Introduction Released in 2020, Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure game by Sucker Punch Productions, published by Sony. Set during the first Mongol invasion of Japan, players control Jin Sakai, a samurai on Tsushima Island. As Jin, players can either fight honorably according to the samurai code or adopt stealth tactics to reduce casualties, albeit at the cost of honor.
Gameplay Overview The game features an open world that players can explore on foot or horseback. Jin Sakai can switch between different combat stances, each effective against specific enemy types. Players can engage in direct confrontations using Jin’s katana and melee skills or adopt the stealthy Ghost approach. Jin can also use a bow and arrow for ranged attacks.
Ghost of Tsushima is based on the actual Tsushima Island, located between mainland Japan and South Korea. Although the game is not an exact geographical replica, it shares similar features and captures the historical atmosphere of feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion. The island’s diverse environments, from lush forests to towering mountains, hold many secrets waiting to be discovered.
Cheats in Ghost of Tsushima Modern console and PC games, including Ghost of Tsushima, typically do not include traditional cheats. Players cannot access godlike powers, move through walls, or obtain all items with a button press. The game does, however, offer a difficulty setting that can make progression easier.
When starting the game, players choose a difficulty level, but this choice is not permanent. Players can switch between Easy, Medium, and Hard modes at any time. The Easy mode is ideal for beginners or those who want to explore the world with minimal resistance. Changing the difficulty does not affect achievements, known as trophies on PlayStation. All 52 trophies in Ghost of Tsushima can be earned on Easy difficulty, which might feel like a cheat for those accustomed to harder settings.
Trick to Finding Points of Interest While Ghost of Tsushima lacks traditional cheats, players can use in-game features to their advantage. One such feature is the yellow songbirds that guide players to hidden locations. Paying attention to these birds can help players discover secret areas, compose haikus for custom gear, collect Mongol artifacts, and more.
Yellow Songbirds These special birds serve as in-game guides, leading players to various points of interest. Instead of relying on a UI element, players listen for and follow the sounds of these birds while exploring Tsushima. Activating Focused Hearing can help locate them if they are hard to find.
Depending on the area, yellow songbirds can lead players to Mongol encampments, haiku locations, or side quests. They are invaluable for quickly finding significant locations in the game.
Haiku Locations The game allows players to compose haikus at specific locations to earn special headgear. These locations are often hidden, but the yellow songbirds and general knowledge of their whereabouts can make them easier to find. Here are the haiku locations:
- Izuhara – Act 1:
- Shigeroni’s Peak: Kashine Haiku (Headband of Fear)
- Ohama Fishing Village: Tsutsu Haiku (Headband of Death)
- Lake Izuhara: Ariake Haiku (Headband of Refuge)
- Kuta Grasslands: Azamo Haiku (Headband of The Invasion)
- Wolf Cub Falls: Komoda Haiku (Headband of Defeat)
- Old Woodman’s Canopy: Hiyoshi Haiku (Headband of Peace)
- Hiyoshi Springs: Hiyoshi Haiku #2 (Headband of Serenity)
- Black Sands Inlet: Komatsu Haiku (Headband of Strife)
- Toyotama – Act 2:
- Old Kanazawa Marsh: Akashima Haiku (Headband of Uncertainty)
- Field of the Equinox Flower: Umugi Haiku (Headband of Perseverance)
- Benkei’s Falls: Kushi Haiku (Headband of Preservation)
- Musashi Coast: Otsuna Haiku (Headband of Survival)
- Omi Lake: Kubara Haiku (Headband of Rebirth)
- Kamiagata – Act 3:
- Guardian’s Ridge: Sago Haiku (Headband of Hope)
- North of Kin Sanctuary: Kin Haiku (Headband of Ruin)
- Whaler’s Coast: Jogaku Haiku (Headband of Strength)
Additionally, three haikus are part of quests, with two in the main storyline and one in the Tales of Tsushima questline after the main storyline.
Other Tips To excel in Ghost of Tsushima, players should master the stance system, which is more effective than random hacking and slashing. Parrying is also crucial when facing tough enemies. Here are some specific tips for earning trophies:
- A Moment in Time: Access the in-game Photo Mode to earn this simple trophy.
- Dirge of Fallen Forge: Play Lament of the Storm on a flute at a specific grave east of Yarikawa, accessible after completing the Act 2 quest “A Reckoning in Blood.”
- Cooper Clan Cosplay: Dress as Sly Cooper by equipping Crooked Kama Headband, Thief’s Wrap, Gosaku’s Armor with Ocean’s Guardian dye, and Sly Tanuki.
- Monochrome Masters: Purchase dye from the White Dye Merchant (southeast of Komoda) and the Black Dye Merchant (north of Yarikawa).
FAQ
- Is there a PC release for Ghost of Tsushima? A PC release is planned, likely available on Steam by late 2023 or early 2024.
- Is Ghost of Tsushima based on real events? The game has an original story loosely based on historical events, specifically the Mongol invasion of Tsushima in the 13th century.
- Is Ghost of Tsushima beginner-friendly? While challenging, the game offers three difficulty levels to match different skill levels. Utilizing combat mechanics like parrying and appropriate stances can help players advance.
