This guide is designed to help you navigate Tsushima efficiently, point out the best early-game unlocks, and explain which quests to prioritize. There are zero story spoilers ahead.
Are there missable items?
No! You can return to any area of the map after completing the main story. Don't worry about locking yourself out of side quests, collectibles, or upgrades. Take your time.
Act 1: Izuhara (The Beginning)
Your first priority after the prologue is to gather your allies. The game will give you a few main quests immediately. Here is the optimal order to tackle the early game:
1. Get the Bow and the Assassination Blade (Tanto)
- Follow the questline for Sensei Ishikawa to unlock the Half Bow. This is essential for ranged combat and stealth.
- Follow the questline for Yuna (specifically the mission "The Tale of Yuna") to unlock assassination mechanics and the Tanto.
2. Unlock the Charm of Inari
- Head to the Arrow Peak Shrine (located in southern Izuhara). Completing this shrine rewards you with the Charm of Inari.
- Why it's important: This charm increases the amount of Supplies, Predator Hides, Bamboo, and Yew Wood you collect. Equipping it early drastically reduces grinding for weapon and armor upgrades.
3. Complete Mythic Tales ASAP
Mythic Tales are special side quests (marked with blue icons) that reward you with the best gear and abilities in the game. Do these as soon as you meet the requirements:
- The Heavenly Strike: Grants a powerful, unblockable attack that is vital for duels.
- The Legend of Tadayori: Rewards you with an armor set that significantly buffs your archery skills.
Act 2: Toyotama (The Mid-Game)
Once you reach the second region, the game opens up significantly. Enemies become tougher, introducing new weapon types and tactics.
1. Upgrade Your Stances
By now, you should have the Water and Wind stances unlocked. If not, prioritize observing/killing Mongol leaders in camps. You will need all four stances to comfortably handle the enemy variety in Act 2.
2. Prioritize the Blowgun
Progress the main story in Act 2 until you complete a specific quest involving a family member. This unlocks the Blowgun, a silent weapon that can shoot poison and hallucination darts, completely changing how you can approach large enemy camps.
3. Seek out the Gosaku Armor Mythic Tale
This is arguably the best melee armor in the game. It massively increases your stagger damage (how fast you break enemy guards) and restores health when you kill a staggered enemy. The quest involves finding keys hidden in specific farmsteads across the map.
Act 3: Kamiagata (The Endgame)
The final region is harsh and cold. You will encounter the most difficult enemies here, including variants that switch weapons mid-combat.
- Stay Warm: Initially, the cold will damage you. Follow the main story until you find a way to mitigate this.
- Max Out Your Katana: Ensure your sword is fully upgraded. The damage output is necessary for the final encounters.
- Complete Remaining Mythic Tales: The final Mythic Tale in this region grants a devastating area-of-effect attack that is perfect for clearing large groups.
General Tips for Success
- Always Observe Leaders: When sneaking into a Mongol camp, try to find the leader training and hold the prompt to "Observe" him. This grants you one stance point. You can then kill him for a second point.
- Follow the Golden Birds: They will never lead you astray. They often lead to Hot Springs (increases max health) or Bamboo Strikes (increases Resolve).
- Use Resolve Wisely: Early game, save your Resolve (the yellow circles above your health) for healing. Later, when you have excess Resolve, you can use it for powerful Mythic attacks.
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