Unlike Sucker Punch’s previous games, specifically the InFamous series, Ghost of Tsushima does not feature a ‘karma system’ that tracks your behavior and choices through the game and label you as “good” or “evil”. Instead, the two possible endings to Jin’s quest all come down to the final moments of the game in one last choice. These two options are not a black and white choice of “good” or “bad” endings, but more up to your own personal interpretation.
The final decision will not only impact the last cut scene of the game, but a few minor things in the post-game as well. Before we go into spoilers, where both endings will be explained and what differences there are, know that neither specific ending is tied to any trophy. You can get all the trophies in a single playthrough, and neither choice locks you out of getting any specific trophies or content. Now, on to the endings.
The Final Choices
The game’s climactic battle has you battle it out with Lord Shimura. Once you come out on top, Jin’s uncle will lay out your final decision that will determine Jin’s future. On one hand, you can have Jin embrace his samurai past and kill Shimura with honor. On the other hand you can have Jin fully take on the role of Ghost once and for all, sparing Shimura’s life.
Killing Shimura
If you choose to kill Shimura and restore Jin’s honor as a samurai, he will promise people remember Shimura “as a great warrior, a wise leader, and a father.” The two then agree to find each other in the next life before the final blow is dealt. After the credits have rolled you will regain control of Jin in his new home called ‘Dawn Refuge’ located to the West of Mamushi Farmstead. You will also unlock a new white armor color called ‘Righteous Punishment’. The last little bit of content you get is a brief conversation with Yuna about your new home and giving condolences about Jin’s uncle.
Sparing Shimura
If you decide to walk away and let Shimura live, Jin admits that he no longer has any honor but still will not murder a member of his family. Shimura warns Jin that the “Ghost will be haunted for the rest of his days.” Jin accepts this, puts on his mask, and leaves. The credits roll again, and again you rejoin Jin in a new home, only this time it called ‘Tradition’s End’ and placed near the Omi Monastery. Rather than a white color, this time you unlock a red armor color called ‘Vow of Vengeance’. Yuna does show up here as well for one last conversation, which is mostly the same except for her asking if Jin’s uncle will come after them in the future.
Neither choice of ending has a major impact on the post game, aside from unlocking one color dye or another, but would be a huge factor if Ghost of Tsushima were to get a sequel. When making InFamous 2 Sucker Punch used trophy data from the first game to see which ending most players chose to decide the canon ending. That would not be possible with this game since no trophy is tied to which ending you choose, so who knows which ending a possible sequel will continue off of.
