In Ghost of Yotei, music is more than art — it’s a path to discovery. The Shamisen, a traditional Japanese string instrument carried by Atsu, serves as both a tool and a symbol of spiritual harmony. As you explore the breathtaking landscapes of Yotei, learning Shamisen Songs helps you uncover hidden treasures, shrines, collectibles, and secrets that enrich your gameplay.
This complete guide explains how to unlock all eight Shamisen Songs, their benefits, where to find them, and expert tips to ensure you don’t miss any.
What Are Shamisen Songs in Ghost of Yotei?
The Shamisen is your constant companion throughout the game. Beyond its melodic charm, it’s a magical guide that helps Atsu interact with the spirit world and locate hidden items. Each song you learn produces a distinct “Gust Wind” effect, visually guiding you toward key locations such as shrines, hot springs, or rare equipment.
Learning every Shamisen Song is not just for completionists — it’s essential for players who want to:
- Fully explore Yotei’s open world.
- Discover secret collectibles.
- Unlock hidden upgrades and trophies.
- Deepen the spiritual connection between Atsu and the world around him.
There are eight Shamisen Songs in total, and none are permanently missable. You can still collect them even after finishing the main story.
All Shamisen Songs in Ghost of Yotei
Here’s the full list of melodies you can master:
- Atsu’s Song
- Song of Spirit
- Song of Shrines
- Song of Well-Being
- Song of the Wolf
- Song of Revenge
- Song of Vanity
- Song of the Ainu
Let’s go step-by-step through each one and how to unlock it.
1. Atsu’s Song
- Unlock Method: Automatically learned during the game’s prologue.
- Location: Default — no exploration needed.
- Purpose: Serves as your starting melody and introduction to the Shamisen mechanic.
This song symbolizes Atsu’s personal theme — a reflection of his journey, spirit, and determination. It doesn’t have a guiding function but lays the foundation for your musical progression.
2. Song of Spirit
- Location: Master Hejiro’s Garden, Yotei Grasslands (northwest region).
- Quest: Master of the Shamisen side tale.
To obtain this melody, visit Master Hejiro’s Garden and interact with spiritual hotspots marked by golden leaves. You’ll relive past events through memory sequences and visions. Completing the quest rewards you with the Song of Spirit.
Effect: Reveals nearby Bamboo Strike locations, allowing you to increase your maximum Spirit Gauge.
Tip: Explore Hejiro’s Garden during daylight — it enhances the visual cues of golden leaves and makes memory interactions easier to spot.
3. Song of Shrines
- Unlock Condition: Random camp encounter.
- Best Location: Ishikari Plain region.
This song can only be obtained by camping in specific regions. During rest, a settler NPC might visit your camp. If you play your Shamisen for them, they’ll teach you the Song of Shrines.
Effect: The melody highlights nearby Shrines, rewarding you with charms, trinkets, and accessories.
Pro Tip:
If the NPC doesn’t appear right away, change camping locations and rest multiple times. Each region offers new chances for random encounters.
4. Song of Well-Being
- Location: Northwest Ishikari Coast, near a cliff edge with a flying kite.
- Requirement: Interact with the Shamisen Practice Spot under the kite.
When you reach the area, you’ll find a small ledge overlooking the sea. Interact with the kite marker to begin a short musical sequence — upon completion, Atsu learns the Song of Well-Being.
Effect: The song guides you toward Hot Springs, which boost maximum health and offer moments of peace.
Extra Tip: Try visiting this area after sunset for a stunning visual backdrop — the kite glows under moonlight, making it easier to spot.
5. Song of the Wolf
- Unlock Requirement: Defeat four Wolf Den locations.
- Automatic Unlock: After the fourth den, Atsu sits and learns the melody through a cutscene.
Effect: Reveals other Wolf Den locations on the map, helping you complete related challenges and obtain unique wolf-themed rewards.
Combat Strategy Tip: Equip the Onryo Armor before tackling Wolf Dens to maximize fear-based abilities. This helps you clear them faster and unlock the song efficiently.
6. Song of Revenge
- Location: Tokachi Range, north of Shizunai Woods.
- Encounter: Meet a ronin musician at the Musician’s Camp.
When you find him, donate coins and complete small interactions such as lighting a campfire or performing for him. Once his dialogue chain concludes, he rewards you with the Song of Revenge.
Effect: Helps you locate Yotei Six Camps, where powerful enemies and altars reside.
