Ultimate Strategy Guide for Ghost of Tsushima

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Game Mechanics
2. Kurosawa Mode: Experience Tsushima in Black and White
3. Choosing Your Playstyle: Samurai vs. Ghost
4. Combat Techniques
   • 4.1 Sword Techniques
   • 4.2 Stealth Tactics
   • 4.3 Environmental Awareness
5. Liberation and Exploration
   • 5.1 Tales of Tsushima
   • 5.2 Clan and Follower Missions
   • 5.3 Collectibles and Upgrades
6. Combat Against Mongols
   • 6.1 Types of Enemies
   • 6.2 Boss Battles
7. Gear and Customization
   • 7.1 Armor Sets
   • 7.2 Weapons and Upgrades
   • 7.3 Cosmetic Options
8. The Importance of Honor
9. Shrines and Techniques: Enhancing Your Skills
10. Side Missions: Opportunities for Growth

1. Understanding the Game Mechanics

Ghost of Tsushima is a sprawling open-world action-adventure game filled with rich lore, deep combat mechanics, and stunning visuals. Players take on the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai tasked with defending Tsushima from an invading Mongol army. The game beautifully integrates stealth, exploration, and combat, allowing players to choose how they want to approach each situation.

2. Kurosawa Mode: Experience Tsushima in Black and White

One unique feature is Kurosawa Mode, which pays homage to the legendary director Akira Kurosawa. Activating this mode sets the game’s visuals to black and white, mimicking classic samurai films. This not only enhances the visual storytelling but also creates a nostalgic ambiance for players who appreciate classic cinema.

3. Choosing Your Playstyle: Samurai vs. Ghost

Players can adopt two distinct playstyles: the honorable samurai or the stealthy ghost.

• Samurai: Focus on direct confrontations, using various sword techniques and honorable combat.
• Ghost: Use stealth tactics, employing distractions, assassinations, and agility to outmaneuver enemies.

Deciding on a playstyle early on informs your approach to missions and encounters. Mixing these styles to adapt to different enemies can be particularly effective.

4. Combat Techniques

4.1 Sword Techniques

Mastering the swordplay is essential. The game’s combat system features various stances:

• Stone Stance: Effective against swordsmen.
• Water Stance: Useful against shielded enemies.
• Wind Stance: Optimal for fending off spear-wielders.
• Moon Stance: Powerful against larger foes like brutes.

Learn to switch between stances fluidly during combat for maximum effectiveness.

4.2 Stealth Tactics

Stealth enhances gameplay and provides unique opportunities. Utilize tall grass, ledges, and environmental elements to hide. Target isolated enemies for stealth kills, and use distractions like throwing objects to lure foes away from groups.

4.3 Environmental Awareness

Be observant of your surroundings. Use the environment to your advantage: shoot down torches to create darkness, set grass on fire to distract or terrify enemies, and know when to retreat or use verticality to get the drop on foes.

5. Liberation and Exploration

5.1 Tales of Tsushima

Engage in side quests known as “Tales of Tsushima,” which delve into characters’ backgrounds and the history of the island. Completing these tales not only adds depth to the story but also rewards you with valuable upgrades and new allies.

5.2 Clan and Follower Missions

Clan missions provide insights into Jin’s family and legion, enhancing his skills and repertoire of techniques. Followers aid you in combat and provide unique abilities. Building relationships with them can unlock new gameplay opportunities.

5.3 Collectibles and Upgrades

Exploration leads to collectibles such as banners, artifacts, and technique scrolls. These items boost your progression and knowledge of the game’s lore. Prioritize visiting shrines and uncovering hidden areas to maximize your character’s abilities.

6. Combat Against Mongols

6.1 Types of Enemies

Different enemy types require various strategies:

• Mongol Archers: Use cover and wait for the right moment to strike.
• Shielded Foes: Switch to the Water Stance for an upper hand.
• Brutes: Maintain distance and counter their heavy attacks using dodges.

6.2 Boss Battles

Boss fights test your mastery of combat mechanics. Observe attack patterns, swap stances accordingly, and take advantage of openings. Utilize dodges and deflection at critical moments to gain the upper hand.

7. Gear and Customization

7.1 Armor Sets

Collecting armor sets significantly affects your gameplay style.

• Samurai Armor: Provides enhanced resilience.
• Lone Wolf Armor: Boosts stealth capabilities and visibility.
• Traveler’s Attire: Enhances navigation and exploration.

Experiment with different combinations to find the best fit for your play method.

7.2 Weapons and Upgrades

Focus on upgrading your katana and unlocking new techniques. Collect flowers and supplies for crafting. Seek out smiths and upgrade your weapons to maximize effectiveness.

7.3 Cosmetic Options

Cosmetics allow for personalization. Change the color of your armor, apply unique patterns, and choose your weapon’s look. Cosmetically enhancing Jin adds a personal touch to your journey.

8. The Importance of Honor

Honor plays a significant role in the game, impacting Jin’s journey and choices. Choose honorable actions to maintain samurai ethics, but sometimes embracing the ghostly path can yield larger benefits for the greater good.

9. Shrines and Techniques: Enhancing Your Skills

Seek out shrines for legendary techniques and new combat moves. Pay attention to the demands of each shrine, as they often require completing challenges, offering the player a chance to test their skills beyond battles.

10. Side Missions: Opportunities for Growth

Engaging in side missions not only provides character development but also enriches your understanding of the game world. Completing side missions grants experience and various rewards, allowing for a more enhanced gameplay experience.

By utilizing the strategies outlined in this guide, players can immerse themselves in every aspect of Ghost of Tsushima, enhancing both their skills and enjoyment of the game. This richly detailed world encourages exploration and creativity, ensuring every player finds their unique path through the stunning landscapes and compelling storylines embedded within Tsushima’s narrative.