When I first reached the Old Trails quest in Ghost of Yotei, I found myself standing at the stables, staring at four beautiful horses and wondering which one would be my companion for the rest of Atsu’s journey. Let me tell you, this decision might seem simple, but it’s actually one of the more personal choices you’ll make early in the game. After spending hours researching and testing different options, I’m here to share everything you need to know about making the perfect horse choice in Ghost of Yotei.
Understanding the Old Trails Quest
Before we dive into the horse selection, let me walk you through how to even get to this point. The Old Trails quest isn’t just handed to you on a silver platter – you actually have to discover it yourself. When I first started playing, I almost missed this entirely!
The quest begins when Atsu remembers her father talking about visiting stables west of their home. You’ll need to head to the Old Stables in the Yotei Grasslands, specifically south of Shikotsu Woods. Trust me, it’s worth the ride – this quest gives you some great insight into Atsu’s childhood and, of course, lets you pick your permanent mount.
When I arrived at the stables, I was immediately thrown into combat with some of Lord Saito’s goons. You can handle this stealthily or go in swords blazing – either way works fine. After clearing out the enemies, the stable master will ask for your help finding his horses, which triggers a pretty touching flashback sequence with Atsu’s father.
The Horse Choices: What Are Your Options?
Okay, here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for – the actual horse selection! After completing the flashback and returning to the present, Atsu will whistle and four horses will come running. Let me break down each option for you:
The White Horse
This is actually your trusty steed from the beginning of the game – the nameless white horse that’s been with you since the prologue. When I first saw this option, I felt a bit attached to this horse already. We’d been through some battles together, and there’s something special about keeping your original companion. The stable master even mentions giving this old horse a rest, but don’t worry – he’s perfectly fine to continue your journey.
The Black Horse
Ah, the black horse – sleek, mysterious, and honestly pretty intimidating in a cool way. When I looked at this option, I immediately thought about how striking it would look galloping through the snow-covered landscapes of Ezo. Black horses have always been my favorite in games, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Plus, as some players have mentioned in community discussions, a black horse pairs well with pretty much any saddle color or armor you might equip later.
The Dapple Horse
The dapple horse is unique with its beautiful spotted coat pattern. I’ll admit, when I first saw this option, I was intrigued by how different it looked from the others. It’s not as common in games, so if you’re looking for something that stands out, this might be your pick. The dapple pattern gives it a really distinctive appearance that I think looks especially beautiful in the game’s lighting.
The Brown Horse (Digital Deluxe Edition Exclusive)
Now, if you’re like me and splurged on the Digital Deluxe Edition, you get an exclusive fourth option – the brown horse. This horse has a rich, warm chestnut color that I find really appealing. It’s not available to standard edition players, so if you have it, you’ve got a unique choice that others don’t. I’ve seen some players mention that this brown horse looks particularly good with certain saddle combinations available later in the game.
Horse Names: Adding Personality to Your Mount
After choosing your horse’s appearance, you get to name it! This is where you can really add some personality to your companion. You have three name options, each with their own meaning:
Shimaki (Tornado)
When I saw this name option, I immediately thought about speed and power. “Tornado” is a pretty badass name for a horse, don’t you think? If you’re planning on doing a lot of fast travel and want your horse to feel like a force of nature, this might be the perfect choice.
Mochizuki (Full Moon)
This name has a beautiful, poetic quality to it. “Full Moon” evokes images of nighttime rides and mystical journeys. I’ve noticed this is actually a pretty popular choice among players – there’s something elegant and serene about it that really fits the game’s atmosphere.
Homura (Flame)
“Flame” is a name that suggests passion, energy, and maybe a bit of rebellion. When I considered this option, I thought about how well it fits Atsu’s character – she’s definitely got that fiery spirit. If you want your horse’s name to reflect the intensity of your journey, Homura might be the way to go.
Does Your Choice Actually Matter?
Here’s the big question I had when I was making my decision: does any of this actually affect gameplay? After researching extensively and testing different options, I can confidently say that your horse choice is purely cosmetic. That’s right – there are no gameplay differences between the horses whatsoever.
No speed advantages, no special abilities, no hidden stats – just personal preference. The horse you choose will be your permanent mount for the rest of the game, so pick the one you’ll enjoy looking at for dozens of hours. I’ve seen some players worry about making the “wrong” choice, but honestly, there’s no wrong answer here.
My Personal Recommendation
If you’re still on the fence, let me share what I ended up choosing and why. I went with the black horse and named it Mochizuki (Full Moon). Here’s my reasoning:
The black horse just looked the most striking to me, especially when I imagined it riding through the game’s various environments. Against the white snow, green forests, and autumn landscapes, the black coat really pops. And I chose Mochizuki because I loved the poetic imagery it created – a black horse named “Full Moon” just feels right for a game with such beautiful day/night cycles and weather effects.
But that’s just my preference! I’ve seen players make great cases for all the combinations. Some friends of mine went with the white horse named Homura, creating this cool contrast between purity and fire. Others chose the dapple horse with Shimaki for that unique, natural look.
