⚔️ Facing the deadliest bounties in Ghost of Yotei? These bosses will test your blade like never before—parry or perish! 😤 Unlock the strategies to crush Soma, Takezo, and the Yotei Six’s elite without dying. Ready to claim those epic rewards?
In the frozen expanses of Ezo, where bounties lurk amid blizzards and bandit camps, Ghost of Yotei challenges players to hunt down notorious targets for glory and gear. Sucker Punch’s sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, launched on October 2, 2025, for PlayStation 5, weaves these side quests into Atsu’s revenge narrative against the Yotei Six, offering capstone rewards like exclusive armor sets. With over 30 bounties scattered across regions like Yotei Grasslands and Tokachi Range, the real tests come from the boss-level encounters—mini-duels and ambushes that demand precise parries, weapon swaps, and charm synergies. Players on forums like Reddit have dubbed some, like Takezo the Unrivalled, as “soul-crushingly hard,” often requiring dozens of attempts on higher difficulties. This in-depth guide covers strategies for all major bounty bosses, ranked from easiest to hardest based on community consensus, with no story spoilers—just combat breakdowns to help you dominate Ezo’s most wanted.
Bounties unlock progressively, starting from boards in settlements like Snow Drift Village or through eavesdropped rumors in camps. Completing regional sets triggers capstones, like the Bounty Master Armor, which boosts perfect parry combos into three-hit chains—essential for these fights. Prep with a defensive build: Equip charms like Futsunushi for wider parry windows, Father’s Charm for health regen on perfects, and Mount Yotei for damage reduction. Tweak settings to Easy Timing Windows if needed, and practice at Altars of Reflection to replay patterns. Now, let’s tackle the bosses.
Easiest: The New Lord – Oni Raider Onslaught
Found in the Tokachi Range after accepting “The New Lord” from a village board, this bounty pits you against a self-proclaimed warlord and his Oni Raiders—a mix of spearmen and heavies. It’s more skirmish than duel, but the boss shines with unblockable charges (red glints) and area sweeps.
Strategy: Prioritize minions first—use kunai to stagger groups, then switch to naginata for spear matchups to exploit alignment bonuses. The New Lord telegraphs overheads with a shoulder hunch; perfect parry (L1 tap) to slow time and counter with heavy Triangle strikes. If low on health, summon wolves for distractions. On Lethal difficulty, his sweeps one-shot, so dodge Circle on reds and brace L1 on yellows. Rewards include Spirit orbs and a charm upgrade—clear in under five minutes with Bounty Master Armor for chain staggers.
Easy-Medium: Nameless Killer – Stealth and Speed Duel
This elusive assassin hides in the eastern wetlands, tracked via the “Nameless Killer” bounty in Act 2. He ambushes with dual blades, favoring quick combos and poison darts that apply bleed.
Strategy: Start passive—observe his blue-glint thrusts (shoulder twitch wind-up) and parry to build stagger. Avoid aggressive rushes; his dodges punish overcommitment. Use the Charm of the Prepared for extra stagger on aligned katana counters. When he vanishes in smoke, listen for audio cues and dodge reds. Perfect parries heal via Father’s Charm, sustaining through bleed. Finish with Heavenly Strike for burst. Players report cheesing with rifle headshots from range, but melee yields better loot like poison-resistant gear. Expect 10-15 attempts on Hard if underleveled.
Medium: Soma the Condemned – Flute-Playing Ronin
Soma lurks in Hidaka Grove, unlocked via the “Soma the Condemned” capstone after regional bounties. This melodic mini-boss requires playing a shamisen tune to summon him, leading to a katana duel atop a cliff.
Strategy: His patterns mimic early ronin but amp up with unblockables—watch for pauses before thrusts. Equip Bounty Master for parry chains; each perfect nets three free hits. Dodge his red sweeps and counter with light Square combos to chip posture. If he staggers, disarm with heavy attacks. Charms like Inner Fire boost resolve for specials. Reddit users suggest mid-game timing, post-Yotei Grasslands, to avoid one-shots. Rewards: Bounty Master Armor, key for harder fights.
Medium-Hard: The Onryo – Spectral Guardian
Tied to the “Undying Legacy” myth, this bounty evolves into a ghost hunt, culminating in a spectral duel in the wetlands. The Onryo phases in/out, using ethereal grabs and yellow unblockables.
Strategy: Widen windows with Futsunushi; parry blues to prevent phasing. Use Red Parry skill to turn reds blue. Summon spirits for distractions, and swap to tanegashima for ranged interrupts. Heal loops via perfects keep you in the fight. Community tips: Avoid close range during phases—back off and bait attacks. Clear after unlocking Onryo Attacks tree for counters.
Hard: Master Takezo – The Unrivalled Swordsman
Crowned the toughest by players, Takezo awaits at Mount Yotei’s peak after the “Takezo the Unrivalled” bounty. His blistering speed and unblockable barrages have sparked Reddit rants, with some logging 70+ deaths.
Strategy: Max Bounty Hunter Armor for parry exploits—every perfect yields three hits and posture damage. Stack charms: Futsunushi for timings, Mount Yotei for tankiness, Father’s for heals, Bold Deflection for posture. Learn his sequences: Parry blues in combos, dodge reds (no early parries break chains). Use Sword of Storm for burst after staggers. If struggling, drop difficulty or cheese with odachi heavies. Aim for katana-only kill for honor—replay via altar if needed.
Hardest: The Snake and The Oni – Yotei Six Lieutenants (Bounty Tie-Ins)
While not pure bounties, capstones like “The Snake” and “The Oni” blend into boss hunts, accessible after bounties in Grasslands. The Snake uses poison and stealth; The Oni charges with massive health.
Strategy for Snake: Parry thrusts, dodge poisons—use anti-bleed charms. Stagger with naginata alignments. For Oni: Tank with Mount Yotei, chain parries to disarm. Both reward weapons/upgrades.
Ghost of Yotei’s bounties aren’t just filler—they’re combat crucibles honing skills for the Yotei Six finale. With 40+ hours of content, mastering these bosses unlocks Atsu’s full potential, from god-tier builds to Ezo’s secrets. For maps, hit PowerPyx or IGN. What’s your nightmare bounty? Comment below.
