Beginner Tips

Beginner Tips

Embarking on your journey as Jin Sakai requires a blend of samurai honor and the cunning of the Ghost. For newcomers to Tsushima, mastering the early game mechanics is paramount to survival against the overwhelming Mongol forces. This guide offers essential tips to help you navigate the island, engage in combat effectively, and make the most of your resources.

The world of Tsushima is vast and dangerous, but with the right approach, you can thrive. Here are some fundamental tips to get you started:

• Embrace Stealth: While direct combat is a core element, the Ghost of Tsushima heavily rewards stealth. Use tall grass, rooftops, and the environment to your advantage. Perform assassinations from above or behind for quick, silent takedowns. This conserves your health and resources, especially in the early game when you're less equipped for prolonged fights.
• Master the Parry and Dodge: Combat is a dance of offense and defense. Learn the timing for parrying enemy attacks (press L1 just as an attack lands) to stagger them, opening them up for critical strikes. Dodging (Circle button) is equally important to avoid unblockable attacks, often telegraphed by a red glow.
• Utilize Standoffs: Standoffs are a fantastic way to initiate combat with a group of enemies. Hold Triangle and release it as an enemy charges to perform a swift, deadly strike. Upgrading your Standoff techniques can allow you to take down multiple foes before the fight even truly begins.
• Explore and Gather Resources: Tsushima is filled with hidden secrets, valuable resources, and side quests. Always be on the lookout for bamboo stalks, hot springs, and Shinto shrines, which offer permanent upgrades to your health, resolve, and other stats. Collect flowers for crafting dyes and other useful items.
• Upgrade Your Gear and Skills: As you earn Ghost Flowers and complete missions, invest in upgrading your katana, armor, and Ghost weapons. Prioritize skills that complement your playstyle, whether it's focusing on stealth, direct combat, or the use of specialized tools like smoke bombs and kunai.
• Manage Your Resolve: Resolve is your primary resource for performing special techniques and healing. It's gained by successfully landing hits, parrying, and performing assassinations. Use it wisely, especially for healing during challenging encounters.
• Listen to the Wind: The guiding wind mechanic is more than just aesthetic. Follow it to find your next objective, hidden collectibles, or points of interest. It's a subtle but incredibly useful tool for navigation.

Key early game considerations:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches to combat. The game offers a great deal of freedom in how you tackle challenges. Good luck, Samurai!