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  5. Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima

Overall Rating: 4.41 • 1113 reviews
The Investment Gamer The Narrative Seeker

Forge a new path and fight for the freedom of Tsushima in Ghost of Tsushima, a breathtakingly beautiful epic that captures the soul of samurai cinema! Set during the first Mongol invasion of Japan, you step into the straw sandals of Jin Sakai, one of the last samurai on the island. This is a journey crafted for those who want their actions to carry the weight of tradition and the desperation of survival. Whether you are engaging in a tense, one-on-one duel under falling autumn leaves or striking from the shadows as the legendary Ghost, every moment is a tribute to a world worth saving.

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Details

Some of the particulars and information about Ghost of Tsushima.
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Release Date: July 17, 2020
How Long to Beat: 26 hrs

Great for:

The Investment Gamer The Narrative Seeker

Ratings

Some of the ratings and scores for Ghost of Tsushima.
83 Metacritic
9 IGN
-- Our Score

Genres

Action
Adventure
Open World

Systems

Here's where you can find Ghost of Tsushima and play.

ESRB: Mature

Content Rating
Language
Blood and Gore
Intense Violence
Partial Nudity
In-Game Purchases
Users Interact
Overview
Why Play?
How Much Time?
Overview

This masterpiece offers a deeply moving tale of sacrifice and transformation, providing a seamless blend of historical fiction and samurai tropes in a world that feels alive with every gust of wind.

Why Play?

This game offers a perfect synergy of cinematic art direction and fluid gameplay that allows you to lose yourself in a stunning historical setting while enjoying a progression system that honors your schedule.

How Much Time?

Prepare for a beautifully paced adventure that offers a comprehensive and fulfilling experience without overstaying its welcome, making it an ideal choice for gamers who value quality and narrative closure.

An Emotional Journey for the Narrative Seeker

Ghost of Tsushima is a love letter to the films of Akira Kurosawa, prioritizing a focused and emotionally resonant story over endless checklists. For the Narrative Seeker, the heart of the game is Jin’s internal conflict: remaining true to the rigid samurai code of his uncle or embracing the dishonorable tactics of “The Ghost” to save his people. The game’s “Tales of Tsushima” side stories are equally vital, providing deep, character-driven arcs for your allies that flesh out the human cost of the invasion. The narrative is tight, expertly paced, and consistently impactful, ensuring that your time is spent on story beats that truly matter.

Meaningful Exploration and Worldly Investment

The island of Tsushima is designed to be explored organically, using the “Guiding Wind” mechanic to lead you toward points of interest without cluttering your screen with icons. For the Investment Gamer, this creates a deep sense of immersion and respect for your time. You aren’t just hunting for collectibles; you are following golden birds to hidden shrines, composing haikus to reflect on Jin’s journey, and bathing in hot springs to increase your health. These activities feel like a natural part of the world and Jin’s growth, making every discovery feel earned and every upgrade a direct result of your curiosity.

Precise Combat and the Path of the Ghost

Combat in Tsushima is a dance of lethal precision, rewarding timing, stance-switching, and situational awareness. Whether you prefer the “Samurai” approach—facing your enemies head-on with steel and honor—or the “Ghost” approach—using tools, distractions, and stealth—the gameplay is incredibly satisfying and responsive. As you invest time into mastering the different combat stances and upgrading your Sakai katana, you become a whirlwind of blades. This progression feels powerful and tangible, allowing you to handle larger groups of enemies with increasing efficiency as you reclaim your home.

Artistic Excellence and Cinematic Atmosphere

The visual presentation of Ghost of Tsushima is arguably the most striking in the medium. From the vibrant yellow forests of the Golden Temple to the stark, snow-covered mountains of the north, the art direction is designed to evoke a specific mood in every region. For those seeking a high-quality escape, the game’s “Kurosawa Mode”—which adds a film grain and black-and-white filter—offers an even deeper layer of cinematic immersion. It is a world that invites you to pause, take a screenshot, and simply appreciate the beauty of the landscape before moving to your next objective.

Varied and Respectful Quest Design

The game offers a diverse range of activities that never feel like “busy work.” Beyond the main story, you can engage in Mythic Tales—legendary quests that reward you with unique abilities or armor—and clear Mongol territories to liberate the people of Tsushima. For the busy gamer, these activities are perfectly sized for a single play session, providing a clear beginning, middle, and end within 30 to 45 minutes. The game respects your time by ensuring that every quest contributes to Jin’s legend or his tactical arsenal.

