Ghost of Tsushima Gameplay Video
Featured: Game Comparisons
Ghost of Tsushima Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Proprietary (Sucker Punch Productions) |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, Open World, Stealth, Samurai, Third-Person |
| Initial Release | 2020-07-17 (PS4), 2021-08-20 (Director's Cut PS5), 2024-05-16 (Director's Cut PC) |
| Developer | Sucker Punch Productions, Nixxes Software (PC) |
| Publisher | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Setting | Tsushima Island, Japan, 1274 (Kamakura Period) |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Windows) |
| Multiplayer | Ghost of Tsushima: Legends (Cooperative Story, Survival, Rivals, Raid) |
| Unique Feature | Samurai vs. Ghost Combat Styles, Standoff Mechanic, Guiding Wind Navigation, Stunning Kurosawa-inspired Visuals, Iki Island Expansion (Director's Cut). |
Ghost of Tsushima System Requirements
720p_30FPS_VeryLow
tune Minimum (720p ~30 FPS, Very Low Preset) – Very Low Preset
1080p_30FPS_Medium
tune Recommended (1080p ~30 FPS, Medium Preset) – Medium Preset
1080p_60FPS_High_Or_1440p_45FPS_High
tune Performance (1080p ~60 FPS / 1440p ~45FPS, High Preset, DLSS/FSR Quality potentially) – High Preset (DLSS/FSR Quality may be needed for 1440p/60)
1440p_60FPS_VeryHigh_Or_4K_30FPS_VeryHigh
tune Very High (1440p ~60 FPS or 2160p/4K ~30 FPS, Very High Preset, DLSS/FSR Quality/Balanced) – Very High Preset (DLSS/FSR Quality or Balanced recommended)
4K_60FPS_Ultimate
tune Ultimate (2160p/4K ~60 FPS, Very High/Ultimate Preset, DLSS/FSR Balanced/Performance) – Very High/Ultimate Preset, DLSS/FSR Balanced or Performance
Ghost of Tsushima Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core I7 12700 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 12700 H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_VeryLow - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 13900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 13900 H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_VeryLow - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_VeryLow - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 12900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12900 H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_VeryLow - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_VeryLow - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 680 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 680 H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_VeryLow - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1699
Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_VeryLow - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
1615
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G16 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_VeryLow - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 12950 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3080 TI 175W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
2499
Model: ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 Se with RTX 3080 Ti and i9
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12950 H (Score: 1054)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 TI (Score: 9100) @ 175W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_VeryLow - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4080
storage 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
2699
Model: HP OMEN 16 with RTX 4080 and intel i9 14th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 (Score: 10500)
storage RAM: 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_VeryLow - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
-
Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 64-bit (Version 1909 or newer)
64-bit Windows 10 (specified version or newer) or Windows 11 is required.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12
DirectX 12 API is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 75 GB available space (SSD Recommended).
An NVMe SSD is highly recommended for the best experience, minimizing load times and improving asset streaming.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: 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: 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.
Ghost of Tsushima: Map Size and Regions
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.
Ghost of Tsushima: Post-Launch Content / DLC
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.
Ghost of Tsushima: Game Editions
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.
Ghost of Tsushima: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Ghost of Tsushima's Legends multiplayer mode (included in Director's Cut) supports cross-play between PS4 and PS5. The PC version also supports cross-play with PlayStation consoles for Legends mode. There is no cross-progression for the single-player story between PC and PlayStation.
Ghost of Tsushima Specific Game Elements
Ghost of Tsushima Weapons
- securityBlowgun (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.
- securityCharms (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.
- securityGhost 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.
- securityHalf 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.
- securityKatana (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.
- securityLongbow (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.
- securityTanto (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.
Ghost of Tsushima Vehicles
- directions_carGrappling 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.
- directions_carMongol 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.
- directions_carSmall 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.
- directions_carYour 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.
Ghost of Tsushima Characters
- personJin Sakai (The Ghost) - Protagonist / Samurai Lord (playable)
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.
- personKenji - 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.
- personKhotun 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.
- personLady 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.
- personLord 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.
- personNorio - 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.
- personRyuzo - 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.
- personSensei 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.
- personTaka - 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.
- personThe 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.
- personTomoe (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.
- personYuna - 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.
Top 3 Characters (Subjective):
Sakai: The protagonist, whose internal struggle between his samurai honor and the necessary, brutal tactics of the Ghost forms the core of his compelling character arc. 2. Lord Shimura: Jin's uncle, the jito of Tsushima, and a staunch traditionalist samurai. His relationship with Jin and their conflicting ideologies create powerful dramatic tension. 3. Yuna: A skilled thief and survivor who rescues Jin and becomes one of his first and most crucial allies, introducing him to more pragmatic methods of fighting the Mongols.
