Ghost of Tsushima is a beautiful open-world game that thrusts players into the unforgiving landscape of Japan amid the 13th century. As players wield the blade of the samurai warrior, Jin Sakai, they may quickly become overwhelmed with the vast amount of options, tasks, and playstyles available. This beginner’s guide will aid players as they pick up their sword and slash and stealth their way through the Island of Tsushima.
Understanding The Samurai Way
As players first pick up their controller and immerse themselves in 13th century Japan, they will notice that the samurai Jin has very few combat and customization options. For the first hour or so, players are limited in their range-attack and stealth options as they follow the samurai way. This may lead to a few game-over screens and a few rage-quit moments, but once players adopt the way of the samurai, then things begin to go more smoothly.
To succeed early-on, players need to get comfortable with the dodging and parrying commands. Holding down the L1 button will allow Jin to block most incoming attacks. However, players need to time that block so they can interrupt and stagger enemies (parrying). Once staggered, a few swift sword-strikes will eliminate most attackers.
Dodging is another important tool in a samurai’s arsenal. Some enemy weapons will have a small red dot that appears before they strike. This means that the attack is unblockable and dodging is the only option. Once dodging is mastered, players can follow up a successful dodge with a swift counterattack to strike down their enemies.
Heavy attacks are also an important skill to master. Staggering an enemy is achieved by filling the white meter that appears over their head during combat. Each heavy attack (achieved by pressing the triangle button) works to fill that meter allowing Jin to unleash an assault of slashes.
Once players master these techniques, everything else will easily fall into place. As the story progresses, Jin’s fighting style will change to fit the player, but these techniques will remain valuable throughout.
Know Your Enemy
In Ghost of Tsushima, there are four distinct types of enemies Jin will encounter. They are Shieldmen, Swordsmen, Spearmen, and fearsome Brutes. Each enemy type works differently in combat and it is important for players to approach each one differently.
In fact, throughout their playthrough players will learn four distinct stances for Jin to utilize in combat. These stances are Stone, effective against Swordsmen; Water, effective against Shieldsmen; Wind, effective against Spearmen; and Moon, which is best used against Brutes. Of course, each stance can be used against any enemy, but it will not fill the stagger meter as quickly. Therefore, it is a good idea for players to get accustomed to switching stances amid a battle by holding down the right trigger and pressing the corresponding button for specific stances.
To unlock these stances, players must find and defeat Mongol leaders. Each time a leader is struck down, players are a step closer to unlocking a stance. These leaders are often found within Mongol camps which are optional objectives on the map. Clearing these camps is also the best way to unlock portions of the map and find collectibles.
However, unlocking the stances is no easy feat. Often, the camps are filled with several enemy types that must be taken out before facing off against the leader. It is important to have a strategy in place before charging in.
Know Yourself
Speaking of strategy, as players progress through Ghost of Tsushima they will be given certain customization options that stray away from the traditional samurai way. Jin will learn unique abilities that allow for ranged attacks and stealthy assassinations. It is up to the player to choose how they face certain combat situations.
In fact, many combats can be won without drawing a blade. As the story progresses, Jin will gain access to other weaponry like the longbow and sticky bombs. These tools allow players who are not so adept at sword-wielding to easily do away with enemies.
Along with tools, players can customize Jin through upgrades. Ghost of Tsushima is full of customization options that let players focus on different aspects of gameplay. For instance, one player can rely on more samurai-focused upgrades like the Standoff skill, which allows players to initiate combat with a mini-duel, while another player may put an emphasis on long-ranged skills like the Concentration upgrade that allows players to slow down time for a perfect headshot.
Weapons are also upgradeable and work in tandem with how a player upgrades their samurai. For example, Katana upgrades work well with those who focus on samurai-style fighting while longbow upgrades make a long-range battle a breeze.
There are also charms that can be adorned to weapons that offer certain bonuses like health regeneration and improved stealth. There is no right or wrong way to upgrade, it is all about what fits the player and how they approach gameplay.
What To Wear
As players progress through the Island of Tsushima, they will be given a few outfits to adorn Jin out with. The outfits in Ghost of Tsushima serve different purposes and it is important for players to get comfortable with swapping out attire for different situations.
One of the first pieces of armor that players are rewarded with is the Samurai Clan Armor. This armor reduces the damage Jin takes in combat and is perfect for combat situations. However, the Traveler’s Attire that Jin has is perfect for traveling as it causes the controller to vibrate when it is near certain locations and collectibles. As the story progresses, there are also armors that aid in ranged combat and some that are stealth-focused.
It is important that players not get too comfortable in one set of armor and get accustomed to swapping outfits throughout their journey.
Explore, Explore, Explore!
The best way to get comfortable with Ghost of Tsushima is to simply explore the island and all it has to offer. With side quests galore, fun techniques to learn, and interesting characters, this game is sure to become a favorite amongst many!
