What to know

  • Oni's mission focuses on stealth, sneaking past guards, and retrieving keys to access the holding cells.
  • Kitsune's mission revolves around fox statue puzzles—correctly rotating statues opens new paths in the cells.
  • Both provide vital story progression and new challenges, with some puzzles blocking your way.
  • Preparation: Using distraction tools and following environmental cues is key to success in both missions.

In Ghost of Yotei, the holding cells play pivotal roles in both the Oni and Kitsune quests—one requiring stealth and retrieval of keys, the other demanding careful puzzle-solving with fox statues. Here’s a clear breakdown for both.

Oni mission: How to reach and escape the holding cells

You’ll enter the Oni’s territory during the “Belly of the Beast” story quest. Your goal: quietly infiltrate, rescue allies, and plot your escape from the cells.

Step-by-step guide: Oni holding cells

Step 1

Head towards the arena and look for a building to the right of the body on display. Investigate it—this points to the location of the holding cells.

Step 2

Use stealth to approach Kanta, the jailer holding the cell keys. Find bottles of sake along the way for distractions or combat boosts. Try to pickpocket Kanta, but prepare for a brief scuffle as the attempt turns into a fight.

Step 3

After the encounter, deal with two guards near a prisoner. Use a jar to distract one and stealthily take him down, then save the prisoner being beaten.

Step 4

Speak to the rescued samurai, who guides you: "Up that ledge and past the drums." Climb the wall behind him and enter the opening near the drum to reach the cells.

Step 5

Once inside, look for another hole in the wall, squeeze through, and proceed into the large building ahead. Open the door to reunite with your ally and continue the mission.

Step 6

To escape, interact with a loose bar on the wall with your companion’s help. Break it off to find a path forward, escape, and access the next phase of your objective.

Kitsune mission: Solving the holding cells fox statue puzzle

In the Kitsune arc, progressing often relies on "searching the holding cells" and finishing fox statue puzzles to unlock the next area.

Step-by-step guide: Kitsune holding cells fox puzzle

Step 1

After entering the cave system or holding cells, locate the set of four fox statues mounted on turnstiles near a locked door.

Step 2

Each statue can be rotated; the goal is to set each to the proper direction.

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Step 3

Interact with each statue:

  • Front-left: Turn once so it faces right.
  • Front-right: Do not turn (leave facing forward).
  • Back-left: Turn twice to face backward.
  • Back-right: Turn three times to face left.
Step 4

Once all statues are correctly oriented, a new passage or ladder is revealed, letting you continue deeper into the Kitsune’s lair and get the puzzle box.

Tips for searching holding cells

In Ghost of Yotei, using stealth and techniques, you can reach the holding cells. Here are some on-the-go tips:

Use distractions and stealth

Sake bottles and environmental objects are especially helpful in Oni’s mission.

Carefully examine the environment

Small clues and highlighted objects guide the way, especially for slips between walls or escape bars.

For fox puzzles, remember the cipher

The symbol and posture of each fox might hint at which direction to turn it (if in doubt, check in-game notes or journal). After solving the puzzles, prepare for ambushes or combats as you advance—enemies often patrol the next section.

The role of holding cells in your quest

Clearing the holding cells in both Oni and Kitsune storylines is essential: you’ll unlock new allies, reveal story beats, and open up paths to major bosses or mission areas. Mastering both stealth and puzzle-solving here ensures smoother progress across Ghost of Yotei.