Key Items & Collectibles

The island of Tsushima is a land rich with history, beauty, and the remnants of both its peaceful past and its brutal present. As Jin Sakai, you'll not only fight for your homeland but also uncover its many secrets through a vast array of key items and collectibles. These aren't just trinkets; they offer crucial insights into the world, enhance your abilities, provide cosmetic customization, and contribute significantly to your progression and understanding of the game's lore.

Collecting these items is often a journey in itself, leading you to breathtaking vistas, hidden shrines, and the aftermath of tragic events. While some are found simply by exploring, others require solving environmental puzzles, defeating challenging foes, or completing specific quests. This comprehensive guide will detail every major category of collectible, explaining their purpose and how they benefit your journey as the Ghost.

Types of Collectibles and Their Benefits

Tsushima boasts a diverse range of collectibles, each serving a unique function. Understanding what to look for and why is key to maximizing your experience and becoming an unstoppable force against the Mongol invasion.

Vanity Gear & Cosmetics

While not directly impacting combat stats, Vanity Gear allows Jin to customize his appearance extensively. From the color of his armor to the style of his sword kit, these items let you truly embody the Ghost you envision. They are found in various ways, often rewarding exploration or the completion of specific activities.

Headbands: Found atop certain Shinto Shrines, as rewards for Haikus, or in various locations. Offer no statistical bonus but provide unique aesthetic flair.
Masks: Often hidden in specific locations, acquired through Mythic Tales, or as rewards for side quests. Can dramatically alter Jin's facial appearance.
Sword Kits: These change the appearance of Jin's katana and tanto. Found at Pillars of Honor, as rewards for certain quests, or purchased from merchants. Each kit is purely cosmetic.
Saddles: Acquired through various means, including exploration, quest rewards, or purchased from merchants. Changes the appearance of your horse's saddle.
Dye Flowers: Scattered across the island, these vibrant plants are used at merchants to unlock new color schemes for your armor and clothing. There are various types, such as Red Dye Flowers, Blue Dye Flowers, etc., each unlocking specific color palettes.

Progression & Enhancement Items

These collectibles directly contribute to Jin's growth, unlocking new abilities, increasing his resolve, or providing powerful enhancements.

Charms: These powerful talismans are arguably the most impactful collectibles. They are earned by completing Shinto Shrines and certain side quests. Charms offer a wide range of passive bonuses, from increased damage and defense to enhanced stealth and resource gathering. Jin can equip a limited number of charms, making strategic selection crucial.
- Minor Charms: Provide smaller, more focused bonuses.
- Major Charms: Offer significant, often game-changing, benefits.
Strategy Tip: Prioritize completing Shinto Shrines early on to unlock more charm slots and acquire powerful Major Charms that complement your preferred playstyle.
Hot Springs: Discovering and bathing in Hot Springs increases Jin's maximum Resolve. Resolve is a vital resource used for healing and executing special techniques. Each Hot Spring visited permanently boosts Jin's Resolve by a small amount. There are 18 Hot Springs scattered across Tsushima. Actionable Step: Look for plumes of steam rising from the landscape, often near bodies of water or in secluded valleys.
Bamboo Strikes: Successfully completing these quick-time events increases Jin's maximum Resolve. Each Bamboo Strike requires precise button presses to cut through the bamboo stalks. There are 16 Bamboo Strikes in total. Actionable Step: Listen for the distinctive sound of bamboo chimes and look for three bamboo stalks arranged in a triangle.
Pillars of Honor: These ancient monuments are where Jin can find new Sword Kits. While primarily cosmetic, finding them all adds to the completionist aspect of the game. There are 23 Pillars of Honor. Actionable Step: Pillars of Honor are often found in scenic, elevated locations, sometimes requiring a short climb or ride to reach.
Fox Dens (Inari Shrines): Following a friendly fox will lead Jin to an Inari Shrine. Praying at these shrines rewards Jin with a Minor Charm slot or an upgrade to an existing Minor Charm's effectiveness. There are 49 Fox Dens. Actionable Step: Keep an eye out for foxes in the wild; they will often bark and then lead you if you follow them.
Lighthouses: Relighting Lighthouses across Tsushima not only provides a sense of hope to the islanders but also grants a small amount of Legend (experience points). There are 8 Lighthouses. Actionable Step: Lighthouses are typically found along the coastlines and require a short climb to reach the top and light the beacon.

