Far Cry New Dawn vs Ghost of Tsushima

• Perspective: First-Person
• Multiplayer: Cooperative (2 player online for campaign and Expeditions)
• Setting: Post-Apocalyptic Hope County, Montana, USA & various Expedition locations
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: Ghost of Tsushima: Legends (Cooperative Story, Survival, Rivals, Raid)
• Setting: Tsushima Island, Japan, 1274 (Kamakura Period)
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Windows)
• Unique Feature: Samurai vs. Ghost Combat Styles, Standoff Mechanic, Guiding Wind Navigation, Stunning Kurosawa-inspired Visuals, Iki Island Expansion (Director's Cut).

• Guns for Hire (Humans): Each human companion has two unique, unlockable abilities that enhance their combat effectiveness. Examples: Carmina Rye can throw multiple sticks of dynamite; The Judge shoots 3 arrows at once and his arrows track moving targets; Nana can see through smoke and shoot through cover; Pastor Jerome uses incendiary shotgun shells and blesses the player with reduced damage; Gina Guerra uses explosive rounds and never runs out of ammo for her LMG; Hurk Drubman Jr.'s rockets track vehicles more effectively and he reloads faster.
  Human
• Fangs for Hire (Animals): Timber (dog) automatically tags enemies and nearby crafting materials, can dig for resources, fetch weapons from downed enemies, and scare off some hostile wildlife. Horatio (boar) is a powerful tank who charges enemies, shatters shields, draws enemy fire, and can self-revive once from being downed in combat, making him exceptionally resilient.
  Dog (Akita), Boar

• Your Horse (Nobu / Kage / Sora - Player Named): Jin's loyal steed and primary means of transport across Tsushima. Can be called with a whistle. Allows for mounted combat (slashing with katana, archery). Can be equipped with different saddles (cosmetic/minor stat changes). Its name and initial color are chosen by the player early in the game.
  Equus caballus (Japanese Breeds)
• Guiding Wind: While not a character, the Guiding Wind is a unique navigational tool. Players can select a tracked objective or point of interest on the map, and then swipe the touchpad (or press a key) to summon a gust of wind that visually guides them in the correct direction, replacing a traditional mini-map for primary navigation.
  Natural Phenomenon / Spiritual Guidance
• Golden Birds: These birds occasionally appear and fly towards nearby points of interest, such as collectibles, hot springs, shrines, or hidden locations, acting as organic guides for exploration.
  Bird (Oriole-like)
• Foxes (Inari Messengers): Found at Fox Dens (Inari Shrines). Petting a fox will cause it to lead Jin to a hidden Inari Shrine that needs to be honored. They are guides to specific collectibles.
  Vulpes vulpes japonica (Japanese Red Fox)
• Story-Specific AI Companions (Yuna, Ishikawa, Masako, Norio, Kenji, Taka): During their respective 'Tales of Tsushima' (character-specific questlines) and some main story missions, key allies like Yuna, Sensei Ishikawa, Lady Masako, and Norio will accompany Jin, providing combat support according to their skills (e.g., Yuna uses stealth and her knife, Ishikawa is an archer, Masako a skilled samurai). Their presence is scripted for those missions.
  Human
• Legends Mode Teammates (Online Players or AI): In the Ghost of Tsushima: Legends co-op multiplayer mode, players team up with up to three other players (or AI companions if playing solo in some modes). Each class has unique abilities and ultimate attacks, requiring teamwork to overcome waves of Oni and complete objectives.
  Human (Player Characters - Samurai, Hunter, Ronin, Assassin)

• MP3 Players: Found in various locations throughout Hope County and on Expedition maps. Each one found unlocks a new music track that can be listened to via the in-game music player, adding to the player's auditory experience and world immersion.
• Dear Photograph Locations: Specific viewpoints in Hope County. Interacting with them shows the player a pre-Collapse photograph of that exact location, highlighting the drastic changes over 17 years and providing a poignant narrative touch about what was lost.
• Treasure Hunts: Marked locations on the map that involve solving environmental puzzles, navigating obstacles, or finding keys to access a hidden stash. Rewards typically include Perk Points, crafting materials (often rare), and sometimes unique weapon skins or Far Cry Credits.

• Records of Tsushima (Scrolls): Lore scrolls found throughout Tsushima, providing historical accounts, personal stories, and cultural details about the island and its people. Collecting them contributes to world understanding.
• Mongol Artifacts: Items related to the Mongol invaders, such as helmets, banners, and documents. Found primarily in Mongol-controlled camps and territories. Collecting them provides insight into the enemy and rewards.
• Singing Crickets: Crickets kept in small cages, found in graveyards and other serene locations. Collecting them unlocks new flute melodies for Jin to play, which can influence the weather.
• Inari Shrines (Fox Dens): Small shrines dedicated to Inari, the fox deity. Players follow a fox from a Fox Den to a hidden shrine. Honoring these shrines (by bowing) grants Minor Charms and eventually increases the number of Charm slots Jin can use.
• Hot Springs: Natural hot springs where Jin can bathe and reflect on his journey. Each unique hot spring visited permanently increases Jin's maximum health.
• Bamboo Strikes: Sets of bamboo poles that Jin can practice cutting with his katana. Successfully completing the button-pressing mini-game increases Jin's maximum Resolve.
• Shinto Shrines (Major Charms): Large, often dilapidated shrines located in high, hard-to-reach places, requiring platforming and sometimes grappling to access. Honoring the shrine at the top rewards Jin with a Major Charm (powerful passive buff).
• Haiku Spots: Scenic locations where Jin can compose a haiku by selecting phrases that reflect his thoughts and the environment. Rewards a unique Headband.
• Pillars of Honor: Locations marked by a pillar with embedded swords. Honoring these rewards Jin with a new Sword Kit (cosmetic customization for his katana and tanto).
• Lighthouses: Several lighthouses along the coast. Re-igniting them provides a small amount of Legend increase and clears fog of war.
• Vanity Gear (Masks, Headbands, Sword Kits): Cosmetic items found at Pillars of Honor, as Haiku rewards, or purchased from merchants. Allow for personalization of Jin's appearance.
• Sashimono Banners: Collectible banners of fallen samurai clans, scattered throughout Tsushima. Collecting them for a specific NPC rewards saddle customization for Jin's horse.

