Ghost of Tsushima vs The Last of Us Part II

• 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).

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: None (Single-Player Only, with 'No Return' roguelike mode in Remastered)
• Setting: Post-Pandemic United States (Jackson, WY; Seattle, WA; Santa Barbara, CA), ~25 years after outbreak
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 (Remastered)
• Unique Feature: Dual Playable Protagonists with Intertwined Stories, Unflinching Narrative on Revenge & Trauma, Groundbreaking Animation & Detail, 'No Return' Roguelike Mode (Remastered), Industry-Leading Accessibility Options.

• 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)

• Dina (AI - Ellie's Path): Accompanies Ellie for a significant portion of her journey in Seattle. Provides combat support with her weapons, assists with environmental interactions (e.g., boosting Ellie, opening doors), engages in dialogue, and is central to Ellie's emotional arc. She can be downed and require revival.
  Human
• Jesse (AI - Ellie's Path, Temporary): Joins Ellie (and sometimes Dina) for certain missions in Seattle. A capable fighter who provides combat assistance and participates in story events.
  Human
• Lev (AI - Abby's Path): Accompanies Abby for a large part of her storyline. Skilled with a bow and agile, providing ranged support and assistance in traversal. His relationship with Abby is a core element of her character development. Can be downed.
  Human (Seraphite Apostate)
• Yara (AI - Abby's Path, Temporary): Lev's older sister. Joins Abby for a period, providing combat support despite a severe injury. Her medical knowledge is also relevant.
  Human (Seraphite Apostate)
• Manny Alvarez (AI - Abby's Path, Temporary): Fights alongside Abby during several WLF-focused missions. Provides covering fire and participates in squad-based combat scenarios.
  Human (WLF Soldier)
• Various WLF Soldiers (AI - Abby's Path, Temporary): During missions where Abby is operating with her WLF squad, other unnamed soldiers provide general combat support.
  Human (WLF)
• Dogs (Alice - WLF, Bear - Rattlers, temporary companions to Abby/Ellie in some contexts): Alice is a WLF dog Abby interacts with. Bear is a Rattler dog. In some limited gameplay sequences or interactions, a dog might temporarily act as an ally or detection unit.
  Canis familiaris

• 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.

• Artifacts (Notes, Letters, Diaries, Maps, etc.): Numerous documents found throughout all environments. They provide rich backstory on the world before and after the outbreak, personal stories of survivors, insights into faction ideologies, clues for safes, or context for ongoing events. Crucial for understanding the game's deep lore.
• Trading Cards (Ellie's Sections): Collectible superhero-themed trading cards hidden in Ellie's playable sections. Each card features unique artwork and a short character bio. Finding all of them unlocks a trophy.
• Coins (Abby's Sections): Collectible US state quarters found by Abby during her playable sections. Each coin represents a different state. Finding all of them unlocks a trophy.
• Journal Entries (Ellie): Specific points of interest, emotional moments, or significant discoveries trigger Ellie to write or sketch in her journal. These are automatic story-related collectibles that provide insight into her thoughts and feelings.
• Workbenches: Locations where Ellie and Abby can upgrade their weapons using scavenged Parts. Finding all workbenches contributes to completion.
• Safes: Locked safes that require finding a combination clue (often in a nearby Artifact) to open. Contain valuable resources, supplements, or sometimes Training Manuals.
• Training Manuals: Found in specific locations, often hidden or in safes. Each manual unlocks a new branch in the player's skill tree, allowing them to learn new abilities.
• Strange Artifact (Pendant - Precursor Orb): A unique collectible referencing Naughty Dog's Jak and Daxter series, found in a specific location.

• 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

• Revenge & Obsession
• Cycles of Violence
• Trauma & Grief
• Empathy & Perspective
• Tribalism & Factionalism
• Moral Ambiguity
• The Cost of Survival
• Loss of Innocence
• Humanity in a Post-Apocalypse
• Love & Relationships

• 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.

