The Stone Spire Hideout Altar of Reflection in Ghost of Yotei can be tricky to get to. Players may not catch onto the subtle clues the game throws at them to indicate how to unlock the secret path leading up to it, leading to some confusion.
Luckily, the process to reach the top of the Stone Spire Hideout is fairly simple once you know this secret. This guide provides a step-by-step outline on how to reach the top and access the Altar to get the technique point in order to advance Atsu’s skills.
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How to Reach Stone Spire Hideout Altar of Reflection in Ghost of Yotei
Head to the Rock Formation, indicating the presence of the Stone Spire Hideout, near the Sarubetsu River (shown above).
Look for rocky handholds that allow you to climb to the top of a small stone platform.
Once on top, jump across to the second platform, then use the grappling hook to swing on the tree branch to reach the handholds on the other side.
Climb up again and use the grappling hook once more to reach the top.
Turn right and you’ll see a branch on the sheer side of the cliff. Jump to the branch, then jump again to reach the next platform.
Circle around, then walk across the log to find a small wooden stump that has a dead body next to it.
A note on the wooden stump says, “Keep it Down! Do not wake the bear! Especially with music. He hates that.” Swipe left on the touchpad to play Atsu’s shamisen, creating music. Take note that this only works when you’re standing right next to the note forbidding you from doing so. If you climb down from this platform, you will have to climb back up again to fulfill this requirement.
The song choice does not matter; even Atsu’s Song, the first tune you learn during the early parts of Ghost of Yotei, works here.
If done correctly, a cutscene will play out showing that the shamisen has woken up a mysterious ronin who was resting on another large stone cliff across from Atsu, the “bear” the note was referring to. Frustrated with being woken up from a good nap, the ronin will state that he has a duel at the Great Lake to get to, and will tell Atsu she is welcome to his resting spot.
Press R2 near the cliff’s edge to climb down using the handholds and the grappling hook point.
Circle around the cliff the ronin was resting on, and you’ll see a wooden ladder next to some yellow-headed stone statues leading to his resting point (this ladder is only lowered once the ronin has been woken up with a song).
Climb the ladder to find the Altar of Reflection right in front of you. Bow down to earn a skill point.
Before leaving, climb to the very top of the cliff using the second ladder near the Altar of Reflection to find a campsite with some coins, Silk Fiber, and sake.
This is a good spot to use your Spyglass to reveal some undiscovered points of interest in Ghost of Yotei’s map.