Lore Insight:
The melody symbolizes vengeance and inner turmoil — its haunting tones echo the spirits of fallen warriors who still seek redemption.
7. Song of Vanity
- Location: Teshio Ridge, west of Red Crane Inn.
- Clue: Look for another kite marker on a mountain peak overlooking the Teshio River.
After reaching the high ridge and interacting at the Shamisen Practice Spot, you’ll learn the Song of Vanity.
Effect: Helps locate Vanity Gear, including aesthetic cosmetics, masks, and special visual items.
Exploration Tip:
Use the Guiding Wind feature to help navigate steep ridges — the area’s paths can be confusing without it.
8. Song of the Ainu
- Requirement: Complete two specific Side Tales.
- The Soul of an Instrument – Tokachi Range (Ainu Musician’s Camp).
- A Melody of Thoughts – Nayoro Wilds (Cukpet Hills Camp).
After finishing both quests, the Song of the Ainu is automatically added to your repertoire.
Effect: Reveals Ainu relics and cultural items hidden throughout the world.
Cultural Note:
This song celebrates the harmony between Atsu’s journey and Ainu traditions, adding emotional depth and authenticity to your exploration.
Tips for Learning All Shamisen Songs
Learning every song can take time, but following these expert tips ensures smooth progression:
1. Follow Main and Side Tales Naturally
Many songs are tied to specific quests. Avoid rushing exploration until major side tales are completed — some melodies only unlock through narrative events.
2. Look for Kites
Kites serve as visual markers for Shamisen Practice Spots. If you see one flying, it’s a clear sign of a new melody waiting to be discovered.
3. Camp Frequently
Songs like the Song of Shrines rely on chance encounters. Rest often at different camps across Yotei to increase your odds of meeting the right NPC.
4. Keep a Checklist
With eight total songs, it’s easy to lose track. Maintain a progress log — especially for side tales and random encounters.
5. Use Songs Often
Each song produces a unique guiding effect. Play them regularly to identify hidden resources or collectibles you might otherwise miss.
6. Don’t Stress About Timing
All songs remain obtainable even after completing the main story. You can finish your collection in Free Roam Mode.
Why Learning All Shamisen Songs Matters
Mastering every Shamisen Song doesn’t just enhance gameplay — it elevates your entire Ghost of Yotei experience.
Key Benefits:
- 🎵 Improved Navigation: Each melody acts as a guide to hidden areas and collectibles.
- 🕊️ Achievement Unlocks: Collecting all songs grants a trophy and 100% completion milestone.
- 🌸 Character Growth: Boosts health, spirit, and stamina through linked discoveries.
- 🌅 Immersion & Storytelling: Deepens your emotional connection to the world through music and tradition.
Suggested Unlock Order
While you can learn them in any sequence, the following order ensures the smoothest progression and most natural flow with the story:
- Atsu’s Song (automatic)
- Song of Spirit (Hejiro’s Garden)
- Song of Well-Being (Ishikari Coast)
- Song of Vanity (Teshio Ridge)
- Song of the Wolf (after 4 Wolf Dens)
- Song of Revenge (Tokachi Range)
- Song of the Ainu (two side tales)
- Song of Shrines (random camp event)
Following this route balances narrative pacing and gameplay discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many Shamisen Songs are in Ghost of Yotei?
There are eight total songs, each tied to specific quests, encounters, or regions.
Q2: Can I miss any Shamisen Songs permanently?
No, none are missable. You can learn them all even after completing the main storyline.
Q3: What’s the most difficult song to unlock?
The Song of Shrines can be tricky since it depends on random NPC encounters during camping.
Q4: Do Shamisen Songs help in combat?
Not directly — their effects are exploration-based, guiding you to upgrades and collectibles that improve overall performance.
Q5: Can I replay Shamisen Songs anytime?
Yes, once unlocked, you can replay any song freely through the touchpad or equivalent input on your controller.
Q6: What happens after learning all eight songs?
You earn an achievement, plus the Shamisen emits a radiant aura when played — symbolizing Atsu’s mastery over music and spirit.
Final Thoughts
Learning all Shamisen Songs in Ghost of Yotei transforms your journey into something truly magical. Each melody not only enhances your ability to explore but also connects you emotionally to the world’s culture and lore.
From the haunting tones of the Song of Revenge to the serene peace of the Song of Well-Being, every piece tells part of Atsu’s story — one of loss, spirit, and discovery. So take your time, listen to the wind, follow the kites, and let your music guide your path to mastery.
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