Act 1: Rescue Lord Shimura - Ghost of Tsushima Walkthrough

Recommended Build & Prerequisites

Before tackling the major strongholds in Act 1, ensure you are adequately prepared.

Recommended Legend: The Wandering Samurai. Prioritize exploring Fox Dens and Bamboo Strikes early.
Recommended Armor: Samurai Clan Armor (obtained from Lady Masako's tale). Great for survivability and resolving gaining.
Key Stances: Unlock the Water Stance as soon as possible by observing/defeating Shield Leaders. It is crucial against shielded Mongols.
Ghost Weapons: Kunai should be your first unlock. They are excellent for staggering multiple enemies in tight situations.

Your first major tale introduces you to stealth mechanics.

Step 1: Follow Yuna to the Mongol prison camp. Use the tall grass to remain hidden.
Step 2: Assassinate the guards at the breach. Remember, you can assassinate enemies through paper doors (Shoji) later, but for now, stick to silent takedowns from behind.
Step 3: Scout the camp from the vantage point. Identify the bears in cages—you can shoot the locks from afar to cause chaos!
Spoiler-Free Tip: Don't worry about being "dishonorable" here; the game requires stealth to progress this mission.

Recruit the master archer and obtain the Half Bow.

Step 1: Travel to Ishikawa's dojo. Be prepared for an ambush on the path up the mountain.
Step 2: Investigate the dojo for clues. Look for blood trails and footprints.
Step 3: After meeting Ishikawa, you will receive the Half Bow. Practice hitting targets during the ambush sequence. Headshots are instant kills on unarmored foes.

Meet an old friend and face the Straw Hat Ronin.

Step 1: Locate Ryuzo. You will engage in a large skirmish. Make sure your Stone Stance is upgraded, as Ronin are primarily swordsmen.
Step 2: Infiltrate the Mongol camp to steal food. Use firecrackers to group enemies together before striking.
Spoiler-Free Tip: Ronin enemies attack much faster than standard Mongols and parry frequently. Wait for their attacks and rely on perfect parries.

Aid the last survivor of the Adachi clan and earn the Samurai Clan Armor.

Step 1: Ride to the Adachi Estate. Investigate the tragic scene and follow the tracks.
Step 2: Meet Masako at the Golden Temple. Speak with the armorer to receive the Samurai Clan Armor.
Step 3: Ride with Masako and confront the traitors. Be ready for a horseback chase and a skirmish.

Rescue Taka to secure the tools needed to scale Castle Kaneda.

Step 1: Travel with Yuna to Azamo Bay. Observe the Mongol slaver camp from the cliffs.
Step 2: Infiltrate the town silently. Stay on the rooftops and avoid the patrols to locate Taka.
Step 3: Escort Taka out of Azamo Bay without being seen. Use tall grass and distractions.

The final push to rescue Lord Shimura and complete Act 1.

The Iron Hook: Retrieve the grappling hook from Taka, liberate the forge, and practice your new swinging mechanics.
Shadow of the Samurai: Assault Castle Kaneda. Scale the cliffs with your new hook, infiltrate the outer defenses, and confront Ryuzo in a duel.
Duel Tip: Ryuzo is fast. Only attack after you parry or dodge his unblockable red glint attacks.