Lore & World-Building Collectibles

These items deepen your understanding of Tsushima's history, culture, and the impact of the Mongol invasion. While they don't offer direct gameplay benefits, they are essential for players who enjoy immersing themselves in the game's rich narrative.

Records: These are written documents, letters, and scrolls that provide historical context, personal stories, and insights into the lives of Tsushima's inhabitants before and during the invasion. They are found in various locations, often within Mongol camps, abandoned homes, or quest areas.
Mongol Artifacts: These are items left behind by the invading Mongol forces. Each artifact comes with a brief description detailing aspects of Mongol culture, weaponry, or their campaign. Collecting them offers a unique perspective on the enemy. They are primarily found within Mongol-controlled territories and camps.
Sashimono Banners: These war banners belong to the Sakai clan and other samurai families. Collecting them all allows you to unlock special cosmetic items for your horse. There are 80 Sashimono Banners scattered across the island, often in hard-to-reach or hidden spots. Strategy Tip: The Guiding Wind can be set to track Sashimono Banners, making them easier to locate.
Crickets: These musical insects are found in various locations, often in quiet, secluded spots. Collecting them unlocks new flute songs, which can be played to change the weather or summon animals. There are 20 Crickets.
Haikus: Sitting at specific scenic spots allows Jin to compose a Haiku, reflecting on the beauty or tragedy of Tsushima. Completing a Haiku rewards Jin with a unique Headband. There are 19 Haiku spots. Actionable Step: Look for small, designated benches or cushions in particularly picturesque locations.

Mythic Tales & Side Quests

While not "collectibles" in the traditional sense, completing Mythic Tales and many side quests often rewards Jin with unique and powerful key items, including new armor sets, powerful techniques, and rare cosmetic items. These are crucial for both progression and obtaining some of the game's most iconic gear.

Mythic Tales: These multi-stage quests lead Jin on epic journeys to uncover legendary techniques or armor. Examples include "The Heavenly Strike" (unlocks a powerful combat art) and "The Legend of Tadayori" (rewards a unique armor set).
Side Quests (Tales of Tsushima): Many of these smaller narratives reward Jin with unique charms, vanity gear, or resources. Paying attention to these can yield significant benefits.

Maximizing Your Collection Efforts

To efficiently collect all of Tsushima's treasures, consider these tips:

Explore Thoroughly: Don't rush through areas. Take your time to explore every nook and cranny, especially after clearing Mongol camps or completing main story objectives.
Use the Guiding Wind: This invaluable tool can be customized to point you towards specific types of collectibles, such as Hot Springs, Fox Dens, or Sashimono Banners. Access it from your map menu.
Listen for Cues: Pay attention to environmental sounds. The chirping of crickets, the distinct chime of a Bamboo Strike, or the bark of a fox are all auditory cues that indicate a collectible is nearby.
Check Your Map: As you liberate areas and discover points of interest, they will often be marked on your map, making it easier to track down remaining collectibles.
Clear Mongol Camps: These often contain Records, Mongol Artifacts, and sometimes even Sashimono Banners. Liberating them also reveals more of the map.
Return to Liberated Areas: Sometimes, new collectibles or side quests appear in areas you've previously visited after progressing the main story.

By diligently seeking out these key items and collectibles, you'll not only strengthen Jin Sakai for the battles ahead but also gain a profound appreciation for the rich world and tragic beauty of Tsushima.