A Past and Present Battle is a main story quest in Ghost of Yotei: Echoes of Sekigahara.
The mission takes Atsu and Nagato to Mount Akan as they continue investigating the Snake’s hidden operations and the fortune connected to Lord Saito.
Along the way, Atsu must follow the cart tracks, rescue Nagato from the Black Guard, and uncover a clue that leads to the next stage of their investigation.
This guide covers the complete walkthrough of A Past and Present Battle, including how to find the route through Mount Akan, rescue Nagato, obtain the important note, and complete the flashback sequence.
How to Start A Past and Present Battle
To unlock A Past and Present Battle, you must first complete Another Man’s Treasure.
During the previous mission, Atsu and Nagato investigate the Snake’s Estate and discover clues pointing toward Mount Akan and the hidden fortune associated with Saito.
Once the investigation is complete, follow the main story objective to continue the search. Atsu and Nagato will head toward Mount Akan, where the next part of the mystery begins.
A Past and Present Battle Walkthrough
1. Follow the Cart Tracks at Mount Akan
After starting the quest, travel toward Mount Akan and look for the cart tracks leading deeper into the area.
These tracks are important because they help Atsu and Nagato follow the trail of the Snake’s operation.
Continue along the marked route and pay attention to the surrounding terrain.
The path can become blocked, requiring you to find an alternate way forward. If you cannot continue along the obvious route, stay within the mission area and look for another passage around the obstruction.
Keep following the tracks until you reach the area where the Black Guard is holding Nagato.
2. Find and Rescue Nagato
As you progress through Mount Akan, Atsu discovers that Nagato has been captured by the Black Guard. Your next objective is to reach the enemy position and free him.
Prepare for a fight before approaching the guards.
Use your preferred weapons and combat techniques to deal with the enemies while avoiding unnecessary damage.
Try to separate opponents when possible rather than allowing several enemies to attack simultaneously.
Once the Black Guard members have been dealt with, approach Nagato to continue the mission.
3. Defeat the Black Guard and Investigate the Area
After rescuing Nagato, continue the confrontation with the Black Guard.
Defeating the remaining enemies allows Atsu to gather information about the fortune and the people responsible for moving it.
During this encounter, you learn that Kinsor the Ugly and his brothers have already secured Saito’s fortune. This revelation provides an important lead for the next stage of the story.
Do not leave the area immediately after the fight. Search the fallen enemies and investigate the available clues before moving on.
4. Find the Note Bearing Saito’s Seal
After the battle, search the bodies to locate a note bearing Saito’s seal.
This document is a crucial piece of evidence connecting the Black Guard to the movement of the fortune.
Read the note to advance the investigation. The information reveals that the gold has been moved toward a camp near the mouth of the foothills, where the Black Guard maintains control.
This discovery gives Atsu and Nagato a clearer understanding of where the fortune is being taken and sets up the events of the following missions.
5. Complete the Flashback Sequence
As the quest progresses, Atsu experiences a flashback connected to the Battle of Sekigahara.
During this sequence, she wears the Armour of the Western Army and gains access to the Gambler’s Mark ability.
Gambler’s Mark allows Atsu to mark multiple enemies and eliminate them with headshots.
Follow the on-screen tutorial to learn how the ability works, then use it against the enemies in the flashback.
Pay attention to the instructions and mark the available targets before executing the attack.
This sequence introduces a special combat mechanic tied to the armour and is also associated with the expansion’s Handsome Yet Deadly trophy.
Complete the encounter and follow the remaining story prompts to finish the flashback.
Tips for Completing A Past and Present Battle
Follow the Quest Markers
Mount Akan’s terrain can make navigation confusing when the direct path is blocked.
Stay within the marked mission area and look for an alternate route rather than backtracking too far.
Search Enemy Bodies
The note bearing Saito’s seal is essential to the investigation. Make sure you search the defeated enemies before leaving the battlefield.
Use Your Combat Abilities
The Black Guard encounter can become difficult if you allow enemies to surround Atsu. Use dodges, parries, and counterattacks to create openings, and heal when necessary.
Learn Gambler’s Mark
During the Sekigahara flashback, take time to understand Gambler’s Mark. The ability lets you mark multiple targets for headshot eliminations and is useful for handling groups of enemies efficiently.
What Happens After A Past and Present Battle?
Completing A Past and Present Battle advances the Echoes of Sekigahara storyline and leads into A Buried Promise.
The discovery of Saito’s sealed note reveals that the fortune has been moved under the Black Guard’s protection.
Atsu and Nagato must continue following the trail to uncover what happened to the gold and confront the people responsible.
In the next mission, the investigation continues around Hunter’s Rest Shrine, where Atsu encounters another memory connected to the Battle of Sekigahara.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you unlock A Past and Present Battle in Ghost of Yotei?
You must complete Another Man’s Treasure, which takes Atsu and Nagato through the Snake’s Estate and uncovers clues pointing toward Mount Akan.
Where do you find Nagato in A Past and Present Battle?
Nagato is being held by the Black Guard along the route through Mount Akan. Follow the cart tracks and take the alternate path if the direct route is blocked.
Where is Saito’s sealed note?
After defeating the Black Guard during the rescue sequence, search the fallen enemies to find the note bearing Saito’s seal.
What is Gambler’s Mark in Ghost of Yotei?
Gambler’s Mark is a special ability used during the Sekigahara flashback while Atsu wears the Armour of the Western Army. It allows her to mark multiple enemies and eliminate them with headshots.
What quest comes after A Past and Present Battle?
The next main tale is A Buried Promise, which continues Atsu and Nagato’s investigation and explores another memory from the Battle of Sekigahara.
