In Ghost of Tsushima, switching stances is the difference between life and death. Stances are specific sword-fighting styles designed to break the guards of different enemy types. This guide details how to unlock them efficiently, their pros and cons, and which ones to prioritize.
How to Unlock & Level Up Stances Fast
Stances are unlocked by defeating or observing Mongol Leaders in occupied camps throughout Tsushima. Each stance requires a certain number of leader kills/observations to unlock:
- Stone Stance: Available from the start of the game.
- Water Stance: Requires 3 points to unlock.
- Wind Stance: Requires 8 additional points to unlock.
- Moon Stance: Requires 12 additional points to unlock.
The "Double Progress" Trick (Observe & Defeat)
Instead of just charging into camps and killing the leader, you can double your progression speed using this trick:
- Sneak into an occupied Mongol camp silently and locate the leader. You can identify them by their heavy, ornate armor and the fact that they are often training alone.
- Get close enough without triggering combat, keep them in your line of sight, and look for the prompt to Observe Leader (hold R2 on controller or the designated key on PC).
- Watch them finish their training animation. Once the prompt is complete, you will receive 1 stance point.
- Engage in combat and defeat the leader. This will award you another 1 stance point.
By doing this at every camp, you will unlock all stances twice as fast, gaining access to powerful mid-to-late game techniques early in Act 1 and Act 2.
Stance Priority: Which Ones to Level First?
Once unlocked, you can spend Technique Points to upgrade the skills within each stance's tree. Here is the recommended upgrade priority:
- Water Stance (Priority #1): Shielded enemies are the most common and aggressive foes in the early game. Upgrading this stance to get Surging Strikes (a rapid five-strike combo) lets you break shield guards almost instantly.
- Wind Stance (Priority #2): Spearmen have long reach and their attacks cannot be blocked normally. Upgrading Wind Stance gives you auto-parries against spear attacks during your wind strikes.
- Stone Stance (Priority #3): While you start with this stance, upgrading it improves stagger damage against swordsmen and boosts resolve gains, which is great but less urgent than unlocking utilities for shields/spears.
- Moon Stance (Priority #4): Brutes (large, heavy-hitting enemies) appear less frequently in the first act. Keep this stance for late-game and the Iki Island DLC.
Detailed Stance Analysis: Pros & Cons
1. Stone Stance (Anti-Sword)
The foundation of Jin's swordsmanship. Designed to counter enemy Swordsmen and Ronin.
Pros:
- High basic attack speed.
- Excellent stagger damage to swordsmen.
- Great for duels (boss fights).
Cons:
- Weak against shields and spears.
- Lacks wide crowd control attacks.
2. Water Stance (Anti-Shield)
A fluid, flowing style that focuses on relentless pressure to bypass shields.
Pros:
- Surging Strikes melts shields and bosses alike.
- Deals quick, consecutive hits.
- Highly versatile in general combat.
Cons:
- Slightly lower base damage per hit.
- Heavy reliance on timing the five-strike combo.
3. Wind Stance (Anti-Spear)
A high-kicking, acrobatic stance designed to manage distance and counter polearms.
Pros:
- Auto-parries spear attacks.
- The Typhoon Kick deals massive stagger and launches enemies.
- Excellent range.
Cons:
- Slower attack animations.
- Typhoon Kick can leave you vulnerable if missed.
4. Moon Stance (Anti-Brute)
A spinning, high-power style meant to overwhelm giants and large beasts.
Pros:
- Spinning strikes deal excellent AoE (Area of Effect) damage.
- Deals massive stagger damage to brutes.
- Kicks can easily interrupt heavy attacks.
Cons:
- Slowest startup animations.
- Ineffective against fast, dodging enemies.
Bonus: The Ghost Stance
Unlocked automatically during the main story in Act 2. This is Jin's ultimate offensive tool. By defeating enemies without taking damage or performing assassinations, you fill the Ghost meter. Once full, trigger it to instantly terrify surrounding enemies and perform three unblockable, one-hit kills.
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