The Burning Plains questline in Ghost of Yotei represents one of the game’s most rewarding post-campaign experiences. If you missed Sensei Takahashi’s story during your main playthrough, this condensed five-chapter journey delivers everything you need—Yari mastery, epic battles, and a conclusion that honors samurai tradition. Let’s walk through every step.
Ghost of Yotei Quest Requirements & Chapters
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Unlock Condition | Complete main story + skip Takahashi questline |
| Category | Unfinished Business (Post-game) |
| Total Chapters | 5 |
| New Weapon | Yari (Spear) |
| Special Rewards | Exclusive Weapon Kit, Yari techniques |
Chapter Breakdown:
- The Way of the Yari
- The Path of the Yari
- The Yari’s Fury
- Sensei Takahashi’s Persimmon Tree
- The Burning of Castle Ishikari
Chapter 1: The Way of the Yari
Your journey begins at Modaiwa Island in Ishikari Plain. The Yari Master mistakes Atsu for an Oni raider, triggering a duel that tests your defensive skills. Watch for glowing attacks—that’s your parry window. Dual Katana works beautifully here for interrupting his windups.
Training Phases:
- Fishing: Wade into the pond, watch for ripples, and strike leaping fish mid-air
- Sumi-e Painting: Trace landscape outlines using the touchpad to refine control
- Combat Trial: Learn the Typhoon Kick thrust that knocks enemies back
After defending against an Oni raid, you’ll earn the Yari permanently. This weapon becomes essential for the remaining chapters.
For more combat techniques, explore our action-adventure game strategies.
Chapter 2: The Path of the Yari
Head southeast to Higashi Lumberyard near Horokanai Bluffs. Your objectives:
- Eliminate all hostiles
- Defeat Eijiro the Ruthless (area boss)
- Bow at the Altar of Reflection
Next, liberate Bold Kaji Forge using stealth to thin enemy numbers before freeing Kotetsu, the captive forge master. Clear remaining guards to complete liberation.
Pro Tip: Red glint attacks cannot be blocked or parried—dodge only!
Chapter 3: The Yari’s Fury
Travel to Sensei Takahashi’s Dojo in northeast Ishikari Plain for advanced training:
- Strike the practice tree with your Yari
- Study three technique scrolls around the training ground
- Unlock the Thundering Wave ability (Triangle + Circle)
Immediately after training, defend the dojo against waves of Oni Raiders. This tests your new Thundering Wave technique—perfect for crowd control.
Discover more weapon guides at our Ghost of Yotei hub.
Chapter 4: Sensei Takahashi’s Persimmon Tree
This brief but meaningful chapter requires unlocking five Yari skills from the spear skill tree. Short on skill points? Visit five Altars of Reflection to earn enough.
Return to Takahashi’s dojo and strike the large persimmon tree with your Yari. This symbolic act marks your weapon mastery and rewards you with an exclusive Weapon Kit.
Chapter 5: The Burning of Castle Ishikari
The grand finale ties everything together. First, recruit the Bomb Maker in Otaru Hills, then liberate three key areas:
| Location | Objective |
|---|---|
| Nishin Fishery | Clear all guards |
| Masked Man’s Quarry | Eliminate hostile forces |
| Broken Horn Garrison | Clear guards + rescue prisoner |
After liberations, complete “The Oni” quest by hunting a powerful Oni enemy. Regroup with Takahashi and Ina at the dojo to plan the castle assault.
Final Battle Tips:
- Use charged attacks strategically
- Trigger Onryo’s Howl (L3 + R3) when overwhelmed
- Focus on parrying glowing attacks for counter opportunities
Storm Castle Ishikari, defeat all guards, and reclaim the stronghold. After victory, follow the sake jar trail to reunite with allies and conclude Takahashi’s legacy.
For official game updates and patch notes, visit the PlayStation Ghost of Yotei page.
Combat Strategies for Success
Yari Combat Essentials:
- Master parry timing against glowing attacks
- Use Thundering Wave for crowd control
- Combine Yari with Dual Katana for versatility
- Always dodge red glint attacks (unblockable)
Resource Management:
- Complete Altars of Reflection for skill points
- Use stealth liberations to conserve resources
- Stock healing items before castle assault
Master the Yari and honor Takahashi’s legacy, samurai. For more open-world adventure guides, keep your blade sharp!
FAQs
Q: Can I still access the Burning Plains quest if I partially completed Takahashi’s questline during the main story?
Unfortunately, no. The Burning Plains quest only triggers if you completely skipped Sensei Takahashi’s entire questline during your initial playthrough. If you started but didn’t finish his missions, you’ll need to complete them the standard way through the main game progression. Burning Plains is specifically designed as a condensed “catch-up” experience for players who missed his story entirely. Consider it an alternative path rather than a supplementary questline.
Q: What’s the best weapon combination for the Castle Ishikari final battle?
The Yari paired with Dual Katana offers optimal versatility. Use the Yari’s Thundering Wave for clearing grouped enemies and controlling space, then switch to Dual Katana for fast single-target damage and interrupt potential. Keep your Onryo’s Howl (L3 + R3) ready as an emergency crowd-control tool when surrounded. Stock at least 5 healing items before entering, and prioritize parrying glowing attacks over aggressive offense. Patience wins this battle—don’t overcommit to combos against multiple enemies.
