Sucker Punch Productions has taken the combat dynamics in Ghost of Yotei to an exhilarating new level. The intense boss battles evoke a difficulty reminiscent of the famed Soulsborne series, culminating in the formidable clash against Takezo the Unrivaled. Prepare yourself, as this showdown atop Mount Yotei is perhaps the most intricate and demanding encounter devised by the developers.
Takezo’s climactic duel can be overwhelming, and it’s understandable if you opt to lower the difficulty just to secure that coveted Platinum Trophy. However, for those willing to engage with relentless determination, I’ve compiled a comprehensive strategy and optimal build to assist in overcoming this formidable foe.
Preparation Strategies for Takezo the Unrivaled
Before facing Takezo, it’s crucial to complete the main storyline and collect every charm and piece of gear that complements your combat style. This climax of the game is meant to challenge your parrying skills, patience, and overall combat abilities. Ensure you have all the necessary charms equipped to maximize your chances of success.
I’ve outlined a recommended build along with brief explanations for each component, allowing you the flexibility to adjust charms according to your preferences. While you need to equip all of Takezo’s associated charms before summoning him, you’re welcome to swap them out once he arrives in camp.
| Gear | Acquisition Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bounty Master Armor | Complete the Soma The Condemned Bounty | This armor’s capacity for perfect parries and follow-up counterattacks allows for an effective blend of offense and defense during combat. |
| Charm of Futsunushi | Located at the Faithful Leap Shrine in Tokachi Range | Enhances your parry and dodge timings, synergizing perfectly with the Bounty Master Armor. |
| Takezo’s Charm of Renewed Determination | From Takezo’s Disciple (Before the Mountain) | Boosts spirit gain from attacks, but you may swap it for another charm like the Father’s Charm for health recovery on perfect parries. |
| Takezo’s Charm of Bold Deflection | From Takezo’s Disciple (Beneath Red Leaves) | Essential for inflicting stagger damage with successful parries, this charm is likely already in your possession. |
| Takezo’s Charm of the Stout Heart | From Takezo’s Disciple (Duel Among Ruins) | Given Takezo’s potent attacks, this charm’s HP regeneration after healing is critical for survival. |
| Charm of Mount Yotei | Upon completion of a Reliquary Puzzle | This charm can help absorb damage effectively, though its utility diminishes significantly on Lethal difficulty. |
| Charm of Thoughtful Restoration | First-time Hot Spring usage | Increasing your maximum HP is vital; ensure all Hot Springs have been utilized for health upgrades. |
Additionally, ensure you have some Sake on standby. Failing to replenish supplies can hinder your ability to recover spirit during the fight.Make sure to eat a meal at the camp to activate an extra spirit orb and potentially gain valuable melee buffs before facing Takezo.
Navigating to Takezo on Mount Yotei
To reach Takezo’s arena atop Mount Yotei, it’s essential to follow the path leading from the Mount Yotei Shrine. Though you may have traversed this path before, prepare for a quick two-minute ascent. Fortunately, the path includes shortcuts that can ease your climb.
Once you arrive, confirm that you’ve equipped all five charms linked to Takezo and take a moment to rest at the campfire to summon him. After a brief preparation period, gather your last-minute items, such as meal buffs or quickfire ammo, before initiating the duel.
Strategies to Defeat Takezo the Unrivaled
Phase One: The Awakening
Note: Achieving victory relies heavily on your ability to perform well throughout the fight. Perfecting your parries and dodges is the key to success against Takezo’s formidable moveset.
In this battle, the primary approach is to prioritize defensive maneuvers. This may contrast with the game’s typical aggressive combat style, but utilizing the Bounty Master Armor along with the Futsunushi Charm provides you with ample opportunities to execute Perfect Parries and evade attacks.
Takezo tends to counter your standard attacks, making successful perfect parries essential for gaining the upper hand. Concentrate on familiarizing yourself with Takezo’s rapid attack patterns, and don’t be discouraged by potential early defeats.
Beware of Takezo’s signature red glint attacks—these culminate with a devastating disarming maneuver. If caught without your weapons, it’s advisable to deploy a smoke bomb to buy yourself precious recovery time.
Phase Two: The Icy Onslaught
As you deplete approximately a quarter of Takezo’s health, the frost status effect will begin to afflict you, reducing your HP significantly. This scenario underscores the concern for safety while relying on the counterattacks of your armor to inflict damage.
Keep the rhythm of your parries consistent, and if an unblockable attack is imminent, aim for a Perfect Dodge to mitigate damage. Staying persistent will ultimately enable you to deal substantial harm to Takezo.
For the daring player, you might also consider utilizing Takezo’s Dual Slash Technique or Onryo’s Strike to create openings for an attack at the cost of your spirit orbs. Additionally, firing your Tanzutsu Pistol at opportune moments can serve as a disruptive strategy, maximizing your chances for an upper hand.
Remember, it’s perfectly fine to struggle and revive multiple times throughout this battle. Treat early attempts as practice, but pay close attention to each run since even a minor error towards the end could be fatal if you’re out of spirit orbs.
Rewards for Triumphing Over Takezo
Upon defeating Takezo the Unrivaled at Mount Yotei, not only will you earn the prestigious “Unrivaled”Trophy, but you will also obtain:
- Strawhat of the Unrivaled Hat
- Gilded Night & Gilded Dawn Weapon Kit (Collect from the burial site)
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