Locations You Should Visit As Soon As Possible
Upon starting your journey in Ghost of Tsushima, certain locations offer immediate and significant benefits that can greatly aid Jin Sakai in his fight against the Mongol invaders. Prioritizing visits to these key areas will equip you with essential upgrades, powerful tools, and vital information early on, setting you up for success.
Here are some of the most important locations to visit early in Ghost of Tsushima:
- Artisan's Village (Izuhara): This is one of the first major settlements you'll encounter. Here, you can find the Dye Merchant, who allows you to customize the colors of your armor. More importantly, visiting this area often unlocks new side quests and provides access to early upgrades.
- Blacksmiths: Throughout Tsushima, you'll find blacksmiths in various villages and camps. Visiting a blacksmith as soon as possible allows you to upgrade your katana, increasing its damage output. Upgrading your sword early is crucial for making combat encounters more manageable.
- Shinto Shrines: These sacred sites are marked by a distinctive orange archway. Visiting a Shinto Shrine allows Jin to perform a prayer, which rewards him with a Charm. Charms provide passive buffs that can significantly enhance Jin's combat abilities, stealth, or survivability. Prioritize finding these early to gain an edge.
- Hot Springs: Scattered across the map, Hot Springs allow Jin to relax and increase his maximum health. Each Hot Spring visited permanently boosts Jin's vitality, making him more resilient in combat. Finding these early is a direct way to improve your survivability.
- Bamboo Strikes: These are training grounds where Jin can perform a series of precise strikes. Successfully completing a Bamboo Strike rewards Jin with an increase in his Resolve. Resolve is essential for healing and performing powerful combat techniques, so boosting it early is highly beneficial.
- Inari Shrines (Fox Dens): These shrines are guarded by foxes. Following a fox to its shrine will lead you to an Inari Shrine, where you can find charms and potentially upgrade your charm slots. Increased charm slots allow you to equip more buffs simultaneously.
By making these locations a priority shortly after starting the game, you'll gain access to essential upgrades and buffs that will make your journey through Tsushima much more manageable and enjoyable. These early advantages will serve you well as you face increasingly difficult challenges.