What to know
- Sanctuary Grove is reached by following a fox after completing Sarufutsu Lighthouse puzzles.
- No combat awaits; expect platforming and interacting with animal statues.
- The Sanctuary Grove caretaker helps you house rescued foxes and offers helpful commentary.
- Additional secrets, crafting materials, and Ainu artifacts can be found in nearby structures.
After completing a series of animal-themed puzzles at the Sarufutsu Lighthouse, the path leads to Sanctuary Grove, a notable location in Ghost of Yotei. This serene grove serves as a haven for foxes and other wildlife, guided by a caretaker who assists with animal rescue efforts.
Exploring the sanctuary grove in Ghost of Yotei
Sanctuary Grove becomes accessible after freeing a fox from a cage behind the Sarufutsu Lighthouse. The puzzle inside the lighthouse mainly involves rotating fox statues to face smaller statues, then placing them on pedestals to unlock a hidden passage. Once the puzzle is complete, you follow the liberated fox into a cave and encounter a bear, after which you ascend to emerge in the grove.
Inside the Sanctuary Grove, you find it filled with various animals, especially foxes that you can rescue throughout the game. The grove's caretaker offers a safe home for every fox you encounter, and interacting with her can trigger dialogue and progression for animal rescue quests. To exit, you interact with a deer near the edge of the area, which guides you to a shrine.
How to solve the Fox Statue puzzle in lighthouse at Sanctuary Grove
There are 2 sets of statues in the grove, 3 each. Here is what you need to do to solve them:
Step 1
Face the two large fox statues towards the middle statue.

Step 2
This will allow you to pick the statue and place it on the pedestal near the door.

Step 3
Repeat the same for the other side as well. This will have both of your small fox statues on the pedestal near the door, prompting it to open.

Checklist for the Sarafutsu lighthouse puzzle
| Step | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rotate the left fox statues together | A small fox idol is released |
| 2 | Place the small fox idol on the left pedestal | The first half of the door mechanism activates |
| 3 | Rotate the right fox statues together | A second small fox idol is released |
| 4 | Place the small fox idol on the right pedestal | The door unlocks, allowing further progress |
How to reach Sanctuary Grove
After solving the Sarafutsu lighthouse puzzle, follow these steps to get to the Sanctuary grove:
Step 1
Unlock the rear door, exit the lighthouse, and complete the light platforming section by following the fox. This unlocks hunting camp hideout for you in Sarafutsu

Step 3
Free the fox from the cage, explore nearby buildings for materials and artifacts, and follow the fox through the cave.

Step 4
Ascend past a watching bear, enter the Sanctuary Grove, and speak with the caretaker for animal rescue referrals.

Step 5
Near the exit, interact with the deer to be led to a shrine and proceed with story or side missions as desired.

Sanctuary Grove points of interest
Sanctuary Grove is home to crafting items and an Ainu artifact found in a large building within the area, enhancing both your collection and understanding of Yotei's world. Additionally, an Altar of Reflection provides a skill point when prayed at—a hidden reward for thorough exploration. Expect peaceful traversal and the opportunity to uncover more secrets tied to the wildlife theme of the region.
| What to Do | Description | What You Get / Advance |
|---|---|---|
| Speak to the Caretaker | Talk to the NPC who welcomes all rescued animals and offers new rescue quests or referrals. | Quest progression, fox rescue tracker |
| Explore the Houses | Search both houses thoroughly to uncover items, clues, and collectibles. | Crafting materials, lore items |
| Find the Ainu Artifact | Investigate the larger building to locate a unique cultural artifact. | Ainu collectible for codex |
| Interact with the Altar | Discover and engage with the hidden Altar of Reflection deep within the grove. | Free Skill Point |
| Free More Foxes | Return after rescuing additional foxes from the world to populate the grove. | Rewards, Guardian of Inari trophy |
| Interact with the Deer | Approach the deer near the grove’s edge to trigger an event leading toward a nearby shrine. | Shrine discovery, new region access |
| Gather Crafting Materials | Scavenge the area and surrounding buildings for useful crafting resources. | Crafting materials, upgrades |
| Check for Side Quests | Speak with the caretaker or explore for optional animal-related side quests. | Side quest rewards, animal lore |
| Admire Wildlife | Take time to observe the rescued animals thriving in the sanctuary environment. | Relaxation, immersive worldbuilding |
Ghost of Yotei features numerous animal references and secrets, both in Sanctuary Grove and elsewhere. Platforming sections and secret murals nod to previous Sucker Punch games and PlayStation icons, such as the Sly Cooper mask and Infamous murals, inviting attentive exploration throughout the grove and surrounding areas.
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