Ghost of Yotei: Can you swim and dive?

There are many lakes on the map of Ghost of Yotei. This raises the question - can Atsu swim and dive underwater, and is there a risk of drowning? This guide will explain how to explore the waters of Ezo Island, as well as whether you can use a boat without restrictions to explore lakes faster.

• What are the limitations of swimming and diving?
• Can Atsu use a boat?

What are the limitations of swimming and diving?

1. Ezo Island, where the game takes place, has lakes, both large and small. One of the first such bodies of water is Lake Shikotsu, located near Atsu's family home.
2. The heroine can swim, but you must monitor her blue stamina bar. Swim to the shore before it depletes completely, or Atsu will drown and you will respawn on the shore. Atsu can briefly submerge underwater, but this is only to avoid detection. You cannot freely explore the depths or discover treasures that would be at the bottom of the lakes.
3. Later in the game, you'll visit swamps that can make traveling around the area difficult – you'll need to choose areas that aren't too deep or dismount to swim across certain sections. In the Teshio Ridge region, you will also find a frozen lake where you can travel on horseback without the risk of cracking the ice and falling into the water.
4. Small islands may be found on some lakes and near the shores - you should check them out. These locations offer a chance to find valuable loot or collectibles.

1. The game may artificially block entering some bodies of water. For example, in the southern tip of the Nayoro Wilds region Atsu will have to turn away if you attempt to swim to the large lake connecting this area to the Tokachi Range. You'll then receive a message stating that you have a limited time to return to shore.

Can Atsu use a boat?

1. There are boats in Ghost of Yotei, some of which may be moored at the shore. Unfortunately, Atsu can't freely use boats, for example, to move away from the shore or fully explore a large lake.
2. The heroine uses boats in specific situations - these include a ferry crossing from the Tokachi Ridge (which automatically takes you to a neighboring region) or cut-scenes depicting a journey to a specific location (e.g. swimming to the rear of an enemy fortress). At no point in the game do you gain full control of any boat.

See also:

1. Game guide
2. How to use the grappling hook?
3. How does fast travel work?

Ghost of Yotei

October 2, 2025

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