cave access |
| Primary Objective | Solve statue puzzles, infiltrate hideout, and reach the inner altar |
| Enemies Present | Bandits and guards stationed around the campfire areas |
| Puzzle Mechanics | Rotate fox statues: • Outside pair – face away from each other • Inside pair – face toward each other |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate – requires both stealth and puzzle-solving |
| Fast Travel Unlock | Yes – once the altar is activated |
| Environmental Theme | Icy cave terrain with vertical climbs and rope grapples |
| Recommended Gear | Grappling hook, stealth attire, ranged weapons for silent takedowns |
Nakajima Ice Cave Hideout location
The Nakajima Ice Cave Hideout is located in the northwestern area of Sarobetsu Lake within the Teshio Ridge region of Ghost of Yotei. You can reach the entrance by heading west from the Nakajima Sake House, following the frozen river trail until you spot two stone fox statues guarding the entryway. Rotate these statues so they face away from each other to open a crawlspace leading inside the icy tunnel that takes you deeper into the hideout’s chambers.
How to Clear the Nakajima Ice Cave Hideout
Following are the steps to solve this hideout:
Step 1 – Travel to the area
Fast-travel or ride northwest from Sarobetsu Lake in Teshio Ridge. The cave’s entrance sits near a snowy cliffside overlooking frozen water.
Step 2 – Spot the entrance
You’ll recognize it by two fox statues guarding the icy opening. This confirms you’ve reached the correct location.
Step 3 – Solve the outer statue puzzle
Rotate the outside fox statues so they face away from each other. Doing this activates a hidden grapple point above the entrance, opening the way forward.
Step 4 – Enter and begin your climb
Use your grappling hook to ascend to the first ledge. Continue jumping between wooden beams and stone handholds until you reach the first chamber.
Step 5 – Find the inner fox statue
Inside the first room, locate the fox statue and interact with it. Once rotated correctly (Rotate it 180 degrees), new ropes or ladders will appear, unlocking vertical routes deeper into the cavern.
Step 6 – Climb to the upper chambers
Ascend carefully using the ropes and ice platforms. The upper areas are dimly lit and patrolled, so keep your guard up. Guards surround campfires that help thaw the freezing air. Either sneak past silently or eliminate them to secure the area — stealth saves resources, but combat yields more loot.
Step 7 – Solve the inner statue puzzle
Within the camp section, another set of fox statues waits. This time, rotate them so they face toward each other. You’ll hear a mechanism unlock, revealing a descent path to the altar.
Step 8 – Reach the altar chamber
Follow the new path downward. The final cavern houses the altar, marking completion of the hideout. Interact with it to claim your rewards and trigger fast-travel activation.
Nakajima Ice Cave Hideout rewards
| Reward Type | Description | Notes / Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Altar Activation | Unlocks the Nakajima Ice Cave Altar once puzzles are solved and enemies are cleared. | Enables fast travel and progress tracking for the region. |
| Loot & Treasure | Hidden chests and supply crates scattered throughout the cave. | May contain materials, gear parts, or Curious Boxes for crafting or trade. |
| XP & Progress Points | Earned upon full hideout completion. | Contributes to player progression, reputation, or regional completion percentage. |
| Environmental Rewards | Unlocks new traversal paths (grapple points, ladders, rope routes). | Useful for revisiting the area or exploring hidden ledges later. |
| Puzzle Completion Bonus | Satisfaction and access to secret side areas after statue puzzles are solved. | Sometimes reveals extra loot rooms or hidden collectibles. |
| Lore Discovery | May include lore scrolls or inscriptions about the Nine-Tails faction. | Expands story background for collectors and lore seekers. |
Nakajima Ice Cave Hideout – Fox Statue Puzzle Solutions
| Puzzle # | Location | Solution | Effect / Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – Outer Entrance Statues | At the frozen cave entrance northwest of Sarobetsu Lake, guarded by two fox statues. | Rotate both statues so they face away from each other. | Opens a crawlspace / grapple point above the entrance, granting access inside. |
| 2 – Mid-Climb Statue | Found on a ledge inside the cave after the first grapple ascent. | Rotate the single statue 180° (opposite direction). | Summons ropes and ladders to climb higher into the cave. |
| 3 – Inner Camp Statues | In the upper camp chamber near campfires and guards. | Rotate the pair of statues so they face toward each other. | Unlocks a descent path to the Altar of Reflection and reveals the Puzzle Box. |
Tips to complete the Nakajima Ice Cave hideout
Stealth vs Combat
If you prefer stealth, try to quietly assassinate guards or sneak past the fire-pit areas before loud combat begins. Firepits are useful because they weaken frost/damage from cold.
Grappling Hook Practice
Make sure you’re comfortable using the grappling hook and climbing mechanics, as there are multiple ledges and ropes.
Statue Puzzle Order Matters
For the outside, rotate statues to face away; inside the camp rotate statues to face each other. Getting this wrong can mean no new path opens.
The Nakajima Ice Cave Hideout delivers a satisfying mix of environment puzzles and stealth combat typical of the Nine Tails’ challenges. By mastering statue orientation and cold endurance management, you secure valuable gear upgrades and progress toward completing all Yotei Six Camps.
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