In an unconventional approach to unlocking skills, Atsu procures Technique points in Ghost of Yotei, rather than mindlessly grinding for XP. These Techniques are split across multiple skill trees with several sub-skill trees in each, with availability dependent on quest completion, encountering Masters, as well as prior Techniques in the tree being unlocked, and so requires careful thought to avoid squandering the limited upgrade opportunities.
This guide for Ghost of Yotei will attempt to shortlist a handful of the best Techniques that Atsu should unlock first.
Onryo
Attack
- Disarm Counter: Focus Attacks will Disarm enemies performing a yellow glint attack. Earns Spirit on successful disarm.
- Onryo’s Strike: Instantly strike and Disarm an enemy. Has a chance to Terrify enemies and make them flee.
Assassination
- Brute Assassination: Assassinate large Brute enemies.
- Swift Assassination: Assassinations are moderately faster and quieter.
Survival
- Perfect Dodge: Time your Dodge at the last second before an enemy’s attack lands to slow time and perform a deadly counterattack.
- Shoulder Charge: Charge into enemies while sprinting to throw them backwards. Brutes are Interrupted but not thrown.
Ranged
- Mental Fortitude: Reduce Concentration cooldown by a minor amount.
- Improved Mental Fortitude: Reduce Concentration cooldown by a major amount.
Melee
Katana
- Heavenly Slash: A fast unblockable attack that Interrupts enemies and inflicts extra damage against Staggered enemies.
- Strength of Lightning: Increase Stagger damage against Swords such as Katana and Odachi. Requires Iai Lightning Strikes to be unlocked.
Dual Katana
- Tempest Strike: A series of Dual Katana attacks that end with an unblockable strike that inflicts major damage.
- Relentless Flurry: Continue a Dual Katana Focus Attack combo after Dashing. Requires fewer attacks to perform Tempest Strike after a successful Parry or Dash.
Odachi
- Bulwark Stance: A defensive stance for the Odachi that blocks all standard attacks.
- Strength of the Mountain: Increase Stagger damage against all enemies.
Yari
- Typhoon Sweep: Sweep the Yari in a wide arc to Interrupt and knock down enemies.
- Strength of Waters: Increase Stagger damage against Sickle enemies.
Kusarigama
- Ferocious Whirlwind: Kusarigama Focus Attack swing that strikes all nearby enemies.
- Lethal Talons: Use the Kusarigama to execute Assassinations from a distance.
Revenge
Attack
- Standoff Streak: After a successful Standoff, 1 enemy will rush in and open themselves to a killing blow. Wait until the enemy attacks, then deal a devastating strike. Grants extra Spirit on success.
- Improved Weapon Throw: Thrown Melee weapons inflict increased regular damage and Stagger damage.
Horse
- Improved Horse Boost: Increase the amount of speed gained when galloping through white flowers or jumping over obstacles on horseback.
- Mounted Tackle: Leap from your horse to tackle a nearby enemy, inflicting Stagger damage.
Wolf
Combat
- Wolf’s Vengeance: After appearing, the wolf will stay and fight your opponents.
- Wolf Assassination: If you Assassinate or Critical Strike an enemy when the wolf is nearby, she will Assassinate 1 additional foe.
Summon
- Wolf Howl: When using Onryo’s Howl, the wolf may join you and attack another enemy.
- Wolf Standoff: When you engage in a Standoff, the wolf may join you and face off against another enemy.
Those are the best Techniques to aim to get early among the multiple skill trees in Ghost of Yotei.