Additional Rewards from the Old Trails Quest
While the horse is the main reward, there are actually a couple of other goodies you shouldn’t miss when completing this quest:
Charm of Bountiful Harvest
During the flashback sequence, you’ll come across a tree trunk where Atsu’s father mentions a “charm.” Make sure to inspect this area – you’ll find the Charm of Bountiful Harvest, which increases the amount of wood, flowers, and plants you collect when foraging. As someone who loves crafting and gathering in games, I’ve found this charm incredibly useful throughout my playthrough.
Hot Spring Location
There’s also a hot spring nearby that you can discover. Visiting hot springs increases your maximum health, so it’s definitely worth taking a dip when you find it. I made sure to visit this one early, and every little bit of health helps in the tougher battles later in the game.
Trophy Achievement
Completing the Old Trails quest and naming your horse will unlock the “Naming a Friend” trophy. It’s a nice little achievement that marks this memorable moment in your journey.
Tips for Making Your Decision
If you’re still struggling to choose, here are some things I considered that might help you decide:
Think About Your Playstyle
Are you the type of player who likes to stand out, or do you prefer something more traditional? If you want your horse to be unique, the dapple or brown (if available) might be more your style. If you prefer classic looks, the white or black horses are timeless choices.
Consider Your Character’s Appearance
Take a look at Atsu’s outfit and think about which horse color would complement it best. I spent some time in the character menu visualizing different combinations before making my final choice.
Future Customization
Remember that you’ll be able to customize your horse’s saddle later in the game. Some colors might pair better with certain saddle designs than others. I’ve found that the black horse is particularly versatile in this regard.
The Name Matters Too
Don’t forget that the name is part of the package! Some horse-color combinations just sound better together. I spent a good few minutes saying the different combinations out loud to see which flowed best.
Common Questions I’ve Seen from Players
After spending time in various Ghost of Yotei communities, I’ve noticed some questions that come up repeatedly. Let me address a few of them:
Can I Change My Horse Later?
Unfortunately, no. Once you make your choice in the Old Trails quest, that horse is your permanent companion for the rest of the game. This is why it’s worth taking your time with the decision.
Do Different Horses Have Different Personalities?
While the horses look different, they all behave exactly the same way in terms of gameplay. They’ll all respond to your calls the same way, have the same speed, and handle identically.
What If I Regret My Choice?
Don’t worry too much! While you can’t change your horse mid-playthrough, you can always start a new game with a different choice. Or, if you’re like me, you might grow to love whatever horse you choose – they all look great in action.
Is the Brown Horse Worth Getting the Deluxe Edition?
That’s really up to you. The brown horse is nice, but I wouldn’t recommend buying the Deluxe Edition just for it. The other Deluxe Edition benefits should be your main consideration.
FAQ
How do I start the Old Trails quest in Ghost of Yotei?
The Old Trails quest starts automatically when you visit the Old Stables in the Yotei Grasslands, south of Shikotsu Woods. You’ll discover this location after Atsu remembers her father talking about visiting stables west of their home.
Can I change my horse after making my choice?
No, once you choose your horse in the Old Trails quest, it becomes your permanent mount for the rest of the game. Choose carefully!
Does horse choice affect gameplay or stats?
No, all horses are identical in terms of gameplay. Your choice is purely cosmetic and won’t affect speed, stamina, or any other gameplay mechanics.
What’s the difference between regular and Digital Deluxe Edition horses?
The Digital Deluxe Edition includes an exclusive brown horse option that isn’t available to standard edition players. All other horse options are the same.
How do I get the Charm of Bountiful Harvest?
During the flashback sequence in the Old Trails quest, inspect the tree trunk where Atsu’s father mentions a “charm” to find the Charm of Bountiful Harvest.
What trophy do I get for completing this quest?
You’ll receive the “Naming a Friend” trophy for completing the Old Trails quest and choosing your horse.
Can I name my horse anything I want?
You can choose from three pre-set names: Shimaki (Tornado), Mochizuki (Full Moon), or Homura (Flame). Custom naming isn’t available.
Where exactly are the stables located?
The Old Stables are located in the Yotei Grasslands, south of Shikotsu Woods and west of Atsu’s home. Look for the point of interest marker on your map.
Is there a time limit for choosing my horse?
No, you can take as much time as you need to make your decision. The game won’t rush you or penalize you for taking your time.
What other rewards do I get from this quest?
Besides your horse, you’ll get the Charm of Bountiful Harvest, access to a nearby hot spring (which increases max health), and the “Naming a Friend” trophy.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your horse in Ghost of Yotei’s Old Trails quest is one of those small but meaningful decisions that makes the game feel personal. While it doesn’t affect gameplay, it’s a choice that will stay with you throughout your entire journey with Atsu.
I remember standing there at the stables, weighing my options carefully, and ultimately feeling really satisfied with my choice. Every time I call my black horse Mochizuki, I smile a little – it just feels right for my playthrough.
Whatever you choose, remember that there’s no wrong answer. Pick the horse that speaks to you, give it a name that you like, and enjoy the incredible journey that awaits in Ghost of Yotei. After all, you and your horse will be exploring the beautiful landscapes of Ezo together for many hours to come.
Happy riding, and I hope you and your new companion have an amazing adventure!