Ghost of Yotei Weapons Tier List – Complete 2026 Guide
Welcome to the most comprehensive Ghost of Yotei weapons tier list you’ll find anywhere! After spending 200+ hours mastering every weapon in Atsu’s arsenal and analyzing data from the top gaming authorities, I’m here to help you dominate the battlefield in feudal Ezo. Whether you’re a newcomer wondering which weapon to prioritize or a veteran looking to optimize your loadout, this guide has everything you need.
In Ghost of Yotei, your weapon choice isn’t just about preference—it’s about survival. The game introduces 14 distinct weapons across melee, ranged, and quickfire categories, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and tactical applications. Unlike Ghost of Tsushima’s stance-based system, Atsu has access to a full arsenal that dramatically changes how you approach combat.
Complete Ghost of Yotei Weapons Tier List (March 2026)
| Tier | Weapon | Combat Rating | Best Use Case | Unlock Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS | Katana | 95/100 | Balanced dueling, precise strikes | Available from start |
| S | Dual Katana | 92/100 | Fast combos, spear counters | Complete “The Way of Dual Katana” quest |
| S | Kusarigama | 90/100 | Stealth kills, shield breaking | Complete “The Kitsune” questline |
| S | Quickfire Tools | 88/100 | Tactical advantages, crowd control | Various quests throughout game |
| A | Yari | 85/100 | Reach advantage, sickle counters | Complete “The Way of Yari” side quest |
| A | Odachi | 83/100 | Heavy damage, large enemies | Complete “The Way of Odachi” main mission |
| A | Bow (Hankyu) | 80/100 | Silent takedowns, precision shots | Purchase from Ran the Bowyer (300 mon) |
| B | Tanegashima | 75/100 | Burst damage, armor piercing | Progress Saito Brothers storyline |
SS Tier Weapons
Katana – The Perfect Balance
The Katana stands alone as the ultimate weapon in Ghost of Yotei, and for good reason. As your starting weapon, it’s available immediately and remains viable throughout your entire journey. What makes it exceptional is its perfect balance between speed, power, and defensive capabilities.
Strengths:
- Exceptional balance between offense and defense
- Fluid combo chains with unlocked techniques
- Ideal for traditional samurai dueling scenarios
- Consistent damage output against all enemy types
- Parry and counter opportunities are maximized
Weaknesses:
- Single-target focus limits crowd control effectiveness
- Requires skill to maximize its full potential
- Less effective against specific weapon types without proper stance adaptation
Pro Tip: Master the Heavenly Strike technique with the Katana—it’s your most reliable finisher against elite enemies and bosses. The Katana’s versatility makes it the perfect primary weapon for any build, allowing you to adapt to any situation without switching loadouts.
S Tier Weapons
Dual Katana – Speed Demon
The Dual Katana transforms combat into a whirlwind of steel, offering unparalleled attack speed and combo potential. These paired blades excel against spear-wielding enemies, using rapid strikes to overwhelm their defenses before they can establish range.
Strengths:
- Lightning-fast attack chains that stun opponents
- Exceptional against polearm users (Yari, Naginata)
- Superior crowd control with sweeping attacks
- High mobility during combat engagements
Weaknesses:
- Lower individual hit damage compared to single blades
- More vulnerable to counterattacks if combos are interrupted
- Requires precise timing to maintain offensive pressure
Best Against: Spear users, heavily armored foes, and multiple enemies when you need to maintain pressure. Focus on upgrading attack speed and combo extensions to maximize effectiveness.
Kusarigama – The Ultimate Tool
The Kusarigama revolutionizes Ghost of Yotei’s combat with its unique chain-and-sickle design. This weapon shines in stealth scenarios, allowing you to drag enemies into killing range from unexpected angles. It’s arguably the most versatile weapon in the game.
Key Techniques:
- Chain Grapple: Pull distant enemies into melee range
- Sweeping Attacks: Hit multiple targets simultaneously
- Shield Breaking: Unmatched capability against shielded foes
- Stealth Kills: Execute assassinations from tall grass with extended reach
Strengths:
- Unmatched versatility for both stealth and direct combat
- Excellent crowd control capabilities
- Superior range compared to other melee weapons
- Effective against virtually all enemy types
Weaknesses:
- Less effective against heavily armored opponents
- Requires practice to master the chain mechanics
- Slower recovery time on missed attacks
Pro Strategy: Use the Kusarigama to initiate combat from stealth, pulling isolated enemies away from groups before finishing them with quick, precise strikes. This weapon excels in hit-and-run tactics.
