Ghost of tsushima it is a story and a game that spans an entire island. Many of the mechanics are similar to other open-world games, but the sheer number of things to do, and how engaging it is to explore the island, becomes overwhelming.
In this guide, we will give you our best tips to start your journey to become the titular Ghost of Tsushima.
Embrace transformation and take your time
The game you play at the beginning of Ghost of tsushima It is not the same game that you will play a few hours later. That’s the point: Jin abandons the samurai traditions to become a stealthier and stealthier assassination machine.
Embracing that will make the first few hours with the game easier. You won’t have any stealth options at first. You have no ranged weapons. Jin has no ghost for a while.
Over the course of the Opening Act Tales (quests and side quests), you will learn skills and collect gear to trigger your transformation. However, those missions take time, so don’t try to rush it.
Tales of Tsushima (side quests) allows you to get new weapons and armor
We just mentioned this, but it bears repeating: don’t consider the Tsushima tales optional side missions. Not only do they advance the story, but they also give you skills and equipment like new armor and outfits or ranged weapons. They are how you will learn to be more cunning and treacherous. Completing them opens up new ways to play.
Mythic Tales adds even more skills and equipment
Mythical tales they are special side quests that grant you an ability or item directly from the legends of Tsushima. These are powerful additions to your arsenal and make the time it takes to complete worthwhile.
Exploring the map improves your skills
The titular island of Tsushima is absolutely full of things to discover. You will find things like Thermal waters, Fox Dens, Bamboo strikesand Sanctuaries. These locations will appear on your map as a question mark until you investigate them. Almost every one of them will improve Jin in some way. Hot springs boost your health, shrines reward you with new enchantments (items that add benefits to your abilities), and Fox Dens add more spaces for enchantments.
These last three tips are the same: explore, explore, explore, and do whatever you find. Every point you clear on the map improves Jin’s abilities. Each ambush on the path you survive increases your legend (which eventually grants you skill or technique points). Everything you do benefits you, so take the time to do it.
Dress for success (change your outfit on the go)
During Act 1, you will end up with some different outfits and armor. Treat your outfit as if it were situational and change it accordingly. You’ll have Samurai clan armor that reduces damage and is great for combat, traveler gear that helps you find collectibles and map locations, as well as ranged armor focused on weapons and stealth.
You don’t need to have, and you shouldn’t have, a favorite among them. You should change your outfit (in the Team> Outfit menu) often. Each comes with custom perks and perks (clothing pun!) For certain situations. As you tour the island, put on your traveling outfit. When you get into a fight, or even halfway through the fight, as it is an instant change, switch to your Samurai Clan Armor. Change your clothes to match your needs.
Fall damage will kill you as often as enemies.
You are not going to climb much Ghost of tsushima. When it does it is clearly marked and a simple mechanic to navigate while climbing up cliffs, at least. Getting off is a little more complicated and dangerous. Fall damage is a serious consideration in Tsushima, and the difference between a fall in which you survive, a fall that hurts you, and a fall that directly kills you is frustratingly small.
When going down a cliff, be sure to look for the R2 indicator that indicates a safe climbing path. Unless you have confidence, don’t jump off the cliffs. Eventually, you’ll be able to unlock a Technique (in Techniques> Ghost> Evolving Tactics> Assassination> Safe Landing) that will make most falls survivable. But even then, you will still overestimate Jin’s abilities.
