Witness Protection — Combat Achievements
In Ghost of Tsushima, the path of the Ghost often requires you to deal with threats discreetly. The "Witness Protection" achievement is a testament to your ability to eliminate targets without alerting their allies. This guide will provide the strategies and techniques needed to achieve this stealthy feat and earn this valuable combat achievement.
The "Witness Protection" achievement is awarded for successfully performing 10 assassination kills on enemies who are actively observing or speaking with another enemy. This means you need to take out a target who is in the direct line of sight or engaged in conversation with another foe, without the observer being alerted to your presence or the kill. This achievement emphasizes the importance of timing, positioning, and the effective use of stealth mechanics. It's not just about killing enemies; it's about killing them in a way that maintains the element of surprise and prevents any alarm from being raised.
To effectively earn "Witness Protection," you'll need to employ a combination of stealth and precision. Here are some key strategies:
- Observe Patrols: Look for enemies who are standing close together, particularly those who are stationary or engaged in dialogue. These are your prime targets.
- Utilize Tall Grass and Cover: Always position yourself in tall grass, behind objects, or on rooftops to remain unseen. The wind can be your ally, indicating enemy awareness.
- Silent Takedowns: Approach your target from behind and initiate a silent assassination. The game will prompt you when you are in the correct position.
- Timing is Crucial: Wait for the opportune moment. If the observing enemy is looking away or distracted, it's your chance. If they are facing your target, you might need to wait for them to turn or for the target to move slightly.
- Ghost Weapons: While not strictly necessary for this achievement, Smoke Bombs can be useful for creating a distraction or covering your escape if things go awry. Kunai can also be used to silently take down a lone, unaware enemy to draw their companion away.
- Specific Locations: Certain enemy encampments, particularly those with guards posted at entrances or near objectives, often provide opportunities for this achievement. Look for groups of enemies in conversation or standing guard over something.
A good tactic is to find a vantage point overlooking a group of enemies. Wait for two enemies to be close together, with one observing the other. Then, carefully descend or move into position, ensuring you are completely hidden. Execute the assassination, and if the observing enemy doesn't immediately react with suspicion, you've likely succeeded. If they do become alerted, you'll need to either retreat and try again or be prepared for a fight. This achievement encourages a deeper understanding of enemy AI and environmental awareness, rewarding players who truly embody the 'Ghost' persona.