• Post-Apocalypse (Vibrant 'Superbloom' aesthetic)
• Survival & Scarcity
• Rebuilding Civilization
• Faction Warfare (Survivors vs. Highwaymen)
• Hope vs. Desperation
• Environmental Transformation & Reclamation by Nature
• Found Family
• The Legacy of Past Sins (Fallout from FC5 events)

• Samurai Honor vs. Pragmatic Warfare (The Ghost)
• Invasion & Resistance
• Sacrifice & Loss
• Japanese Culture & Feudalism
• Revenge
• The Cost of War
• Nature & Beauty
• Inner Conflict
• Tradition vs. Adaptation

• Makeshift Firearms: Various (Pistols, Rifles, SMGs, Shotguns, Sniper Rifles, LMGs, Bows)
  A wide array of firearms with a distinct scavenged, jury-rigged aesthetic. Weapons are tiered from Rank I (grey), Rank II (blue), Rank III (purple), to Elite Rank (gold). Higher tiers feature significantly better damage, more mod slots, and often unique visual elements like colorful paint or added scrap metal. Ammo types are generally standard, with bows offering special arrows (piercing, explosive).
• Saw Launchers: Special/Heavy
  Signature weapons of New Dawn. They fire sawblades that can ricochet off surfaces. Multiple variants exist, including ones that fire multiple blades or have enhanced damage, becoming increasingly devastating at higher ranks.
• Melee Weapons: Melee (Blunt, Edged, Improvised)
  Crafted melee weapons like spiked baseball bats, reinforced pipes, makeshift spears, and sharpened blades. Also tiered, with higher ranks offering more damage and durability. Some can be thrown.
• Explosives & Throwables: Gadget/Consumable
  Craftable grenades, dynamite, Molotov cocktails, C4, and proximity mines. Their appearance reflects the makeshift nature of the post-apocalypse. Upgrading the Explosives Lab in Prosperity unlocks more powerful versions.
• Energy Weapons: Special (Elite Rank)
  Late-game weapons like the Blaster Rifle, which fire energy projectiles and are particularly effective against high-rank, armored Highwaymen.

• Katana (Sakai Steel / Sakai Storm): Primary Melee (Slashing/Piercing)
  Jin Sakai's ancestral katana, his primary weapon for samurai combat. Its effectiveness is enhanced by mastering different combat stances (Stone, Water, Wind, Moon) and upgrading its damage and appearance. Can be used for parries, dodges, and powerful charged attacks.
• Tanto: Secondary Melee (Stealth/Critical)
  A short blade used for stealth assassinations (from behind, above, or through shoji doors) and for delivering critical strikes to staggered or downed enemies.
• Half Bow: Ranged (Fast, Short-to-Mid Range)
  A smaller bow that allows for quicker aiming and firing, suitable for mid-range combat and rapid shots. Can use standard arrows and fire arrows.
• Longbow: Ranged (Powerful, Long Range, Armor Piercing)
  A larger, more powerful bow for long-range precision shots. Can use heavy arrows (for armor penetration) and explosive arrows. Slower draw speed but higher damage.
• Ghost Weapons (Kunai, Smoke Bombs, Sticky Bombs, Wind Chimes, Black Powder Bombs): Throwable Tactical Tools
  A set of tools used for stealth, crowd control, and dishonorable (Ghost) tactics. Kunai stagger enemies, Smoke Bombs provide cover for escapes or assassinations, Sticky Bombs adhere to enemies, Wind Chimes distract, and Black Powder Bombs deal area damage. Upgradable for increased capacity and effectiveness.
• Blowgun (Iki Island Expansion): Ranged (Stealth, Status Effects)
  A silent weapon introduced in the Iki Island expansion, capable of firing darts that can poison enemies, make them berserk (attack anyone), or have other status effects.
• Charms (Equippable): Passive Buffs
  While not weapons, Charms are equipped to provide various passive bonuses to Jin's combat abilities, defense, stealth, archery, or utility (e.g., increased health, more Resolve gain, chance to terrify enemies). Major and Minor charm slots are unlocked by honoring Inari Shrines.

• Gear Sets & Pieces: Players craft and equip individual gear pieces for Head, Torso, Legs, Hands, and Feet. Each piece provides specific perks (e.g., reduced damage from melee, faster movement while crouched, increased ammo capacity for a weapon type). Gear is tiered (Rank I to Elite). Equipping multiple pieces from the same 'Set' (e.g., Highwaymen Set, Scout Set, Heavy Set) grants additional powerful set bonuses, encouraging players to tailor their gear to their preferred playstyle (stealth, run-and-gun, tank).
• Cosmetic Outfits: Purely cosmetic full-body outfits that change the player character's appearance. These do not provide any stat bonuses or perks and are separate from the functional gear system. Many are unlocked through gameplay, challenges, or were part of special editions/packs.