• Pistols (Semi-Automatic, Revolver): Sidearm
  Ellie and Abby use various pistols, including semi-automatics and revolvers. Can be upgraded for stability, fire rate, capacity, and equipped with silencers (craftable for some).
• Rifles (Bolt-Action, Semi-Automatic): Primary Firearm (Long/Mid Range)
  Includes hunting rifles, military-style semi-auto rifles. Good for medium to long-range engagements. Upgradable with scopes, stocks, etc.
• Shotguns (Pump-Action, Double Barrel, Semi-Auto): Primary Firearm (Close Quarters)
  Devastating at close range. Different types offer varying fire rates and capacities. Ellie uses a pump-action, Abby can find others like a double barrel.
• Bow (Ellie): Silent Ranged
  Ellie's signature silent weapon. Can use standard arrows, craftable explosive arrows, and later, poison arrows (DLC/Remaster). Arrows can often be retrieved.
• Crossbow (Abby): Silent Ranged
  Abby's primary silent ranged weapon. Fires retrievable bolts. Can be upgraded with a scope and stability improvements.
• Submachine Guns / Automatic Weapons (Limited): Primary Firearm (High Rate of Fire)
  Some automatic weapons like SMGs or military rifles are available, particularly for Abby. Ammo can be scarce.
• Melee Weapons (Pipes, Machetes, Hammers, Baseball Bats, Switchblades, etc.): Close Quarters Combat (Upgradeable)
  A wide variety of improvised and dedicated melee weapons. Can be upgraded by attaching blades or bindings to increase damage and durability. Break after extended use.
• Explosives (Molotov Cocktails, Pipe Bombs, Trap Mines): Throwable / Deployable
  Craftable explosives for area denial, crowd control, or dealing with tough enemies. Trap mines can be placed strategically.
• Utility Items (Smoke Bombs, Stun Bombs, Health Kits): Tactical / Survival
  Craftable items for creating diversions (smoke bombs), incapacitating enemies (stun bombs), or healing (health kits).
• Flamethrower (Abby - Late Game): Heavy Weapon
  A powerful, fuel-based weapon found by Abby, effective against groups of infected or heavily armored humans.
• Silencers (Craftable): Weapon Attachment (Stealth)
  Can be crafted and attached to certain pistols and SMGs to allow for silent ranged takedowns. Have limited durability.

• 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.

• No Equipable Armor System: Neither Ellie nor Abby equip traditional armor pieces that provide direct stat bonuses or can be upgraded. Their survivability is determined by their base health (which can be increased via skill upgrades for Abby, and finding Training Manuals that unlock health skills for both), player skill in combat/stealth, and the use of health kits. Clothing changes are purely cosmetic and tied to story progression or unlockable skins in the Remastered version.
• Crafted Items & Skill Upgrades (Implied Protection/Resilience): While not 'armor,' skills related to damage resistance, faster healing, improved dodging, or increased health act as a form of defensive progression. Crafting potent health kits is crucial. Some weapon upgrades might improve handling, indirectly aiding defense by allowing quicker enemy dispatch.

• 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.

• Ellie's Outfits: Ellie wears several distinct outfits throughout the game, reflecting the different environments and stages of her journey (e.g., Jackson winter gear, Seattle casual/combat attire, Santa Barbara outfit). These are story-dictated and not directly customizable by the player in the base game beyond what's equipped for a chapter. The Remastered version adds unlockable cosmetic skins for Ellie.
• Abby's Outfits: Abby also wears different outfits based on her role and location (e.g., WLF soldier uniform, more rugged attire later). Similar to Ellie, these are tied to story progression. The Remastered version adds unlockable cosmetic skins for Abby.
• Backpack Customization (Minor): While not extensive, Ellie can find and attach keychains to her backpack, which are small cosmetic collectibles.
• Unlockable Skins (The Last of Us Part II Remastered): The PS5 Remastered version introduces a variety of unlockable cosmetic skins for both Ellie and Abby, as well as weapon skins. These are earned by completing challenges in the 'No Return' mode or through other means, and can be applied in Story Mode or No Return.

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.

• 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.

• Horse (Shimmer, Callus, etc.): Mount / Land Traversal
  Used by Ellie and other characters for traversing larger outdoor areas, particularly in Jackson and some sections leading to or within Seattle. Allows for faster travel and escape.
• Motorboat: Watercraft
  Used by Ellie (and Dina) to navigate the flooded streets and waterways of Seattle. Essential for exploring certain districts and reaching specific objectives.
• Enemy Vehicles (Trucks, Jeeps - WLF/Seraphites/Rattlers): Hostile Land Vehicles
  Human factions utilize various vehicles for patrols and transport. While not typically drivable by the player for extended periods, they often feature in combat encounters, either as moving cover, obstacles, or targets for explosives.
• Traversal on Foot (Stealth & Parkour-lite): Player Locomotion
  Primary mode of movement. Involves walking, running, sprinting, climbing, jumping, squeezing through gaps, going prone, and dodging. While not as acrobatic as Dying Light, traversal is key for stealth and navigating complex environments.

• 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.

