Ghost of Tsushima has received a PS5 version, which launched at the same time as the Iki Island expansion and offers players a brand new adventure to undergo as Jin Sakai. There’s a lot to process for newcomers to the game, with mechanics such as combat and upgrades having some degree of complexity to them.
With that being said, you may find yourself a little overwhelmed and unsure of what to do when you first start up the game. It’s a wide open-world after all, and even though it is segmented there is still plenty of things grabbing your attention. Here are some tips for newcomers to Ghost of Tsushima.
14 The Setup
As a game that takes place in Japan, it might be tempting to play the game with English subtitles and Japanese audio. This may make for an authentic experience, and the Japanese actors are good, but there are issues.
The lips were synced only to the English dub, so playing it in Japanese can be very jarring, much like watching very early Godzilla movies. The PS5 version of the game is able to offer a solution to this, but PS4 players will have to go without.
13 First Job: Two Shrines
After the world opens up, there are two shrines that should be sought out before anything else. At the starting position, Lake Izuhara, head south, with a slight veer to the east. Here players will come across the Golden Summit Shrine.
At the very top is the Charm of Amaterasu, which regenerates a moderate amount of health when an enemy is slain. Next, head further south where another shrine awaits almost directly under the “P” in Kii’s Pond. The Charm of Inari, awarded at the Arrow Peak Shrine, will boost the number of supplies you get.
12 The Dagger And The Bow
After those charms are found, it’s time to warp back to the starting position to tackle the first two story missions, which are marked in gold. Taking on Yuna’s will unlock the ability to not only stealth kill enemies, but it will allow Jin to hear enemies as well. The other mission will grant Jin the bow.
The next mission marked in gold will get Jin his first bit of armor, which will also be useful, but whether one does that first before exploring is up to the player. You can have some fun before starting this one if you want, you’ll just have to be cautious when in combat.
11 Become The Ghost
The stealth elements in Ghost of Tsushima are surprisingly good, and they’re able to offer a distinct playstyle from the Samurai gameplay.
When unlocking new levels, the first ninja ability one should unlock is the bells, which will distract enemies and is a great way to position foes into positions that allow you to more easily kill them.
10 Supply Upgrade Tips
From armor to weapons, everything runs on supplies. What are supplies? They act as a form of currency. It might be tempting to upgrade Jin’s sword or armor once their paths become available.
However, it is important not to spend it all. It is always worth keeping some supplies saved in case a new piece of equipment will need an upgrade to take full advantage of it in an upcoming mission.
9 Understand Leveling Up
Leveling up in Ghost of Tsushima is quite similar to an RPG, but it is different in some key ways. Completing missions, or defeating random thugs will increase experience. Every class level has several nodes. Get enough experience for one node and that unlocks a skill point you can use to buy skills.
Two of the best abilities to get right away are the dodge roll and Iron Will, which acts as a revival technique. Once all nodes are filled, Jin levels up his status, becoming more renowned, which unlocks a new tier along with actually increasing typical leveling-up features like getting more health.
8 A Guide To Animals
There are a lot of interactive animals in this world so it might be good to know their uses. If one finds a fox, follow it. They will lead players to shrines, which will increase the number of Charms one can equip.
There is a peddler that distributes upgrades from hides, but only those from predators like Mongolian dogs and boars. Shooting a deer is not only useless but they’re also considered sacred so best to stick to the dogs and boards. The Iki Island expansion also includes Animal Sanctuaries, which are very very cute indeed.
7 Stances Are Very Important
Stances play out like a rock-paper-scissors output in Fire Emblem. For example, the Water Stance is effective against any opponent that has a shield, which means Jin can break through their defenses and stagger them faster. The game’s combat is all about recognizing enemy attacks and switching stances accordingly.
Knowing when to swap a stance on the fly can mean the difference between life and death in certain situations. It takes some practice, but eventually, players should be able to switch like a true samurai master.
6 Understanding The Touchpad Controls
The only controls associated with the PlayStation Touchpad in the menu options show that swiping up will activate the Photo Mode, which as it is, seems to be the best version implemented in any game so far.
There are other important swipes as well fans might want to know about. Swiping down will have Jin bow. Swiping left will have Jin play a song on his flute. Finally, swiping right will sheathe his sword. Nothing major here, but still useful tips.
5 Don’t Mute It
This goes along with the animal tip. As a big open world, it might be tempting to mute the game while doing random non-story quests in order to zone out and listen to podcasts.
However, if you do that then you may not hear the cries of a fox, or a golden bird soaring above, signaling that there is stuff to discover nearby. Jin will also make comments sometimes if he is close to something. Just breathe the world in and relax.
4 Choosing Your Horse Is A One Time Choice
You get a pretty important choice early on in Ghost of Tsushima - picking the steed that you’ll be using for the whole game. You only get this choice once, being given the chance to choose the color and name of your partner.
This may seem inconsequential, but your horse is going to be your closest companion throughout your adventure, more so than any of the game’s numerous side characters. You’ll ride them into battle, pet them in the aftermath, and trudge across Tsushima on their backs.
3 Fast Travel Isn’t That Great
Fast travel is incredibly convenient in every game it’s in, but in Ghost of Tsushima you’re really missing out if you choose to zip from location to location. The island of Tsushima is beautifully crafted, with hidden places and secrets at every turn.
A great deal of care has been put into making Tsushima, and all of the island’s biomes are unique - you’ll often find yourself simply putting down the controller and admiring the scenery. You’ll also miss out on smaller character interactions and side missions through fast travel.
2 Parrying Is As Important As Swinging
Parrying is a major part of the game’s combat, acting as an easy way to push your enemies onto the back foot and quickly flip combat situations in Jin’s favor. When an enemy attack flashes blue, executing a well-timed parry will allow you to get a few quick hits on them before they can recover.
Combining this with some shrine charms can make combat encounters a breeze, especially if you’re willing to be patient and not start wildly swinging as soon as you enter an encounter.
1 Follow The Golden Birds
If you spot a Golden Bird flying above you, drop what you’re doing and follow it. They’ll lead you to a range of items and locations, including hot springs, bamboo strikes, or artifacts.
Even if you lose track of them, they’ll eventually recircle and you’ll be able to pick up from where you left off. They’re a great help in finding collectibles, and further demonstrate Sucker Punch’s desire to have a more natural guiding system as shown by the lack of minimap and utilizing guiding winds.
NEXT: Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut Review - A Gorgeous PS5 Upgrade