• Samurai Armor Sets (e.g., Samurai Clan Armor, Sakai Clan Armor, Gosaku's Armor, Kensei Armor): Various sets of traditional samurai armor, each consisting of a helmet, body armor, and sometimes gauntlets/greaves (cosmetically part of the body piece). Each set provides unique perks tailored to specific playstyles (e.g., increased health and melee damage, better defense, Resolve gains, stagger resistance). Armor can be upgraded by Armorers to improve its stats and unlock more potent versions of its perks. Dyeable at merchants.
• Ghost Armor Set: A unique armor set acquired as Jin embraces the Ghost persona. Focuses on stealth, reducing enemy detection speed, increasing Terrify chance, and other Ghost-related perks. Visually distinct and upgradable.
• Traveler's Attire: An outfit focused on exploration. Perks include clearing more fog of war on the map, vibrating the controller near collectibles (Artifacts), and allowing Jin to direct the Guiding Wind to specific collectible types. Upgradable.
• Ronin Attire / Kensei Attire (Duel-focused): Outfits that often provide bonuses to melee damage, Resolve gains, or benefits during Standoffs and duels.
• Various Other Outfits (e.g., Fundoshi - for comedic effect, Broken Armor - story related): A range of other outfits with varying or no statistical benefits, some are purely cosmetic or tied to specific story moments or challenges.
• Masks (Various Samurai Menpo, Ghost Mask, Thief's Wrap, etc.): Cosmetic headwear items that can be equipped with any armor set. Do not typically provide stats but are key for visual customization and role-playing.
• Headbands (Hachimaki): Cosmetic items that Jin can find or earn. Worn on the forehead, often with poetic inscriptions. Do not provide stats but add to character appearance.

• Makeshift Gear Pieces: Players equip individual pieces of gear for head, torso, legs, hands, and feet. These items have a distinct post-apocalyptic, scavenged aesthetic, often incorporating scrap metal, leather, and repurposed materials. The visual design of gear often reflects its set type (e.g., Highwaymen gear looks aggressive and cobbled together, Scout gear looks lighter and more agile).
• Cosmetic Outfits & Weapon Skins: A variety of full-body cosmetic outfits (e.g., 'Space Force' outfit, 'Retro Sci-Fi' outfit) and weapon skins allow players to change their visual appearance and weapon aesthetics without affecting gameplay stats. Many are unlocked through in-game progression, completing challenges, finding them in the world, or via special editions and microtransactions.

• Samurai Armor Sets (Sakai Clan Armor, Gosaku's Armor, Samurai Clan Armor, Kensei Armor, Sarugami Armor - DLC, etc.): Jin can acquire numerous sets of traditional samurai armor. Each set consists of a helmet, mask, and body armor, offering unique perks tailored to samurai combat (e.g., increased melee damage, health, Resolve gains, stagger resistance). Armor can be upgraded by Armorers to improve stats and unlock more potent perks. Dyes can be purchased or found to change the color scheme of most armor sets.
• Ghost Armor Set: A unique armor set reflecting Jin's adoption of stealth tactics. Perks include reducing enemy detection speed, increasing the chance to Terrify enemies after assassinations, and other Ghost-related benefits. Visually distinct and upgradable, with dye options.
• Traveler's Attire / Ronin Attire / Other Outfits: Various other outfits that Jin can wear, offering different perks and aesthetics. Traveler's Attire is focused on exploration (clearing fog of war, finding collectibles). Ronin Attire often boosts melee damage or Resolve. Many outfits are rewards for completing quests or liberating territories.
• Masks (Samurai Menpo, Ghost Mask, Thief's Wrap, Demonic Masks, etc.): A wide variety of cosmetic masks that Jin can wear with any armor set. Found as collectibles, purchased from merchants, or earned as quest rewards. They do not typically offer stat bonuses but are key for visual customization and role-playing.
• Headbands (Hachimaki): Cosmetic headbands with various designs and inscriptions. Found as collectibles by following Guiding Wind to Pillars of Honor, or as quest rewards. Do not provide stats.
• Sword Kits (Katana & Tanto Scabbards/Hilts): Cosmetic items that change the appearance of Jin's katana (Sakai Storm) and tanto scabbards (saya) and hilts (tsuka). Found at Pillars of Honor or purchased from merchants.
• Saddle (for Horse): Jin can choose different saddles for his horse, which are primarily cosmetic but are acquired as story progression or rewards.

Progression is heavily tied to upgrading the Prosperity home base. Facilities like the Weapons Workbench, Garage, Training Camp, Infirmary, Explosives Lab, Healing Garden, and Cartography office can be upgraded using Ethanol, unlocking higher-tier weapon/vehicle crafting, increased health, stronger companions, faster fast travel, and revealed map locations. Players earn Perk Points from challenges, Treasure Hunts, and leveling up to unlock abilities in categories like Brawler, Covert, Survivor, and specific companion-enhancing perks. Crafting materials are diverse (Components, Duct Tape, Gears, Springs, Titanium, Carbon Fiber, Circuit Boards) and tiered, corresponding to weapon/vehicle ranks.