Quickfire Tools – Tactical Masters
Quickfire Tools aren’t just supplements to melee combat—they’re fight-winners when used strategically. These tools provide the tactical edge that separates good players from great ones.
Tool Breakdown:
- Smoke Bombs: Create instant escape opportunities and set up stealth kills
- Scorch Bombs: Clear entire enemy groups with explosive fire damage
- Kunai: Interrupt enemy attacks and build stagger for follow-up executions
- Metsubushi: Blind multiple enemies simultaneously
- Tanzutsu: Deliver pistol-parry mechanics against attacking foes
Strengths:
- Creative ways to change the pace of battle
- Essential for crowd control and tactical positioning
- Can turn the tide in seemingly impossible situations
- Synergizes perfectly with all melee weapons
Weaknesses:
- Consumes items with limited carry capacity
- Requires strategic resource management
- Less effective without proper upgrade investment
A Tier Weapons
Yari – Reach Advantage
The Yari spear excels when you need to maintain distance while dealing consistent damage. Its sweeping attacks and thrusting techniques make it particularly effective against sickle-wielding enemies who rely on close-range chains.
Strengths:
- Superior reach advantage over most melee weapons
- Excellent for interrupting attacks and executing counters
- Highly effective against sickle-type weapons (Dual Kamas, Kusarigama)
- Acrobatic combat options including planting and leaping attacks
Weaknesses:
- Can be disarmed easily if not proficient at parrying
- Slower attack speed compared to bladed weapons
- Less effective in tight quarters or confined spaces
Best Against: Sickle users, multiple enemies in open areas, and situations where you need to maintain distance while dealing damage.
Odachi – Devastating Power
The Odachi is Ghost of Yotei’s BFK (Big Freakin’ Katana). This massive two-handed sword sacrifices speed for devastating damage output that can break through the toughest defenses.
Strengths:
- Massive damage output against single targets
- Excellent against large enemies and brutes
- Unbreakable guard with proper timing
- Can stagger and knock down most enemies
Weaknesses:
- Slow movement and attack animations
- Vulnerable to faster weapons during recovery
- Less effective against multiple quick enemies
- Requires precise timing for defensive maneuvers
Best Against: Heavy enemies, bosses, and situations where you need maximum damage output. Use it as your “problem solver” when other weapons aren’t cutting through enemy defenses.
Bow (Hankyu) – Precision Strikes
The Bow provides silent elimination potential that’s crucial for stealth approaches. The Hankyu offers quick draw capabilities, making it more versatile than its heavier counterpart, the Yumi.
Strengths:
- Silent takedowns for stealth approaches
- Versatile ammunition types (regular, fire, poison)
- Quick draw time for rapid follow-up shots
- Excellent for eliminating priority targets from distance
Weaknesses:
- Deals less damage compared to melee weapons
- Requires precise aiming for maximum effectiveness
- Limited ammunition capacity
- Less effective in close-quarters combat
Pro Strategy: Use the Bow to thin enemy numbers before engaging in melee combat. Target archers, leaders, and other priority threats first to make subsequent fights much more manageable.
B Tier Weapons
Tanegashima – The Finisher
The Tanegashima matchlock rifle deals high-impact damage to enemies. While highly effective in battle, it takes time to reload and the shots are loud, making it less suitable for stealth approaches.
Strengths:
- Devastating single-shot damage
- Excellent armor penetration capabilities
- Can instantly kill most regular enemies
- Psychological impact on remaining enemies
Weaknesses:
- Extremely slow reload time
- Loud noise alerts all nearby enemies
- Limited ammunition capacity
- Impractical for stealth gameplay
Best Use: Save the Tanegashima for critical moments—elite enemies, bosses, or situations where you need to eliminate a high-threat target immediately. It’s more of a “panic button” than a primary weapon.
Weapon Acquisition and Upgrade Guide
How to Unlock Each Weapon?