• Ellie Williams: Protagonist
  One of the two main playable characters. Now 19, living in Jackson. A traumatic event sends her on a brutal quest for revenge to Seattle. She is skilled with firearms, a bow, and stealth, but is deeply scarred by her past and driven by rage and grief.
• Abby Anderson: Protagonist / WLF Soldier
  The second main playable character. A strong and capable soldier in the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). Her own quest for revenge intertwines with Ellie's, and players experience a significant portion of the game from her perspective, revealing her motivations and relationships.
• Joel Miller: Supporting Character / Ellie's Surrogate Father
  Ellie's father figure from the first game. His actions at the end of Part I have profound consequences that set the events of Part II in motion. His presence is felt throughout Ellie's journey.
• Dina: Ally / Ellie's Partner & Romantic Interest
  A resident of Jackson and Ellie's close friend and romantic partner. She accompanies Ellie on her initial journey to Seattle, providing support and a contrasting perspective on Ellie's quest for vengeance.
• Jesse: Ally / Ellie & Dina's Friend
  A capable survivor and leader of patrols in Jackson, and Dina's ex-boyfriend. He follows Ellie and Dina to Seattle to help them, offering a more level-headed approach.
• Tommy Miller: Supporting Character / Joel's Brother
  Joel's younger brother and a key figure in the Jackson community. He also embarks on a quest for revenge, often operating independently.
• Owen Moore: Supporting Character / Abby's Ex-Boyfriend & WLF Soldier
  A disillusioned WLF soldier and Abby's former romantic partner. He struggles with the WLF's methods and desires a different life.
• Mel: Supporting Character / WLF Medic / Owen's Partner
  A WLF medic and Owen's pregnant partner. Her relationship with Abby is strained due to past events.
• Manny Alvarez: Supporting Character / Abby's Friend & WLF Soldier
  Abby's loyal friend and fellow WLF soldier. Provides support and some comic relief within Abby's group.
• Yara: Supporting Character / Seraphite Apostate
  A young former Seraphite who, along with her younger brother Lev, escapes the cult. Abby helps them, forming an unlikely bond that challenges Abby's worldview.
• Lev (Lily): Supporting Character / Seraphite Apostate
  Yara's younger transgender brother, whose defiance of Seraphite traditions forces them to flee. He is skilled with a bow and forms a strong connection with Abby.
• Isaac Dixon: Antagonist Figure / WLF Leader
  The ruthless and pragmatic leader of the Washington Liberation Front, focused on eradicating the Seraphites and expanding WLF control.
• Seraphite Prophet (Martyr): Antagonist Figure (Deceased) / Cult Founder
  The deceased founder and spiritual leader of the Seraphites. Her teachings and legacy continue to drive the cult's actions and beliefs, making her an indirect antagonistic force.

• 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.

• Story Chapters (Jackson, Seattle Day 1-3 for Ellie & Abby, The Farm, Santa Barbara)
  A series of linear, narratively-driven chapters that progress the intertwined stories of Ellie and Abby. Each chapter is typically set in a distinct location or marks a specific day in their respective journeys. Missions involve exploration, stealth, intense combat encounters with human factions and infected, puzzle-solving, and highly cinematic story moments.
• Flashback Sequences
  Several chapters or segments within chapters are flashbacks, providing crucial backstory for Ellie, Joel, and Abby, revealing past events that shape their present motivations and relationships (e.g., Ellie's museum visit with Joel, Abby's experiences leading up to the main conflict).
• Optional Exploration Areas & Encounters
  Within the larger 'wide-linear' levels, there are numerous optional buildings, side paths, and hidden areas to explore. These often contain valuable resources, collectibles (Artifacts, Trading Cards, Coins), safes, Training Manuals, or trigger small, unscripted encounters with enemies.
• Puzzle Solving (Environmental & Mechanical)
  Integrated into level progression, players must solve environmental puzzles involving finding paths, moving objects (like dumpsters), using ropes for traversal, restoring power to doors, or finding safe combinations.
• Major Set-Piece Encounters & Boss Fights
  Spectacular, highly scripted action sequences and challenging boss fights against unique infected (like the Rat King) or formidable human opponents. These serve as climactic moments within the narrative.
• No Return Mode Runs (Remastered)
  In the roguelike 'No Return' mode (PS5 Remastered), each 'run' consists of a series of randomized combat encounters with different objectives (e.g., survive waves, assassinate a target, hold a position) culminating in a boss fight. Successfully completing encounters and runs unlocks new playable characters, skins, and gameplay modifiers.

A standalone multiplayer game set in The Last of Us universe (reportedly titled 'The Last of Us Online') was in development but was later announced to be canceled or significantly re-evaluated by Naughty Dog. The Last of Us Part II itself is a purely single-player experience.

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.

Available in Standard Edition, Special Edition (SteelBook, art book), Collector's Edition (Ellie statue, bracelet, art book, lithograph, pins, stickers, digital content), and Ellie Edition (Collector's content + Ellie's backpack replica, soundtrack vinyl). A PS5 remaster, 'The Last of Us Part II Remastered,' was released in January 2024, including graphical enhancements, new modes like 'No Return' (roguelike survival), Guitar Free Play, Lost Levels with developer commentary, and DualSense integration.

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.

No major story DLC was released for The Last of Us Part II. The primary post-launch addition was the 'No Return' roguelike survival mode, new skins, and Lost Levels included in 'The Last of Us Part II Remastered'. The original game received updates for difficulty modes (Grounded) and accessibility.

