Welcome to Tsushima! As Jin Sakai, you will face formidable odds against the Mongol invasion. To survive and reclaim your home, you must master the art of combat and learn to navigate the beautiful but dangerous island. Here is a beginner's guide to help you start your journey.
1. Mastering Combat Stances
Combat in Ghost of Tsushima revolves heavily around using the correct stance against the right enemy type. Switching stances is crucial for breaking enemy guards and dealing maximum damage.
- Stone Stance: Your starting stance. Highly effective against Swordsmen. Use heavy attacks to stagger them quickly.
- Water Stance: Unlocked by observing or defeating Mongol leaders. Essential for breaking the defenses of Shieldmen.
- Wind Stance: Best used against Spearmen. It allows you to parry their long-reaching attacks and counter effectively.
- Moon Stance: The final stance, designed to counter Brutes (large enemies with heavy weapons).
Pro Tip: Practice switching stances mid-combat. You can change stances quickly by holding the stance button and pressing the corresponding face button.
2. Exploration and the Guiding Wind
Ghost of Tsushima lacks a traditional mini-map, encouraging organic exploration through the Guiding Wind.
- Follow the Wind: Swipe up on the touchpad (PlayStation) or use the designated key (PC) to summon the wind. It will blow in the direction of your tracked objective.
- Look for Animals: Golden Birds will lead you to points of interest like hot springs, bamboo strikes, and cosmetic items. Foxes will lead you to Inari Shrines, which unlock charm slots.
- Smoke on the Horizon: Plumes of smoke often indicate a Mongol camp or an event happening. Investigate them to liberate areas and gather resources.
3. Stealth vs. Honorable Combat
As you progress, Jin will struggle between his honorable samurai upbringing and the pragmatic "Ghost" tactics needed to win.
- Standoffs: When approaching enemies, you can challenge them to a Standoff. Hold the attack button and release it just as the enemy strikes to instantly kill them. Upgrading this skill allows you to take down multiple enemies in a single standoff.
- Assassinations: Use verticality (roofs, ropes) and tall grass to remain hidden. Stealth is often the safest approach for large camps, allowing you to thin enemy numbers before engaging in open combat.
- Ghost Weapons: Kunai, smoke bombs, and sticky bombs are incredibly powerful. Use them to crowd control or escape sticky situations.
4. Upgrading and Character Progression
Gathering resources is vital for strengthening Jin.
- Supplies: The main currency. Used for almost all upgrades. Loot them from camps, bodies, and settlements.
- Flowers: Used by merchants to dye your armor and weapons.
- Iron, Steel, and Gold: Essential for upgrading your Katana and Tanto (assassination blade). Prioritize upgrading your weapons for easier combat encounters.
- Technique Points: Earned by increasing your Legend (XP). Spend them wisely on new moves, stance upgrades, and exploration skills.
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