Choosing the right skills and ghost weapons early in Ghost of Tsushima can make a huge difference in your gameplay experience. With a vast skill tree and numerous ghost weapons to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to spend your technique points. In this guide, we’ll break down the best skills and ghost weapons to unlock first to maximize your combat efficiency and survivability. From must-have defensive skills to powerful offensive tools, here’s a comprehensive look at the best upgrades for Jin Sakai.

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1. Iron Will: The Ultimate Second Chance

If you’re looking for a skill that can save you in the heat of battle, Iron Will is a must-have. Located in the Ghost skill tree, this ability allows you to revive yourself if you fall in combat—provided you have enough resolve. Given how often enemies can surprise you with massive damage, Iron Will ensures you won’t have to restart entire encounters after a sudden defeat. It’s especially handy for surviving falls from high places, letting you revive and heal to continue your journey.

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2. Chain Assassination: Stealth with Style

Unlocking the Chain Assassination skill allows Jin to dispatch multiple enemies in quick succession. This ability is invaluable when infiltrating Mongol camps or handling groups of enemies quietly. For an even deadlier combo, pair it with Smoke Bombs to assassinate up to three enemies in the chaos. Upgrading smoke bombs to restore health or extend their duration adds a tactical layer, making it one of the most efficient ghost weapons early on.

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3. Kunai: Break Guards Instantly

The Kunai is arguably one of the best ghost weapons to unlock early. These throwing knives deal immediate damage and, more importantly, break enemy guards instantly, allowing you to follow up with lethal strikes. Upgrading the kunai to increase the number of blades and their damage makes it an even more powerful tool for dealing with groups or tough enemies. The ability to interrupt aggressive enemies makes it a lifesaver in hostage scenarios.

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4. Roll and Safe Landing: Movement Skills Matter

Mobility is key in Ghost of Tsushima. Unlocking the Roll skill early allows Jin to evade enemy attacks and reposition quickly. The Safe Landing skill complements this by letting you roll to avoid fall damage, making it easier to explore cliffs and high ground without constantly worrying about health. Both skills cost only one technique point each, making them highly cost-effective early investments.

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5. Perfect Parry and Dodge: Mastering Defense

The Perfect Parry skill is crucial for handling aggressive enemies. A well-timed parry not only opens enemies up to counterattacks but can also eliminate weaker foes instantly. If you prefer dodging over parrying, investing in the Perfect Dodge skill is equally effective, granting powerful counterattacks when timed correctly. Both skills require precision but are immensely rewarding.

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6. Standoff Streak: Ending Fights Before They Start

Standoffs are an excellent way to thin enemy numbers right at the start of a fight. By upgrading the Standoff skill, you can take down up to three enemies consecutively, including leaders and shielded foes. Winning standoffs also replenishes resolve, which is essential for healing and using special abilities.

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7. Water Stance: Breaking Shields Efficiently

The Water Stance is indispensable for dealing with shielded enemies. Upgrading this stance with Flowing Strikes allows Jin to break enemy defenses quickly, opening them up for follow-up attacks. Spending at least one point here early ensures that shielded foes won’t bog down your combat flow.

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8. Sticky Bomb: Crowd Control Made Easy

The Sticky Bomb is a versatile ghost weapon perfect for crowd control. Its blast can incapacitate multiple enemies, allowing you to finish them off while they’re down. Upgrading the sticky bomb increases its blast radius and damage, making it a powerful option for breaking enemy formations.

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9. Concentration: Archery Mastery

For those who favor a ranged approach, the Concentration skill is a must-have. Slowing down time while aiming makes it significantly easier to land headshots and eliminate archers before they can disrupt your flow. Investing in upgrades for concentration further extends the duration, making archery a reliable option for thinning enemy ranks from a distance.

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10. Where to Spend Technique Points

Focus on the Deflection skill tree early to unlock arrow deflection and parry upgrades, which are invaluable throughout the game. Delay spending points on exploration skills since Tsushima’s environment naturally leads you to collectibles and upgrades through visual cues like yellow birds and smoke stacks.

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Conclusion

By prioritizing these skills and ghost weapons early, you’ll maximize Jin’s versatility in both stealth and open combat. Whether you prefer to cut down foes in direct confrontations or strike from the shadows, these upgrades will ensure you’re always ready for whatever Tsushima throws your way. Keep experimenting with different combinations to find the playstyle that suits you best, and may your blade stay sharp, samurai!