Ghost of Tsushima Missions / Objectives
- flagDuels (Samurai vs. Mongol Leaders, Ronin)
Objective: 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.
- flagIki Island Story Quests (Director's Cut / Expansion)
Objective: 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.
- flagLegends Mode Missions (Story, Survival, Rivals, Raid - Multiplayer)
Objective: 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.
- flagLiberating Mongol Territories (Farms, Villages, Forts)
Objective: 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.
- flagMain Story Quests (Jin's Journey - Act I, II, III)
Objective: 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.
- flagMythic Tales
Objective: 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.
- flagShrine Climbs (Shinto Shrines)
Objective: 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.
- flagTales of Tsushima (Major Side Quests & Character Arcs)
Objective: 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.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Subjective):
Duels against Mongol Leaders or Ronin: Cinematic, one-on-one sword fights that test Jin's mastery of stances and parrying, often with significant narrative weight. 2. Liberating Mongol-Occupied Territories (Farms, Forts, Villages): Clearing out Mongol encampments using either stealth (Ghost) or direct combat (Samurai), restoring freedom to the area and earning Legend. 3. Mythic Tales: Multi-part side quests that involve investigating legends and folklore of Tsushima, often culminating in learning a new powerful combat technique or obtaining unique gear (e.g., The Heavenly Strike, The Way of the Flame).
Ghost of Tsushima Companions / Summons
- groupFoxes (Inari Messengers) (Vulpes vulpes japonica (Japanese Red Fox))
Ability: 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.
- groupGolden Birds (Bird (Oriole-like))
Ability: 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.
- groupGuiding Wind (Natural Phenomenon / Spiritual Guidance)
Ability: 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.
- groupLegends Mode Teammates (Online Players or AI) (Human (Player Characters - Samurai, Hunter, Ronin, Assassin))
Ability: 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.
- groupStory-Specific AI Companions (Yuna, Ishikawa, Masako, Norio, Kenji, Taka) (Human)
Ability: 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.
- groupYour Horse (Nobu / Kage / Sora - Player Named) (Equus caballus (Japanese Breeds))
Ability: 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.
Ghost of Tsushima Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkBamboo Strikes
Location/Use: Sets of bamboo poles that Jin can practice cutting with his katana. Successfully completing the button-pressing mini-game increases Jin's maximum Resolve.
- collections_bookmarkHaiku Spots
Location/Use: Scenic locations where Jin can compose a haiku by selecting phrases that reflect his thoughts and the environment. Rewards a unique Headband.
- collections_bookmarkHot Springs
Location/Use: Natural hot springs where Jin can bathe and reflect on his journey. Each unique hot spring visited permanently increases Jin's maximum health.
- collections_bookmarkInari Shrines (Fox Dens)
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkLighthouses
Location/Use: Several lighthouses along the coast. Re-igniting them provides a small amount of Legend increase and clears fog of war.
- collections_bookmarkMongol Artifacts
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkPillars of Honor
Location/Use: Locations marked by a pillar with embedded swords. Honoring these rewards Jin with a new Sword Kit (cosmetic customization for his katana and tanto).
- collections_bookmarkRecords of Tsushima (Scrolls)
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkSashimono Banners
Location/Use: Collectible banners of fallen samurai clans, scattered throughout Tsushima. Collecting them for a specific NPC rewards saddle customization for Jin's horse.
- collections_bookmarkShinto Shrines (Major Charms)
Location/Use: 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).
- collections_bookmarkSinging Crickets
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkVanity Gear (Masks, Headbands, Sword Kits)
Location/Use: Cosmetic items found at Pillars of Honor, as Haiku rewards, or purchased from merchants. Allow for personalization of Jin's appearance.
Top 3 Collectibles:
Shrines (Fox Dens): Follow foxes from Fox Dens to hidden Inari Shrines. Honoring these shrines increases the number of Charms Jin can equip. 2. Hot Springs: Bathing in hot springs increases Jin's maximum health and offers a moment of reflection. 3. Bamboo Strikes: Mini-games where Jin must quickly press a sequence of buttons to slice through bamboo poles, increasing his maximum Resolve.
Ghost of Tsushima Armor
- shieldGhost Armor Set
Focus/Stats: 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.
- shieldHeadbands (Hachimaki)
Focus/Stats: 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.
- shieldMasks (Various Samurai Menpo, Ghost Mask, Thief's Wrap, etc.)
Focus/Stats: 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.
- shieldRonin Attire / Kensei Attire (Duel-focused)
Focus/Stats: Outfits that often provide bonuses to melee damage, Resolve gains, or benefits during Standoffs and duels.