Hope County's map is a condensed and significantly altered version of Far Cry 5's, reflecting 17 years of post-nuclear transformation. Familiar landmarks are often overgrown or repurposed. Key areas include Prosperity (home base), Highwaymen outposts, and New Eden's territory. A major addition is 'Expeditions,' which take players to self-contained, off-map locations across the USA, such as a crashed I.S.S. space station in Louisiana, Alcatraz Island, a Navajo Bridge in Arizona, a Florida amusement park, and a government plane wreck. These offer unique environments and high-value resources.

Tsushima Island is a large, stunningly beautiful open world divided into three main regions that unlock progressively: Izuhara (southern region, lush forests, farmlands), Toyotama (central region, swamps, coastal areas, more developed towns), and Kamiagata (northern region, snowy mountains, desolate landscapes). Each region is filled with diverse biomes, Mongol-occupied territories, villages, shrines, hot springs, and points of interest. The world is designed to be explored on horseback or foot, with an emphasis on natural beauty and environmental storytelling. The Iki Island expansion (Director's Cut) adds a new, smaller island with its own distinct environment and storyline. The main island of Tsushima is estimated to be around 27-30 sq km, with Iki Island adding to this.

• Makeshift Cars, Trucks, ATVs, Motorcycles: Land Vehicle
  A wide variety of ground vehicles, all sporting a distinct post-apocalyptic, scavenged, and often armored or weaponized appearance. Vehicles are tiered (Rank I to Elite) and can be crafted at the Garage in Prosperity. Higher-tier vehicles offer better durability, speed, and mounted weaponry (e.g., machine guns, saw launchers). Examples include rusty sedans with plows, dune buggies with mounted MGs, and armored trikes.
• Boats: Water Vehicle
  Basic watercraft like fan boats and small patrol boats, reflecting the makeshift theme. Useful for traversing Hope County's extensive river network. Some may have light mounted weapons at higher craftable tiers.
• Helicopters: Air Vehicle
  Craftable and upgradable helicopters, crucial for rapid traversal of the map and providing air support. They also feature a scavenged look and can be equipped with weapons like machine guns or rockets at higher tiers. Essential for quickly reaching Expedition start points or out-of-the-way locations.
• Unique & Special Vehicles: Land/Air Vehicle
  Includes special pre-order or Deluxe Edition vehicles (like the Unicorn Trike), and potentially some unique vehicles found or awarded through specific missions or Treasure Hunts. These often have distinct visual flair or slightly enhanced stats.

• Your Horse (Nobu / Kage / Sora - Player Named): Primary Mount / Living Vehicle
  Jin's loyal steed, chosen by the player early in the game (name and one of three initial coat colors). Essential for traversing the vast island of Tsushima. Can be called with a whistle. Allows for mounted combat (slashing with katana, archery). Can be equipped with different saddles which are primarily cosmetic but sometimes tied to quest rewards.
• Grappling Hook: Traversal Tool (Personal Gear)
  A tool Jin acquires that allows him to swing across gaps, latch onto specific anchor points to ascend or descend cliffs, and create new pathways in certain environments. Also used contextually in some combat takedowns.
• Mongol War Machines (Catapults, Hwacha - Enemy Controlled): Siege Weaponry (Hostile)
  The Mongols utilize siege weapons like catapults and hwachas (multiple rocket arrow launchers) in their larger camps and during specific assaults. Jin typically needs to destroy or disable these rather than operate them.
• Small Boats / Fishing Boats (Environmental): Minor Watercraft
  Small boats are sometimes found along coastlines or rivers. While Jin can swim, these boats are generally not player-controlled for extended travel but are part of the environmental dressing or very specific, short scripted sequences.

• Timber: Akita Dog
  Fangs for Hire (Scouting, Tagging, Resource Finding, Reviving, Defensive)
• Horatio: Boar
  Fangs for Hire (Tank, Aggressive Combat, Shield Breaking, Self-Revive, Distraction)
• Monstrous Wildlife: Mutated Bison, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Boar, Snapping Turtle
  Hostile Elite Fauna. These are larger, tougher, and more aggressive versions of normal wildlife, often with unique visual mutations. They guard specific locations or roam certain areas and drop rare crafting materials (e.g., Monstrous Hides, Monstrous Bones) needed for high-tier upgrades.
• Standard Wildlife: Deer, Skunk, Rabbit, Fish, Birds etc.
  Neutral Wildlife. Can be hunted for basic crafting materials (skins, meat for bait) and to complete hunting challenges. Some, like skunks or eagles, can be minor threats.

