Summary
- Clearing Mongol Camps is the most efficient way to explore in Ghost of Tsushima, as it reveals the entire map.
- Taking advantage of Ghost of Tsushima's audio and visual clues instead of relying on the map for exploration can prevent open-world fatigue.
- Prioritizing certain techniques and using stances effectively is key to success in Ghost of Tsushima's combat.
Ghost of Tsushima has been out for some time now, but that hasn't stopped players from diving back into it regularly, especially after the recent launch of the Director's Cut version of the game on PC. Ghost of Tsushima is a one-of-a-kind game, filled with engaging combat, satisfying exploration, and a stunning open world to witness.
Before new players dive into Ghost of Tsushima's vast world, there are several unwritten rules about the game they should make themselves aware of. These unwritten rules pertain to Ghost of Tsushima's exploration and combat and can help players be as efficient as possible during their time in the game.
The Unwritten Rules of Ghost of Tsushima's Exploration
Clearing Mongol Camps in Ghost of Tsushima Makes Exploration More Efficient
Ghost of Tsushima's open world is so stunning to look at and explore that it's very easy to get distracted in the game. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, it can hinder a playthrough's efficiency. When players start a new game in Ghost of Tsushima, they will find the map covered in a fog of war that is gradually revealed along whatever path they take.
However, what Ghost of Tsushima doesn't tell players is that they can lift the entire fog from the map by clearing every Mongol Camp in the region and liberating it. Zooming out on the map will show the entirety of Tsushima Island, as well as how many Mongol Camps players have left to clear before that section of the island is liberated. Players can find Mongol Camps by exploring the world, but speaking with certain NPCs will often provide players with icons on their map indicating the location of Mongol Camps.
Ghost of Tsushima's Exploration Is Better Without the Map
Ghost of Tsushima has largely been praised for its breathtaking open world, but it isn't perfect. Specifically, Ghost of Tsushima's open world, while it might start out feeling exciting, by the third act it can feel rather repetitive. This is largely due to Ghost of Tsushima's utilization of the same open-world activities throughout each of its three acts, eventually making them feel more like chores than enjoyable side content. However, it's possible to avoid Ghost of Tsushima's open-world fatigue by taking a certain approach to exploration.
Ghost of Tsushima's open world is littered with audio and visual cues to guide players, much like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. In Ghost of Tsushima, these cues consist of things like birdsong, smokestacks, and the barks of nearby foxes that attempt to naturally draw players off the beaten path. If players allow these cues to guide them rather than the icons on the map, they might find Ghost of Tsushima's open world doesn't feel so repetitive after all, even well into the third act.
The Unwritten Rules of Ghost of Tsushima's Combat
Certain Techniques Are Worth Investing in More Than Others
Ghost of Tsushima is fairly flexible with its combat, in that it allows players plenty of freedom to play their way. Even so, certain techniques are worth investing in more than others. The most important techniques in Ghost of Tsushima are arguably from the "Evolved Tactics" skill trees, and players should prioritize unlocking the entire Standoff, Archery, Assassination, and Focused Hearing lines. This will make Jin a well-rounded warrior in Ghost of Tsushima, allowing players to be effective in any approach they take to combat.
Stances Make All the Difference in Ghost of Tsushima
Something else players should note when fighting in direct combat in Ghost of Tsushima is that stances make all the difference. The Stone Stance is effective against Swordsmen, the Water Stance is effective against Shieldmen, the Wind Stance is effective against Spearmen, and the Moon Stance is effective against Brutes. Players should analyze their enemy's appearance and gear and then change to the appropriate stance before engaging them.
Ghost of Tsushima
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 88%
- Released
- July 17, 2020
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity
- Developer(s)
- Sucker Punch
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Engine
- Proprietary
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS4 & PS5
WHERE TO PLAY
A storm is coming. Discover the expanded Ghost of Tsushima experience in this Director’s Cut. Uncover the hidden wonders of Tsushima in this open-world action adventure from Sucker Punch Productions and PlayStation Studios, available for PS5 and PS4. Forge a new path and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima. Challenge opponents with your katana, master the bow to eliminate distant threats, develop stealth tactics to ambush enemies and explore a new story on Iki Island.
- Number of Players
- 2-4
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unsupported
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