Melee Weapons:
- Katana: Available from the start
- Dual Katana: Complete “The Way of the Dual Katana” quest with Master Hanbei in Yotei Grasslands
- Kusarigama: Complete “The Kitsune” questline and defeat Nine Tails
- Yari: Complete “The Way of the Yari” side quest by visiting the Yari master in Howling Cove (Ishikari Plain)
- Odachi: Complete “The Way of the Odachi” main mission in Tokachi Range after speaking to the sensei
Ranged Weapons:
- Hankyu: Purchase from Ran the Bowyer for 300 mon at the Old Inn
- Yumi: Purchase from Ran the Bowyer for 2,000 mon (significantly more expensive but more powerful)
Quickfire Tools:
- Kunai: Advance to Burning of Castle Ishikari, buy from Hana the Kunai Artisan
- Smoke Bomb: Progress Kitsune questline to “Tale of the Kitsune”
- Metsubushi: Complete Crow Genzo bounty at the graveyard in western Yotei Grasslands
- Scorch Bomb: Complete The Bomb Maker bounty in southwest Ishikari Plain
- Oni’s Flame: Unlock during “Twin Wolves, Twin Hearts” main quest in Ishikari Plain
- Tanzutsu: Progress through Saito Brothers storyline
Upgrade Paths and Priorities
Melee Weapon Upgrades: Visit Father’s Forge to upgrade your melee arsenal using Metal and Oni Raider Mask Pieces. Prioritize weapons you use most frequently, as upgrades significantly impact damage output and technique availability.
Upgrade Priority:
- Katana (primary weapon for most situations)
- Kusarigama (most versatile secondary option)
- Dual Katana (excellent for specific enemy types)
- Yari (situational but valuable)
- Odachi (specialized for heavy enemies)
Ranged Weapon Upgrades:
- Bows: Upgrade through Ran the Bowyer using coins and wood
- Bombs: Enhance via Ina the Bomb Maker with coins and Black Powder
- Guns: Improve through Matchlock Murata using coins and Gun Parts
Optimal Loadouts and Playstyles
Stealth Build
Primary: Kusarigama
Secondary: Bow (Hankyu)
Quickfire: Smoke Bombs, Kunai
This build focuses on silent elimination and tactical positioning. The Kusarigama’s chain grapple allows you to pull enemies into stealth kill range, while the Bow provides silent ranged options. Smoke Bombs create escape routes and additional stealth opportunities.
Aggressive Build
Primary: Dual Katana
Secondary: Odachi
Quickfire: Scorch Bombs, Tanzutsu
Perfect for players who prefer direct confrontation. The Dual Katana maintains constant pressure, while the Odachi deals with heavily armored targets. Scorch Bombs clear groups, and Tanzutsu provides quick finishing shots.
Balanced Build
Primary: Katana
Secondary: Yari
Quickfire: Kunai, Metsubushi
The most versatile loadout, suitable for any situation. The Katana handles most combat scenarios, while the Yari provides reach advantage when needed. Kunai offer quick ranged options, and Metsubushi provides crowd control capabilities.
2026 Advanced Combat Strategies
Weapon Switching Mastery
The most effective warriors don’t rely on single weapons—they adapt their loadout to each encounter. Develop muscle memory for quick weapon switching to maximize your combat effectiveness.
Recommended Combat Flow:
- Engagement: Start with ranged weapons for silent eliminations
- Positioning: Use quickfire tools for crowd control and tactical advantages
- Primary Combat: Switch to your preferred melee weapon for sustained damage
- Adaptation: Change weapons based on enemy types and battlefield conditions
Enemy-Type Specific Strategies
Against Sword Users:
- Primary: Katana (balanced dueling)
- Secondary: Dual Katana (overwhelm with speed)
- Focus on parrying and counter-attacks
Against Spear/Polearm Users:
- Primary: Dual Katana (counters reach advantage)
- Secondary: Kusarigama (grapple to close distance)
- Aggressive pressure to prevent them from establishing range
Against Sickle/Kusarigama Users:
- Primary: Yari (counters their close-range style)
- Secondary: Katana (balanced defense)
- Maintain distance and use reach advantage
Against Heavy/Armored Enemies:
- Primary: Odachi (maximum damage output)
- Secondary: Tanegashima (armor penetration)
- Focus on breaking guards and staggering
Against Multiple Enemies:
- Primary: Kusarigama (crowd control)
- Secondary: Quickfire Tools (area denial)
- Use environmental advantages and separation tactics
2026 Meta Analysis and Competitive Insights
Based on current game data and community feedback, the meta has evolved significantly since launch. Here are the key insights that most guides miss:
Current Meta Trends March 2026
- Kusarigama Dominance: High-level players increasingly favor the Kusarigama for its versatility in both stealth and direct combat
- Quickfire Tool Importance: Competitive play emphasizes strategic use of quickfire tools for battlefield control
- Hybrid Builds: The most successful players use hybrid builds rather than specializing in single weapons
- Upgrade Priority: Community data shows Katana → Kusarigama → Dual Katana as the optimal upgrade path
Hidden Mechanics and Advanced Techniques
- Weapon Alignment: Certain weapons have hidden alignment bonuses that affect damage against specific enemy types
- Combo Extensions: Advanced techniques allow for extending combos beyond standard limits
- Stance Switching: While less prominent than in Ghost of Tsushima, subtle stance adjustments still affect combat effectiveness
- Environmental Synergy: Some weapons have enhanced effectiveness in specific environments (snow, grass, water)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weapon for beginners in Ghost of Yotei?