• The Captain of Security (Cap): Protagonist
  A customizable (male or female) silent protagonist. Arrives in Hope County with Thomas Rush's group, dedicated to helping settlements rebuild across the post-apocalyptic USA. Quickly becomes a key leader and fighter for Prosperity, known for their resourcefulness and combat prowess.
• Mickey (Michelle): Main Antagonist (Co-leader of Highwaymen)
  The more calculating and seemingly level-headed of the twin sisters leading the Highwaymen. She dictates their strategy and philosophy of taking what they want by force, believing it's the only way to survive and thrive in the new world. Despite her pragmatism, she is utterly ruthless.
• Lou (Louise): Main Antagonist (Co-leader of Highwaymen)
  The more volatile, aggressive, and sadistic of the Highwaymen twins. She revels in violence and destruction, often acting as the enforcer of their will. Her impulsiveness can sometimes clash with Mickey's plans, but her ferocity is undeniable.
• Carmina Rye: Supporting Character / Gun for Hire
  Daughter of Nick and Kim Rye, born at the very end of Far Cry 5. Now a determined young woman, she is one of the first residents of Prosperity the player meets and fights alongside. She embodies the hope for a better future and is deeply committed to her community. As a Gun for Hire, she uses dynamite effectively.
• Kim Rye (Kimiko Rye): Supporting Character (Leader of Prosperity)
  A key leader in Prosperity, Carmina's mother, and a returning character from Far Cry 5. She is resourceful and pragmatic, focused on the survival and growth of Prosperity. She tasks the player with many crucial upgrades for the home base.
• Thomas Rush: Supporting Character
  The charismatic leader of a well-equipped group traveling America to help communities rebuild. He brings the player (his Captain of Security) to Hope County. His ideals and methods sometimes clash with the harsh realities of the wasteland.
• The Judge: Companion (Gun for Hire)
  A silent, masked warrior from New Eden. Heavily implied to be the player's Junior Deputy character from Far Cry 5, having survived the nuclear blast and undergone a transformation under Joseph Seed. They are a master of stealth and the bow, and their presence is a constant reminder of the past.
• Joseph Seed: Supporting Character / Former Antagonist
  The former leader of Project at Eden's Gate from Far Cry 5. He survived the Collapse and now leads the secluded community of New Eden, preaching a different, more nature-focused philosophy. His role is complex, offering cryptic guidance and posing moral questions.
• Nana: Companion (Gun for Hire)
  An elderly woman who is a surprisingly skilled sniper. She's sharp-witted and deadly from a distance, providing excellent stealth and ranged support once recruited.
• Pastor Jerome Jeffries: Companion (Gun for Hire)
  Returning from Far Cry 5, the resilient pastor now acts as a powerful close-to-mid-range fighter, wielding a shotgun and Molotov cocktails, still fiercely protective of his flock.

• Jin Sakai (The Ghost): Protagonist / Samurai Lord
  The main playable character. Nephew of Lord Shimura and one of the last samurai on Tsushima after the initial Mongol invasion. Forced to abandon the samurai code of honor to adopt stealthy, unconventional 'Ghost' tactics to fight the invaders and save his people, leading to internal conflict and a clash with tradition.
• Lord Shimura: Supporting Character / Antagonist Figure / Jito of Tsushima
  Jin's uncle and a respected samurai lord, the jito (steward) of Tsushima. He represents traditional samurai honor and Bushido. While initially an ally, his rigid adherence to the code clashes with Jin's Ghost methods, leading to a profound ideological and personal conflict.
• Khotun Khan: Main Antagonist / Mongol General
  The cunning, ruthless, and intelligent leader of the Mongol invasion force. He studies Japanese culture and warfare to exploit Tsushima's weaknesses, serving as Jin's primary adversary.
• Yuna: Ally / Thief & Survivor
  A skilled thief who rescues Jin after the initial battle. She is pragmatic and resourceful, advocating for more practical methods to fight the Mongols, and encourages Jin to embrace the Ghost persona. Her primary motivation is protecting her younger brother, Taka.
• Taka: Ally / Blacksmith
  Yuna's younger brother, a talented blacksmith who becomes essential for upgrading Jin's gear. He is captured by the Mongols, and his rescue is a key objective.
• Sensei Ishikawa: Ally / Legendary Archer
  A renowned but embittered master archer (kyūdō sensei). Jin seeks his help and becomes his student, learning advanced archery techniques while helping Ishikawa track down his former protégé, Tomoe.
• Lady Masako Adachi: Ally / Samurai Matriarch
  The sole survivor of the Adachi clan after a brutal massacre. She is a skilled warrior seeking revenge for her family's murder, and Jin helps her track down the culprits.
• Norio: Ally / Warrior Monk
  A gentle giant and warrior monk dedicated to protecting his fellow monks and the people of Tsushima. Jin helps him defend Cedar Temple and find his missing brother.
• Kenji: Ally (Reluctant) / Sake Brewer & Merchant
  A cowardly but well-meaning sake brewer who often gets himself (and Jin) into trouble with his schemes and attempts to profit from the chaos of the invasion. Provides some comic relief.
• Ryuzo: Antagonist / Childhood Friend / Leader of the Straw Hat Ronin
  Jin's childhood friend and a skilled swordsman. Leader of the Straw Hat Ronin, he initially allies with Jin but later makes desperate choices that put them on opposing sides.
• Tomoe (Mentioned/Encountered through Ishikawa's quest): Antagonist Figure / Ishikawa's Former Student
  A highly skilled archer, Sensei Ishikawa's former prized student, who defected to the Mongols and taught them archery.
• The Eagle (Iki Island DLC): Main Antagonist (DLC) / Mongol Shamaness
  The leader of a Mongol tribe on Iki Island, a powerful shamaness who uses psychological warfare and hallucinogenic poisons to torment her victims and maintain control. She has a personal connection to the Sakai clan's past actions on Iki.

