Ghost of Yotei: How to solve the first Nine Tails' Cipher puzzle?

How to rotate the fox statues and exit the Nine Tails hideout? In our Ghost of Yotei guide, you will find a solution for the first Nine Tails' Cipher puzzle obtained in the Teshio Ridge region. Additionally, we described the puzzle of how to enter the Nine Tails hideout in the southern part of the region, as well as the climb to the upper building to obtain unique armor.

• How to enter the Nine Tails hideout?
• How does the Nine Tails' Cipher work?
• How to exit the building using the cipher?
• How to get to the upper building?
• Reward for solving the Nine Tails' Cipher puzzles

How to enter the Nine Tails hideout?

1. While in the Teshio Ridge region, Atsu must infiltrate several Nine Tails hideouts to locate Kitsune. The first and most important hideout is in the southern part of the region - see the attached images. Visit it first, as the special cipher you obtain there will help you gain access to other Nine Tails hideouts.
2. Eventually, you'll reach a locked passage with two fox statues and lanterns on either side – here you will have to solve the first of several puzzles in this location.

1. Take the torch from the basket, which will be used to light the selected lanterns. You need to select two lanterns with fox statues (example in the image) and light only them. Leave the other two lanterns (those without foxes) extinguished. This should unlock a narrow passage, allowing you to slip into the Nine-Tails hideout.

1. Inside, the heroine will follow a rather linear passage and solve another, smaller puzzle. After reaching the second blocked passage, focus on locating the fox statues in the area. Move two of them to the pedestals on the sides of the locked gate to open it.

How does the Nine Tails' Cipher work?

1. Ultimately, you will reach a place where there is a very important quest item - The Nine Tails' Cipher. The cipher contains notations for symbols found in the game world. This can help you determine, for example, whether a given symbol indicates a trap or unlocking a passage.
2. At the moment of entering each new location with symbols, the game will suggest taking a look at the cipher - swipe your finger on the touchpad to bring it up. Using the cipher is optional, and you can always enter a "ready-made" combination or arrive at the solution on your own. However, be aware that some puzzles can be more complex, and in those cases, this quest item will be very helpful.

How to exit the building using the cipher?

1. The first puzzle is very simple and involves selecting the correct symbol, meaning the one that doesn't mean death. The correct fox statue is shown in the image - pull the chain to unlock the exit door.

How to get to the upper building?

1. A larger puzzle awaits you on the way to the upper building. The main character will eventually reach a closed passageway with several fox statues and various symbols.
2. The cipher will be helpful again – reading the symbols and comparing them with the cipher will allow you to determine the correct position of each statue, which you can rotate. Pay particular attention to the symbols in the outer circle of the cipher and the arrows next to them.
3. The solution to this puzzle is shown in the image above. Starting from the left: the statue facing right, the statue facing forward, the statue facing backward, and the statue facing left. The correct combination should lower the ladder, allowing you to continue climbing into the enemy hideout.

Reward for solving the Nine Tails' Cipher puzzles

1. An additional reward for making it through the entire enemy hideout is the Nine Tail Armor. It offers bonuses for using quickfire weapons and stealth. However, equipping it in locations with cipher symbols is not mandatory.
2. You can now begin exploring other hideouts in the Teshio Ridge. Each major location contains one or more bigger puzzles with symbols. Additionally, in the same region, there are numerous smaller puzzles related to the cipher. It's worth solving them all, as they can lead to rooms containing the Altars of Reflection, for example.

See also:

1. Game guide
2. How to use the grappling hook?
3. How to reach Mount Yotei's summit?

Ghost of Yotei

October 2, 2025

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