• 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.

• Q: Is The Last of Us Part II a direct sequel to the first game?
  A: Yes, it is a direct sequel set five years after the events of The Last of Us Part I, continuing the story of Ellie and Joel.
• Q: Do I need to play The Last of Us Part I before Part II?
  A: It is extremely highly recommended. The Last of Us Part II's entire narrative, character motivations, and emotional impact are built upon the events and relationships established in the first game. Playing Part I first is essential for full understanding and appreciation.
• Q: Why are there two playable characters, Ellie and Abby?
  A: The game features a dual protagonist structure to explore themes of perspective, empathy, and the cyclical nature of violence. Playing as both characters allows players to understand the motivations and experiences of individuals on opposing sides of a deeply personal conflict.
• Q: Is The Last of Us Part II an open-world game?
  A: No, it is not a traditional open-world game. It features large, expansive 'wide-linear' levels that offer significant room for exploration, stealth, and finding alternate paths, but players are generally guided along a narrative through-line within these zones.
• Q: What is 'No Return' mode in The Last of Us Part II Remastered?
  A: 'No Return' is a new roguelike survival mode added in the PS5 Remastered version. Players choose a character (from a roster including Ellie, Abby, Joel, Tommy, and others, each with unique traits) and attempt to survive runs through randomized encounters, earning currency to unlock new characters, skins, and gameplay modifiers.
• Q: Are there different endings in The Last of Us Part II?
  A: The Last of Us Part II has one primary, definitive ending to its main narrative. Unlike some RPGs, player choices do not lead to branching endings for the core story, though the interpretation and emotional impact of the ending are subject to player perspective.

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.

Powered by an advanced version of Naughty Dog's proprietary engine, The Last of Us Part II is renowned for its groundbreaking graphics, particularly its incredibly detailed character models, lifelike animations (especially facial animations), and meticulously crafted, dense environments. Features advanced lighting, realistic weather effects, and a stunning level of environmental detail and decay. The PS5 Remastered version offers enhanced fidelity, native 4K, and higher framerate options.

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.

Original score composed by Gustavo Santaolalla (returning from Part I) with contributions from Mac Quayle for more intense combat/Abby segments. The music is deeply emotional, often melancholic, featuring acoustic guitar, strings, and ambient textures that perfectly underscore the game's tone. Sound design is incredibly realistic and impactful, crucial for stealth (enemy callouts, footsteps), combat (visceral weapon sounds, infected screeches), and environmental immersion.

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.

Features an immersive and minimalistic HUD. Health is often indicated by screen effects and character animations rather than a persistent bar (though one can be enabled). Ammo count and equipped items are displayed contextually. Crafting and upgrade menus are accessed through Ellie's/Abby's backpack. Listen Mode highlights enemies through walls. The UI is designed to keep players immersed in the world.

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.

Naughty Dog set a new industry standard for accessibility with Part II, offering over 60 options. These include comprehensive control remapping, extensive subtitle/caption customization, options for visual aids (high contrast mode, screen magnifier, traversal/combat audio cues), navigation and traversal assistance, options to skip puzzles, combat accessibility (invisible while prone, reduced enemy perception/accuracy, auto-pickup), and text-to-speech/speech-to-text features.

• 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

• CONSOLE GAME - PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ARE HIGHLY SPECULATIVE based on The Last of Us Part I PC port and expected demands for a potential Part II PC port. An SSD would be MANDATORY.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, very high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and excellent cooling. **If ported to PC, The Last of Us Part II would be an extremely demanding title, requiring top-tier laptop hardware for high settings and resolutions.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP will be absolutely crucial.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Exceptional cooling needed to prevent severe thermal throttling.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits and strong single/multi-core performance.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM (DDR5) would be essential.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus would be critical.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Would likely support NVIDIA DLSS (Super Resolution & Frame Generation), AMD FSR 2.0+, and Intel XeSS if ported.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Model Quality, Shadow Quality, Reflections, Volumetric Effects, Character Detail, Animation Quality, and Particle Effects would heavily impact performance. Ray tracing, if implemented, would be exceptionally demanding.
• Game Name: The Last of Us Part II

• 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.

• Upscaling Tech: Would likely support NVIDIA DLSS (Super Resolution & Frame Generation), AMD FSR 2.0+, and Intel XeSS if ported.
• Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Model Quality, Shadow Quality, Reflections, Volumetric Effects, Character Detail, Animation Quality, and Particle Effects would heavily impact performance. Ray tracing, if implemented, would be exceptionally demanding.

• 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.

• G P U T G P: Maximum TGP will be absolutely crucial.
• Cooling Thermals: Exceptional cooling needed to prevent severe thermal throttling.
• C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits and strong single/multi-core performance.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM (DDR5) would be essential.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus would be critical.