• Main Story Campaign (Prosperity vs. Highwaymen)
  A series of missions that guide the player through upgrading Prosperity, recruiting key specialists (like a doctor, explosives expert, etc.), weakening the Highwaymen's grip on Hope County, and ultimately confronting their leaders, Mickey and Lou. It also involves interacting with Joseph Seed and the community of New Eden.
• Outpost Liberation & Scavenging
  Clear out Highwaymen-controlled Outposts to gain Ethanol (the primary resource for upgrading Prosperity facilities) and establish fast travel points. Once liberated, Outposts can be 'scavenged,' which returns them to Highwaymen control at a higher difficulty level (more alarms, tougher enemies) but offers significantly more Ethanol upon re-liberation. This forms a core repeatable gameplay loop for resource gathering.
• Expeditions (Rank I to III)
  Travel to unique, self-contained maps outside Hope County to retrieve a package containing rare crafting materials (like Carbon Fiber, Titanium, Circuit Boards). Each Expedition has 3 difficulty tiers, with higher tiers offering better rewards but featuring more numerous and tougher enemies, and sometimes modified objectives or extraction points.
• Specialist Recruitment & Loyalty Missions
  Side missions focused on finding and recruiting key specialists who provide unique upgrades to Prosperity's facilities (e.g., Bean for intel, Selene for healing garden). Some companions also have short loyalty missions that delve into their backstory or upgrade their abilities.
• Treasure Hunts
  Self-contained environmental puzzles marked on the map. Players must decipher clues, navigate obstacles, or find keys to access hidden stashes. These reward Perk Points, valuable crafting materials, Far Cry Credits, and sometimes unique weapon skins or lore notes.
• Story of Eden (New Eden Missions)
  A series of missions involving Joseph Seed and his community, New Eden. These often involve more mystical or introspective tasks, exploring Joseph's changed philosophy and the strange powers manifesting in the post-Collapse world.

• Main Story Quests (Jin's Journey - Act I, II, III)
  A series of narrative quests that follow Jin Sakai's efforts to repel the Mongol invasion, rescue his uncle Lord Shimura, and liberate Tsushima Island. This involves recruiting allies, confronting Mongol leaders, making difficult choices about his combat tactics (Samurai vs. Ghost), and ultimately facing Khotun Khan. The story is divided into three acts, each focusing on a different region of Tsushima.
• Tales of Tsushima (Major Side Quests & Character Arcs)
  Multi-part optional questlines focusing on key supporting characters like Yuna, Sensei Ishikawa, Lady Masako, Norio, and Kenji. These 'Tales' delve into their personal stories, motivations, and conflicts, often rewarding Jin with new techniques, gear, or Charms. They contribute significantly to world-building and character development.
• Mythic Tales
  Special side quests that involve investigating legends and folklore of Tsushima, often narrated by the musician Yamato. These quests usually involve tracking clues, solving puzzles, and culminate in Jin learning a powerful new combat technique (e.g., The Heavenly Strike, Dance of Wrath) or obtaining unique armor/weapons.
• Liberating Mongol Territories (Farms, Villages, Forts)
  Clear out Mongol-occupied locations across Tsushima. This involves defeating all Mongol soldiers in the area and sometimes completing bonus objectives (e.g., rescuing hostages, not raising alarms). Liberating territories reduces Mongol presence, reveals more of the map, grants Legend increase, and often unlocks nearby quests or merchants.
• Duels (Samurai vs. Mongol Leaders, Ronin)
  Cinematic one-on-one sword fights against skilled opponents. These occur during main quests, Mythic Tales, or when encountering specific enemies. Duels test Jin's mastery of parrying, dodging, and stance-based combat.
• Shrine Climbs (Shinto Shrines)
  Navigate challenging platforming sections, often involving climbing cliffs, jumping across gaps, and using the grappling hook (once acquired), to reach remote Shinto Shrines. Honoring these shrines rewards a Major Charm.
• Iki Island Story Quests (Director's Cut / Expansion)
  A new main questline set on Iki Island, where Jin confronts a new Mongol tribe led by the shamaness known as The Eagle. This story delves into the Sakai clan's troubled past on Iki and forces Jin to confront his own trauma.
• Legends Mode Missions (Story, Survival, Rivals, Raid - Multiplayer)
  Cooperative multiplayer missions with unique objectives, enemies (Oni), and progression systems separate from the single-player campaign. Story missions follow a narrative, Survival involves fending off waves of enemies, Rivals is a 2v2 mode, and The Tale of Iyo is a challenging three-part raid.

The primary multiplayer offering is two-player online co-op for the main campaign and Expeditions. Players can tackle missions, explore the world, and fight the Highwaymen together. Co-op enhances tactical options and allows for reviving downed partners. There is no competitive multiplayer mode or a map editor like Far Cry Arcade from Far Cry 5.

Available in Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition included the Knight Pack (SVD Claymore variant and sidecar motorcycle skin), the Hurk Legacy Pack (Hurkling outfit, Hurk's Wrath M249 variant, and Hurk Legacy off-road vehicle skin), and the Retro Sci-Fi M133M shotgun skin and RAT4 rocket launcher skin. Pre-order bonuses often included a unique Unicorn Trike skin.

Available in Standard Edition, Digital Deluxe Edition (Hero of Tsushima Skin Set, Charm of Hachiman's Favor, digital artbook, director's commentary), Special Edition (SteelBook, Hero of Tsushima mask & sword kit, digital content), and Collector's Edition (Sakai Mask replica, cloth map, sashimono war banner, furoshiki wrapping cloth, SteelBook, artbook, all Digital Deluxe content). The Director's Cut (PS5, PC) includes the base game, the Iki Island expansion, and additional features like Japanese lip sync, haptic feedback, and improved load times.