- shieldSamurai Armor Sets (e.g., Samurai Clan Armor, Sakai Clan Armor, Gosaku's Armor, Kensei Armor)
Focus/Stats: 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.
- shieldTraveler's Attire
Focus/Stats: 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.
- shieldVarious Other Outfits (e.g., Fundoshi - for comedic effect, Broken Armor - story related)
Focus/Stats: A range of other outfits with varying or no statistical benefits, some are purely cosmetic or tied to specific story moments or challenges.
Ghost of Tsushima Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomGhost Armor Set
Details: 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.
- checkroomHeadbands (Hachimaki)
Details: 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.
- checkroomMasks (Samurai Menpo, Ghost Mask, Thief's Wrap, Demonic Masks, etc.)
Details: 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.
- checkroomSaddle (for Horse)
Details: Jin can choose different saddles for his horse, which are primarily cosmetic but are acquired as story progression or rewards.
- checkroomSamurai Armor Sets (Sakai Clan Armor, Gosaku's Armor, Samurai Clan Armor, Kensei Armor, Sarugami Armor - DLC, etc.)
Details: 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.
- checkroomSword Kits (Katana & Tanto Scabbards/Hilts)
Details: 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.
- checkroomTraveler's Attire / Ronin Attire / Other Outfits
Details: 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.
Ghost of Tsushima Other Features & Info
- labelUser Interface
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.
- labelSound and Music
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.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
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.
- labelAccessibility Features
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.
- labelStory and Setting
Set on Tsushima Island, Japan, in 1274, during the first Mongol invasion. Jin Sakai, a samurai lord and nephew of Lord Shimura (the jito, or steward, of Tsushima), survives a devastating battle against the Mongol forces led by the cunning General Khotun Khan. With most samurai slain, Jin realizes that traditional honorable combat is ineffective against the invaders. He must embrace the dishonorable but effective tactics of the 'Ghost' – stealth, trickery, and fear – to liberate his island. This path puts him in conflict with his samurai upbringing, his uncle's code, and the expectations of his people. The story explores themes of honor, sacrifice, adaptation, and the psychological toll of war.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Techniques, Stances, Gear)
Jin earns Technique Points by gaining Legend (XP from quests, liberating areas, etc.). These points are invested in skill trees for Samurai (combat stances, parrying, evasion), Stances (unlocking and improving four sword stances: Stone, Water, Wind, Moon, each effective against specific enemy types), and Ghost (stealth tactics, Ghost weapons like kunai and smoke bombs, archery). Jin's katana and tanto are upgraded using materials. Armor sets provide unique perks and can be upgraded. Charms provide passive buffs. Ghost Weapons (kunai, smoke bombs, sticky bombs, wind chimes) are unlocked and upgraded. Resolve (for healing and special moves) is gained in combat.
- labelTop 5 Weapons/Tools (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Katana (Sakai Storm): Jin's primary weapon, its effectiveness enhanced by mastering different combat stances. 2. Tanto: Used for stealth assassinations and critical strikes. 3. Half Bow / Longbow: Essential for ranged combat, stealth headshots, and using special arrows (fire, explosive, heavy). 4. Kunai (Ghost Weapon): Quick throwable blades for staggering multiple enemies or interrupting attacks. 5. Smoke Bomb (Ghost Weapon): Creates a cloud of smoke for escaping, disorienting enemies, or setting up stealth takedowns.
- labelMultiplayer Modes (Legends)
Ghost of Tsushima: Legends is a separate online cooperative multiplayer mode. Players choose from four classes (Samurai, Hunter, Ronin, Assassin), each with unique abilities. Modes include: Story Missions (2 players), Survival Missions (4 players against waves of enemies), Rivals (2v2 competitive mode where teams fight enemies and try to disrupt the opposing team), and The Tale of Iyo (a challenging 4-player raid).
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Standoffs: A high-risk, high-reward combat initiation where Jin challenges enemies to a quick-draw duel, capable of instantly killing multiple foes if timed correctly. 2. Combat Stances (Stone, Water, Wind, Moon): Four distinct sword fighting stances, each effective against specific enemy types (swordsmen, shieldmen, spearmen, brutes), requiring players to switch stances dynamically in combat. 3. Guiding Wind: An immersive navigation system where players summon a gust of wind to guide them towards their tracked objective, rather than relying on a traditional mini-map.
Ghost of Tsushima Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline Is Ghost of Tsushima historically accurate?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.
- help_outline What is the difference between playing as a Samurai and as the Ghost?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.
- help_outline What is the Guiding Wind mechanic?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.
- help_outline What is Ghost of Tsushima: Legends?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.
- help_outline What does the Director's Cut add to the game?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.
- help_outline What is Kurosawa Mode?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.