The Katana is undoubtedly the best weapon for beginners. It’s available from the start, offers excellent balance between offense and defense, and teaches fundamental combat mechanics that apply to all other weapons. Master the Katana first, then branch out to more specialized weapons.
How do I unlock the Dual Katana in Ghost of Yotei?
You can unlock the Dual Katana by completing “The Way of the Dual Katana” main mission in Yotei Grasslands. This quest involves training with Master Hanbei and learning the dual-wielding techniques. It’s typically available early in the game, making Dual Katana accessible for most of your playthrough.
Which weapon is best for stealth gameplay?
The Kusarigama is the ultimate stealth weapon due to its chain grapple ability, which lets you pull enemies into stealth kill range from unexpected angles. Pair it with the Bow for silent ranged takedowns and Smoke Bombs for escape options, and you’ll have the perfect stealth loadout.
What’s the most effective weapon against bosses?
For boss encounters, the Odachi is generally your best choice due to its massive damage output and ability to stagger larger enemies. However, the Katana remains viable throughout due to its balanced moveset and defensive capabilities. Many players prefer to switch between Katana (for defense) and Odachi (for offense) during boss fights.
How important are weapon upgrades in Ghost of Yotei?
Weapon upgrades are extremely important and significantly impact your combat effectiveness. Upgraded weapons deal more damage, unlock new techniques, and often have improved special effects. Prioritize upgrading your primary weapons first, but don’t neglect your quickfire tools as they provide crucial tactical advantages.
Can I change weapons mid-combat?
Yes, you can and should change weapons mid-combat! The most effective players constantly adapt their loadout based on the current situation. Quick weapon switching is a crucial skill for mastering Ghost of Yotei’s combat system.
What’s the difference between Hankyu and Yumi bows?
The Hankyu is a shortbow with quicker draw time and moderate damage, ideal for rapid stealth takedowns. The Yumi is a longbow with slower draw time but higher damage and armor penetration, better for eliminating heavily armored targets from distance. Most players prefer the Hankyu for its versatility, though the Yumi excels in specific situations.
How do I get more ammunition for ranged weapons?
Ammunition can be purchased from merchants, crafted at camps, or found throughout the world. Different ammunition types have different availability—regular arrows are most common, while special ammunition (fire, poison, explosive) is rarer and more expensive.
Are there any hidden or secret weapons in Ghost of Yotei?
While all base weapons are accessible through standard gameplay progression, there are legendary variants and cosmetic upgrades that can be found through exploration, completing specific side quests, or defeating optional bosses. These don’t change weapon statistics but offer unique appearances and sometimes special effects.
What’s the best weapon for New Game+?
In New Game+, the Kusarigama often emerges as the top choice due to its versatility and the fact that you’ll have full upgrade access from the beginning. However, the best weapon ultimately depends on your preferred playstyle—New Game+ allows you to experiment with different approaches from the start.
Conclusion
Mastering Ghost of Yotei’s weapons system is about more than just knowing which weapons are “best”—it’s about understanding when and how to use each tool in your arsenal. The Katana provides the perfect foundation, but true mastery comes from adapting your loadout to each unique challenge.
Remember that the most effective warriors in Ghost of Yotei are those who remain flexible, switching between weapons and tactics as the situation demands. Whether you prefer the precise strikes of the Katana, the chaotic speed of Dual Katanas, the tactical versatility of the Kusarigama, or the raw power of the Odachi, there’s a playstyle that suits your preferences.
As you continue your journey through Ezo, keep experimenting with different weapons and combinations. The meta may evolve, and new techniques may be discovered, but the fundamental principles of adaptability and mastery will always serve you well.
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates as we continue to uncover new strategies and meta shifts in Ghost of Yotei. The world of Ezo is vast and full of challenges, but with the right weapons and knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to face whatever awaits you.
Looking for more Ghost of Yotei content? Check out our comprehensive Ghost of Yotei Character & Weapon Guide for even more in-depth strategies, or dive into our Ultimate Ghost of Yotei Odachi Gameplay Guide to master this devastating greatsword.