Post-launch support for Far Cry New Dawn was minimal compared to mainline titles. It primarily consisted of cosmetic item packs available for purchase (e.g., weapon skins, outfits) and some free Ubisoft Club rewards. No major narrative DLC expansions were released, as the game itself is a spin-off sequel.

The main post-launch content was the 'Iki Island' expansion, a substantial story DLC included in the Director's Cut, taking Jin to a new island with new enemies, story, and gear. A free multiplayer co-op mode, 'Legends,' was also added, featuring unique classes, missions, and a raid. Various cosmetic items and patches have also been released.

• Q: Is Far Cry New Dawn a full game or DLC for Far Cry 5?
  A: Far Cry New Dawn is a standalone, full-priced game. While it's a direct sequel to Far Cry 5 and reuses a modified version of its map, it does not require Far Cry 5 to play and has its own complete story and progression systems.
• Q: Do I need to play Far Cry 5 before New Dawn to understand the story?
  A: It is highly recommended. New Dawn's narrative, characters (like Joseph Seed, the Ryes, Pastor Jerome), and the overall state of the world are direct consequences of Far Cry 5's ending. Playing FC5 first provides crucial context and emotional weight to New Dawn's events.
• Q: Is there multiplayer in Far Cry New Dawn, and what can you do?
  A: Yes, Far Cry New Dawn supports two-player online cooperative multiplayer. Players can tackle the entire main campaign, liberate Outposts, and undertake Expeditions together. This allows for tactical coordination and mutual support.
• Q: What are Expeditions, and why are they important?
  A: Expeditions are repeatable missions that take players to unique, self-contained locations outside of Hope County (e.g., Alcatraz, a crashed space station). Their primary purpose is to acquire rare, high-tier crafting materials essential for upgrading Elite Rank weapons and vehicles. They offer diverse environments and can be replayed at higher difficulty levels for increased rewards.
• Q: How does the weapon and enemy tier system (RPG-lite mechanics) work?
  A: Both weapons and enemies are tiered (Rank I, II, III, Elite). Higher-ranked enemies are significantly tougher and deal more damage, often requiring weapons of a similar or higher rank to defeat effectively. This encourages players to constantly scavenge, craft, and upgrade their arsenal and home base (Prosperity) to keep pace with escalating threats.
• Q: Can you still fish and hunt like in Far Cry 5?
  A: Yes, fishing and hunting are still present, though slightly de-emphasized compared to FC5. Hunting provides skins and bait, with Monstrous Wildlife offering rare pelts for high-end crafting. Fishing spots are available for catching different types of fish, which can be sold or used in trade.

• Q: Is Ghost of Tsushima historically accurate?
  A: Ghost of Tsushima is set during a real historical event (the Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274) and features historical elements, but it is a work of historical fiction. It takes creative liberties with characters, events, and geography for narrative and gameplay purposes. The developers were heavily inspired by classic samurai cinema.
• Q: What is the difference between playing as a Samurai and as the Ghost?
  A: The game allows Jin to approach combat in two main ways. As a Samurai, he engages enemies head-on in honorable duels and open combat, relying on parries, dodges, and different sword stances. As the Ghost, he uses stealth, assassinations, trickery, and Ghost weapons (kunai, smoke bombs) to eliminate enemies dishonorably but effectively. The story explores Jin's internal conflict with these opposing methods.
• Q: What is the Guiding Wind mechanic?
  A: The Guiding Wind is Ghost of Tsushima's primary navigation system. Instead of a persistent mini-map, players can swipe up on the PlayStation controller's touchpad (or press a designated key on PC) to summon a gust of wind that blows in the direction of their currently tracked objective or point of interest. This encourages players to observe the environment.
• Q: What is Ghost of Tsushima: Legends?
  A: Legends is a free online cooperative multiplayer mode included with Ghost of Tsushima (and its Director's Cut). It features a separate storyline inspired by Japanese folklore and mythology, with players choosing from four unique classes (Samurai, Hunter, Ronin, Assassin) to tackle story missions, survival challenges, and a raid.
• Q: What does the Director's Cut add to the game?
  A: The Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut includes the full base game, the Iki Island expansion (a new story, map, enemies, and gear), Japanese lip sync options, haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support (PS5), 3D audio enhancements (PS5), and improved load times. On PC, it includes these features plus PC-specific graphical options and ultrawide support.
• Q: What is Kurosawa Mode?
  A: Kurosawa Mode is a visual filter that can be enabled, rendering the game in black and white with increased film grain and altered audio, designed to emulate the style of classic black-and-white samurai films by director Akira Kurosawa.

Built on the Dunia Engine, New Dawn showcases a striking 'superbloom' post-apocalyptic aesthetic. Hope County is transformed with vibrant, almost alien-looking flora, vivid colors, and unique atmospheric effects like auroras. This contrasts sharply with Far Cry 5's pre-collapse realism. Environmental storytelling is strong, with remnants of the old world overgrown or repurposed by survivors and the Highwaymen. Character models and weapon designs reflect the scavenged, makeshift theme.

Powered by Sucker Punch's proprietary engine, Ghost of Tsushima is renowned for its breathtaking art direction and visual fidelity. It features stunningly beautiful landscapes with vibrant colors, dynamic weather (wind playing a key visual role), detailed particle effects (falling leaves, pollen), and realistic character models. The 'Kurosawa Mode' allows players to experience the game in black and white with film grain, mimicking classic samurai cinema.

