How To Beat Takezo In Ghost Of Yotei: Explained

Who cares about Yasuke and Naoe from ACS, when you can play as Atsu and take down Takezo in Ghost of Yotei. Developers Sucker Punch are already putting Ubisoft’s ACS to shame as this sequel to the iconic 2020 JRPG features incredible gameplay, impressive storytelling and side quests like the Mythic Tale. Every region in Yotei has its own Mythic Tale that rewards players with rare gear or unique abilities. One of the most memorable is the story of Takezo the Unrivaled, a legendary swordsman who tests your strength through a series of duels. To complete his tale, you’ll need to win five duels across Ezo and then face Takezo himself.

Beating Takezo in Ghost of Yotei unlocks his special Dual Katana Spirit Attack, along with several helpful charms tied to The Five Teachings of Ghost of Yotei. Here’s everything you need to know about how to start, complete, and win this mythic questline.

Finding Takezo in Ghost of Yotei

takezo in ghost of yotei takezo the unrivaled ghost of yotei the five teachings of ghost of yotei — Image Source: Sucker Punch

To begin this Mythic Tale of Takezo the Unrivaled, you first need to visit one of the five Dueling Trees scattered across Ezo. Each of these trees is home to a Disciple of Takezo who seeks to prove their skill. You can challenge them in any order, but you’ll need to defeat all five to summon Takezo himself.

These trees only become active after hearing Takezo’s story from a man named Ugetsu. Once you do, the Dueling Trees appear across the map, each marking a new duel. Some are locked behind story progress, so you might need to unlock new regions to reach them all.

The Five Duels of Takezo the Unrivaled

Each duel rewards you with one of Takezo’s charms — part of The Five Teachings of Ghost of Yotei.

1. Duel Among Graves

Location: Shikotsu River in the Yotei Grasslands.

This ronin waits on a hill surrounded by white flowers. He’s known for tricking travelers, so expect cheap attacks. Use Metsubushi (dust pouches) to stun him easily. Watch for a parryable overhead combo followed by a stab, and dodge his unblockable slam attack. When he switches to dual blades, match him with your Dual Katanas.

Reward: Takezo’s Charm of the Unrelenting Warrior – deals extra damage when health is low.

2. Duel Before the Mountain

Location: End of the Yotei River in northwest Yotei Grasslands.

This fighter likes to fake you out. He’ll crouch as if attacking, then quickstep before swinging. Don’t parry too soon.
Later, he switches to a spear. Parry or dodge carefully since spear thrusts are fast.

Reward: Takezo’s Charm of Renewed Determination – gain Spirit when taking damage.

3. Duel Beneath Red Leaves

Location: Northwestern Tokachi Range, near Yubari Lake.

This Disciple mixes unblockable and parryable strikes. He often starts with overhead swings followed by spinning slashes. When he switches to kama (sickle-like weapons), block patiently and counterattack after dodging glint attacks.

Reward: Takezo’s Charm of Bold Deflection – parries cause more stagger damage.

4. Duel in the Marshlands

Location: Tomamu Marshlands, east Tokachi Range.

This opponent uses many red, unblockable attacks. Sidestep quickly whenever you see a red glint. He also has a slow, parryable draw attack — perfect for timing a counter. Later, he’ll use dual kama but with predictable moves. Stun him with tools to end the fight fast.

Reward: Takezo’s Charm of Bracing Victory – restores health when defeating staggered enemies.

5. Duel Among Ruins

Location: Niikappu Falls, northeast Tokachi Range.

This Disciple starts with a spear. Dodge his slow swings or parry if confident. Halfway through, he switches to a katana with tricky unblockable combos. Stay defensive and dodge instead of risking parries on glowing attacks. When he swaps weapons, dodge immediately to avoid his draw strike.

Reward: Takezo’s Charm of the Stout Heart – slightly boosts healing power.

How to Beat Takezo the Unrivaled

After winning all five duels, a messenger appears, telling you that Takezo in Ghost of Yotei awaits at the Coastal Dueling Tree — where it all began. Fast travel there and rest at the camp to begin the final battle.

Takezo is a challenging opponent with two full fight phases. Before facing him, upgrade your weapons, health, and Spirit, and equip your strongest armor.

Phase One: Katana Duel

Takezo begins with a katana and uses a variety of powerful moves. His most dangerous attack is an unblockable shoulder slice that he signals with a flourish — dodge this immediately. He can also chain three over-the-shoulder stabs that are deadly if you fail to parry. If unsure, dodge instead of risking your timing.

Takezo’s fakeout slice is another trap — he’ll lower himself and step forward twice before striking. Don’t parry too early; wait until he’s right in front of you. He’ll also mix in kicks that can ruin your parry rhythm. Use items like Metsubushi, Smoke Bombs, or Oni’s Flame to break his flow.

Phase Two: The Oar Duel

In the second half, Takezo switches between his katana and an oar that functions like a naginata. His attacks are slower but hit harder. Watch for glint cues to parry safely. Whenever he changes weapons, he’ll follow with an unblockable draw attack — so be ready to dodge.

Keep calm, stay patient, and punish his recovery windows after combos. When his health drops low, you’ll unlock Takezo’s Dual Slash, a special move used with Dual Katanas by pressing Triangle + Circle together. Demonstrate it to him to end the duel.

Rewards From the Five Teachings of Ghost of Yotei

Once Takezo falls, he promises a rematch atop Mount Yotei after you master his Five Teachings. This means equipping all five charms you earned from his Disciples at once. You’ll need to unlock more charm slots in your progression before you can do this.

Defeating him in this rematch earns the Straw Hat of the Unrivaled and the Gilded Night & Gilded Dawn Weapon Kit, along with the Unrivaled Trophy — marking you as a true master of the blade.