Ghost of Tsushima, with its expansive open world and rich storytelling, wastes no time in plunging players into the shoes of Jin Sakai, a samurai turned ghost, fighting to liberate his homeland from Mongol invaders. After a lengthy prologue, the game opens up, allowing you to explore the beautiful yet dangerous island of Tsushima freely. However, with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to decide what to tackle first. To help you make the most out of your early hours, we’ve compiled a list of essential things you should prioritize. Here are seven crucial things to do first in Ghost of Tsushima.
1. Follow the Main Quests for Essential Skills
While it’s tempting to roam the vast landscapes of Tsushima immediately, focusing on a few main quests first will make your journey significantly easier. Start by completing Yoona’s quest, ‘The Warrior’s Code,’ which unlocks the ability to silently assassinate enemies—a vital skill for stealth approaches. Additionally, make your way east to Hiyoshi Springs to assist Sensei Ishikawa. Completing his quest grants you the half bow, giving you a crucial ranged attack option. These two abilities—stealth kills and archery—are indispensable for handling Mongol patrols and liberating occupied settlements efficiently.
2. Unlock Mythic Tales for Powerful Gear
Once you’ve secured the half bow, head back to Hiyoshi Springs to seek out a musician who offers a mythic tale. Completing this quest unlocks the longbow, a more powerful variant capable of piercing armor and dealing massive damage. Mythic tales also reward unique armor sets and powerful techniques that can drastically change your approach to combat, making them well worth your time.
3. Visit Key Settlements Early On
There are several settlements in Tsushima that you should prioritize visiting. The Golden Temple, for example, offers more than just a picturesque backdrop. Here, you’ll find weapon and armor upgrade merchants, as well as a gift altar that rewards masks and other items as your legend grows. Nearby, Lady Masako’s quest not only provides compelling narrative content but also leads you to the samurai clan armor—an early-game powerhouse.
4. Focus on Collecting Charms from Shinto Shrines
Jin can equip charms that offer passive buffs, enhancing your survivability and combat efficiency. Follow the Torii gates to reach Shinto shrines, where you can complete platforming challenges to acquire these powerful items. Early on, prioritize charms that increase resource gains or offer health regeneration upon defeating enemies. Two must-visit shrines are the Golden Summit Shrine south of the Golden Temple and the Narrow Peak Shrine in the Azamo Prefecture.
5. Track Down Merchants for Unique Armor Dyes
Customizing Jin’s appearance doesn’t just add flair; it can also help you blend into the environment better during stealth segments. The White Dye Merchant in the Komatsu Prefecture offers exclusive armor dyes for the Traveler’s and Ronin attire, providing a unique look that can’t be found anywhere else. Collect flowers as you explore to trade for these dyes and make Jin truly your own.
6. Prioritize Mythic Tales and Side Quests
Standard side quests reward minor charms, but mythic tales offer unparalleled rewards. Look for unmarked camps and listen to the musicians who tell these tales, as they can unlock legendary armor sets and powerful techniques like the Heavenly Strike, an unblockable attack perfect for dealing with groups of enemies.
7. Invest in Core Skills Early
Jin’s skill tree is vast, covering everything from combat to exploration. Early on, focus on unlocking the Safe Landing ability to prevent fall damage and the skill to deflect arrows in mid-air. Enhancing your standoff streak is also highly recommended, allowing you to cut down multiple enemies in a single, cinematic flourish. Prioritize these core skills to smooth out the difficulty curve and give yourself more flexibility in combat.
With these strategies in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead in Ghost of Tsushima. By prioritizing key skills, equipment, and upgrades, you’ll transform Jin from a fledgling samurai into a legend feared by the Mongols. Keep your katana sharp and your resolve sharper—Tsushima’s fate rests in your hands.
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