The original score by Tyler Bates and John Swihart captures the dual nature of the world – hopeful rebuilding mixed with brutal survival. Licensed tracks, often with a retro or folk vibe, feature on in-game radios. The Highwaymen have their own distinct, aggressive musical themes and radio broadcasts, contributing to their menacing presence. Sound design emphasizes the makeshift nature of weapons (clanky, jury-rigged) and the vibrant but dangerous wildlife.

Original score composed by Ilan Eshkeri and Shigeru Umebayashi, featuring a blend of traditional Japanese instrumentation (shakuhachi, koto, taiko drums) with epic orchestral themes that evoke the atmosphere of classic samurai films. Sound design is meticulous, with realistic sword clashes, distinct animal sounds, and immersive environmental audio (wind, rustling leaves). Offers full Japanese voice acting with English subtitles for an authentic experience.

The UI retains Far Cry's first-person HUD elements (compass, ammo, health) but with a distinct 'DIY' post-apocalyptic aesthetic. Health is represented by segmented bars that regenerate up to the last full segment. Enemy health bars and rank indicators are more prominent due to the RPG-lite tiered system. Crafting and upgrade menus are frequently accessed and crucial for progression.

Features a highly minimalistic and immersive HUD. Health and Resolve are displayed subtly. No traditional mini-map; players use the Guiding Wind (swiping the touchpad or a key summons a gust of wind pointing towards the tracked objective) for navigation. Enemy awareness and stance indicators are contextual. The world map is stylized like a traditional Japanese painting. Focus Hearing highlights enemies through walls.

Far Cry New Dawn inherits many accessibility features from Far Cry 5, including customizable controls (key remapping, sensitivity), aim assist options, adjustable difficulty levels (Easy, Normal, Hard), and extensive subtitle customization (size, background opacity, speaker names). Colorblind modes are also available.

Offers a good range of accessibility options, including customizable controls (remapping), subtitle and caption customization, options to simplify QTEs and repeated button presses, aim assist, options for larger UI elements, high contrast mode for some UI, and various gameplay toggles for combat difficulty and HUD elements.

• Official system requirements from Ubisoft (as of game launch). Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, settings, and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended for optimal performance. The game shares a similar performance profile to Far Cry 5, though the vibrant 'superbloom' aesthetic can sometimes be demanding in dense areas.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs may work if their performance is comparable. Performance on laptops is also heavily influenced by cooling and the GPU's Total Graphics Power (TGP). The estimated laptop specs below are approximate and reflect performance tiers for the game's original release period. **Modern laptop GPUs (NVIDIA RTX 30-series, RTX 40-series, and newer AMD equivalents) will significantly exceed these original recommendations and offer excellent performance across all resolutions, similar to Far Cry 5.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Higher TGP in a laptop GPU generally correlates with better sustained performance.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Good cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling during demanding gameplay.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with higher CPU power limits can maintain boost clocks longer.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch (if available) or ensuring the dedicated GPU is prioritized over integrated graphics (via NVIDIA Control Panel/AMD Software) is recommended for optimal framerates.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Water Quality, Volumetric Fog, and Anti-Aliasing heavily impact performance. The game is graphically similar to Far Cry 5, but the post-apocalyptic environment features dense foliage and unique particle effects that can be demanding.
• Game Name: Far Cry New Dawn

• Official PC system requirements for 'Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR'S CUT'. Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially dense forests or large Mongol camps), and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended for optimal performance.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and excellent cooling. **Ghost of Tsushima on PC is a visually rich and potentially demanding title, particularly at higher settings and resolutions.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance during intense combat and exploration.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A decent CPU is needed for the open world, AI, and physics.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS 3 (Super Resolution & Frame Generation), AMD FSR 3 (Super Resolution & Frame Generation), and Intel XeSS. Also supports NVIDIA Reflex and DLAA.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Level of Detail, Shadow Quality, Reflections, Volumetric Fog, Particle Effects, and Ambient Occlusion heavily impact performance. Using upscaling is recommended for higher resolutions/settings.
• Game Name: Ghost of Tsushima

• Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Water Quality, Volumetric Fog, and Anti-Aliasing heavily impact performance. The game is graphically similar to Far Cry 5, but the post-apocalyptic environment features dense foliage and unique particle effects that can be demanding.

• Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS 3 (Super Resolution & Frame Generation), AMD FSR 3 (Super Resolution & Frame Generation), and Intel XeSS. Also supports NVIDIA Reflex and DLAA.
• Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Level of Detail, Shadow Quality, Reflections, Volumetric Fog, Particle Effects, and Ambient Occlusion heavily impact performance. Using upscaling is recommended for higher resolutions/settings.

• G P U T G P: Higher TGP in a laptop GPU generally correlates with better sustained performance.
• Cooling Thermals: Good cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling during demanding gameplay.
• C P U Power Limits: Laptops with higher CPU power limits can maintain boost clocks longer.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch (if available) or ensuring the dedicated GPU is prioritized over integrated graphics (via NVIDIA Control Panel/AMD Software) is recommended for optimal framerates.

• G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
• Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance during intense combat and exploration.
• C P U Power Limits: A decent CPU is needed for the open world, AI, and physics.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.