Traveler’s Maps are one of the extras in Ghost of Yotei that can change how fast you power up Atsu right from the start. They act like puzzle pieces, nudging you toward some of the most important locations in Ezo: the Altars of Reflection. These shrines are where you unlock new skill points, which means Traveler’s Maps are basically shortcuts to make Atsu very strong, quite early in the game.
This guide tells where to get these Traveler’s Maps in Ghost of Yotei, how to use them (it’s not as simple as just “click and go”), and what you’ll find when you follow them through.
How to Get Ghost of Yotei Traveler’s Maps
There are a few ways to get your hands on these Yotei maps, and which ones you see first depends on the game version you own:
- Digital Deluxe & Collector’s Editions: Right from the start, you’ll have a pack of three Traveler’s Maps in your inventory. These are early freebies that point you to specific shrines for quick skill points.
- Standard Game: Once you’ve cleared the Old Inn intro questline, you’ll unlock vendors there including Isaburo, the cartographer. He sells Traveler’s Maps for about 50 mon each, which is pocket change once you have some time into the game.
- World Interactions: Sometimes, NPCs will slip you a map if you’ve helped them. Freeing villages from Saito control or finishing different side events can reward you with maps as a thank-you.
How to Place the Traveler’s Maps in Ghost of Yotei
Traveler’s Maps aren’t auto-markers. When you open one, you’ll see a sketchy, small drawing of part of Ezo, rivers, coastlines, mountain silhouettes, that sort of thing. You need to match that sketch to the actual terrain on your world map. Once you line it up, the game lets you “place” the Traveler’s Map there. If you’ve done it, the location gets pinned, and now you’ve got your target.
The map is still covered in fog early game so it’s even trickier, but unique shapes like river forks, coastal bends, or sharp mountain ridges are usually enough to place the maps at the right spots.
The Three Early Travelers’ Maps (Deluxe Bonus)
If you’ve purchased the Digital Deluxe Edition game copy, here’s what your first three maps lead to:
- Cave Altar Map: Look for the fork in the Sarubetsu River, just north of Windy Meadow. Drop the map there and head over to find an Altar of Reflection. Pray and that’s your first bonus skill point.
- Overlook Altar Map: This one belongs on the north of Ezo at the southern edge of the northern mountain range, just above Serpent’s Pass. Same deal: altar, prayer, another skill point in your pocket.
- Waterfall Altar Map: For this, align the map with Shirahige Falls, which sits near the southern coastline, east of Lake Kuttara. Another Altar of Reflection awaits Atsu there to pray and get a third skill point.
These three shrines alone are enough to unlock some early game changers, like strong parries or weapon techniques, and with that, Atsu will have a good start in her path for family revenge against Yotei Six.
Can You Play Yotei Without Traveler’s Maps?
Yes, you can still find Altars of Reflection naturally as you explore the Ezo island of Japan. Or you can use the Spyglass tool (Up on the D-pad). From a high perch like a watchtower or cliff, pan the view until your cursor glows yellow, which marks a POI on your world map. Sometimes it’s an altar, other times it can be other goodies like Bamboo Strikes or gear.
In my first few hours into Yotei, I love to mix up both methods: drop a Traveler’s Map here and there for guaranteed skill points, and use the Spyglass while roaming to stack even more spots on the map.
Why You Should Use Traveler’s Maps?
Because skill points are the lifeblood of progression. Altars of Reflection are the only way to earn them, and without skill points, most of Atsu’s cool abilities are locked away. The earlier you bank points, the sooner you can:
- Expand your combat toolkit (better parries, dodges, counterstrikes).
- Increase spirit with Bamboo Strikes.
- Unlock stealth tricks that make sneaking interesting instead of stressful.
If you wait too long to hunt down altars, you’ll remain weaker than you should be compared to the enemies around you. Traveler’s Maps make sure that doesn’t happen.
