Stealth Basics
While Jin Sakai is a master samurai, the Mongol invasion often demands a different approach: the way of the Ghost. Mastering stealth allows you to clear out Mongol camps, assassinate key targets, and avoid overwhelming combat encounters. This section will guide you through the fundamental principles and techniques of silent infiltration.
Movement and Awareness
- Crouch Walk (L3): Always crouch when approaching enemy territory. This significantly reduces your visibility and the sound of your footsteps.
- High Grass and Bushes: Utilize tall grass and dense bushes for cover. Jin becomes nearly invisible when fully concealed. Watch for the white outline indicating you are hidden.
- Environmental Awareness: Pay close attention to enemy patrol paths and their cone of vision. Use your "Listen" ability (Touchpad) to highlight enemies through walls and obstacles, giving you a tactical advantage.
- Distraction: Throw a Wind Chime or a Sticky Bomb (though the latter is louder) to divert enemy attention. Aim for a spot away from your intended path or a secluded area for a silent takedown.
Silent Takedowns
The core of stealth is eliminating threats without alerting others. There are several ways to achieve this:
- Stealth Kill: While hidden in tall grass or behind cover, approach an unsuspecting enemy from behind and press Square to perform a swift, silent assassination.
- Chain Assassination: A crucial skill unlocked early in the game. If you have multiple enemies grouped closely, you can perform a Chain Assassination by pressing Square again after the first kill, targeting a second enemy. Upgrade this skill to take down even more foes in a single sequence.
- Assassination from Above: When perched on rooftops or ledges, look for enemies below. A prompt will appear allowing you to drop down and perform a devastating aerial assassination. This is particularly effective against isolated targets or leaders.
Tools of the Ghost
Jin's arsenal of Ghost Weapons is invaluable for stealth operations. Always ensure you have a good supply before infiltrating a camp.
- Kunai: These throwing knives can instantly stagger or even kill weaker enemies from a distance, allowing for follow-up stealth kills or creating openings.
- Smoke Bombs: An essential escape and offensive tool. Throwing a Smoke Bomb creates a cloud that disorients enemies, allowing you to perform multiple stealth kills within the smoke, escape detection, or reposition.
- Black Powder Bombs: While loud, these can be used to eliminate groups of enemies quickly if stealth is compromised or to create a diversion.
- Sticky Bombs: Similar to Black Powder Bombs in their explosive nature, but they adhere to enemies or surfaces, offering more precise explosive placement.
Armor and Charms for Stealth
Certain gear pieces can significantly enhance your stealth capabilities:
- Ghost Armor: This armor set (unlocked during Act 2) is specifically designed for stealth. It reduces enemy detection speed, decreases enemy awareness, and increases the Resolve gained from stealth kills.
- Ronin Attire: Early in the game, the Ronin Attire offers a slight reduction in enemy detection speed, making it a good starting choice for stealth.
- Charms:
- Charm of Hidden Sight: Reduces enemy detection speed.
- Charm of Silent Death: Increases the window for Chain Assassinations.
- Charm of Inari: Increases the amount of supplies, predator hides, bamboo, and yew wood gained from gathering. While not directly stealth-related, it helps you gather resources for upgrading your Ghost Weapons.