What to know

  • Horse switching is part of a special quest, "Old Trails," where you help recover lost horses.
  • The quest involves speaking to the Stablemaster, defeating enemies, and tracking horse trails.
  • At the end, you are given the choice to select a new horse, with your old one being cared for at the stables.
  • Your choice of horse is mostly personal, but different horses may suggest different traits for your playstyle.

After progressing through Ghost of Yōtei, you might find yourself wanting to switch horses to better suit your adventures. The game makes this both a narrative moment and a functional change through a dedicated mission involving the Stablemaster and a series of tasks. Understanding how to do this and what happens during the process ensures a smooth transition to your new steed.

Quick cue checklist to switch your horse

Action Tip or Clue
Go to the stables to trigger the quest Automatic; meet Stablemaster
Begin dialogue with the Stablemaster Listen for quest directions
Fight Saito’s forces at the stables Required for progression
Follow Stablemaster, inspect manure/tracks Look for horse tracks, wildflowers
Try calling horses, move to higher ground Higher ground improves results
Escort recovered horses back to stables Dialogue and cutscene follows
Select and name your new steed Pick the one that feels right

Switching horses and meeting the Stablemaster step-by-step walkthrough

Step 1

Follow the Stablemaster as he explains the situation and invites you to help find the lost horses that have wandered off or been driven away.

Step 2

Defeat Saito's forces.

Step 3

Speak with the Stablemaster again.

Step 4

Follow the Stablemaster to track down the horses.

Step 5

Prepare to whistle for the horses.

Step 6

As you climb to the higher ground, you will reach Yotei's Shadow Hot Spring here.

Step 7

Once you see the horses, you will be prompted to return to the Stablemaster.

Step 8

When you return to the Stablemaster, you request a new horse. Therefore, you will be prompted to whistle for the horses.

Step 9

You can choose from the three horses. This is the horse you will ride for the rest of the game.

What happens to your previous horse

The Stablemaster offers to look after your former horse. There’s a touching parting moment, and you learn that your previous companion will enjoy a well-deserved rest, cared for and free to roam among wildflowers.

Which horse should you pick?

The best horse to choose is the one that fits the spirit of your adventure. In the narrative, horses are described with different personalities and connections to past events.

While the game may imply slight differences in appearance or temperament, your selection is primarily cosmetic and narrative-focused, rather than heavily impacting stats or gameplay performance.

Go with the horse you feel most connected to during the quest, knowing all options are ultimately equal in capability but may influence your story’s tone or immersion.