Deep Gear and Ability Personalization

The armor system in Tsushima is both functional and aesthetic, with different sets providing specific buffs for stealth, archery, or direct combat. This allows you to personalize Jin to fit your specific playstyle while also reflecting his journey through various dyes and sword kits. Combined with a robust skill tree that unlocks new techniques and “Ghost weapons,” the game provides a steady stream of rewards that make your character feel increasingly specialized and capable as you work your way toward the final confrontation.

The Warrior’s Path (Main Story Focus)

For players who want to focus primarily on Jin’s journey and the liberation of the island, the main story will take approximately 25 to 30 hours to complete. This is a remarkably tight and well-structured experience for an open-world game, allowing you to see the full narrative arc and experience the major cinematic set pieces without having to commit months of your life to a single title. It provides a high-impact story that is easy to finish even with a busy work schedule.

The Protector of Tsushima (Exploration and Side Stories)

If you choose to complete all the character tales, liberate every village, and seek out the many hidden shrines and fox dens, your playtime will extend to about 50 to 60 hours. This is the recommended way to play for most, as the side content is high-quality and directly enriches your understanding of Jin’s allies and the world they are fighting for. It offers a deeper level of investment that still feels manageable and rewarding from start to finish.

The Legendary Ghost (Total Completion and Expansions)

For those who wish to achieve 100% completion, including the “Iki Island” expansion and the “Legends” multiplayer mode, the total time investment can reach 80 to 100 hours. The Iki Island DLC is particularly significant, offering a massive new area with a deeply personal story for Jin that acts as an essential epilogue to the main game. This path provides the ultimate version of the Tsushima experience, rewarding your dedication with a truly complete portrait of the Ghost’s legacy.

Trailer

A Quick Look at Ghost of Tsushima

Curious what Ghost of Tsushima is all about? The trailer gives you a great first look at the world, the vibe, and the kind of story you're stepping into.

Ghost of Tsushima Trailer
Videos

Related videos for Ghost of Tsushima

These videos give some tips and pointers on getting started with Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima PC - Before You Buy

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Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut - Before You Buy

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7 Things to Do First in Ghost of Tsushima

IGN

Ghost of Tsushima 5 YEARS LATER - Is It Worth Playing?

Big Dan Gaming
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Screenshots

Screenshots of Ghost of Tsushima

Want to see what Ghost of Tsushima actually looks like in-game? These screenshots will hopefully give you a feel for what the world of Ghost of Tsushima is like.

Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima
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Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima
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Extras

Downloadable Content for Ghost of Tsushima

DLC just means more of a good thing. Here are some for Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima - Iki Island
Ghost of Tsushima - Iki Island
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut

Ghost of Tsushima - Iki Island

Explore a Dark and Personal New Frontier

In the Iki Island expansion, Jin travels to a neighboring island to investigate rumors of a Mongol shaman known as “The Eagle.” This expansion offers a brand-new map that is even more visually dense and atmospheric than the main island. For the Narrative Seeker, Iki Island is a must-play because it dives into Jin’s traumatic past and his relationship with his father, providing a layer of character growth that feels both earned and essential to his identity as the Ghost.

Confront New Challenges and Mystical Threats

The Eagle’s forces use shamanistic chants to empower their warriors, requiring you to adapt your combat tactics and prioritize specific targets on the battlefield. The expansion also introduces “Horse Charges” and new armor sets that change how you interact with your environment and your mount. These additions keep the gameplay feeling fresh for late-game players, rewarding the time you spend mastering the new mechanics to overcome the unique threats of Iki Island.

A Definitive Conclusion to Jin’s Arc

The story of Iki Island provides a sense of closure that is both intimate and epic. It forces Jin to reconcile his samurai heritage with the darker aspects of his family’s history, leading to a conclusion that is deeply satisfying on an emotional level. Whether you are uncovering the island’s many secrets or facing off against The Eagle in a final duel, the expansion ensures that your journey with Jin Sakai ends on a high-quality, high-stakes note that honors the entire experience.

Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut

Explore the Stunning Iki Island

The Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut takes players on an exciting new journey as Jin Sakai explores the breathtaking Iki Island. This DLC introduces a compelling storyline where Jin faces new challenges and uncovers hidden secrets about his past. The island itself is a vibrant setting, filled with lush landscapes and intriguing wildlife that invite discovery at every turn. Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration of its beautiful vistas or hunting down the island’s many secrets, Iki Island offers something for everyone, ensuring an engaging and immersive experience.

New Armor and Combat Skills

For those who enjoy enhancing their in-game prowess, the Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut presents an array of new armor sets and combat skills tailored to enrich Jin’s journey. These enhancements not only provide a fresh layer of strategic depth to battles but also cater to players who relish in customizing their play style. The new techniques available offer innovative ways to tackle enemies, making every encounter unique and engaging. With options to suit both stealthy and aggressive approaches, the DLC ensures that each player can craft their own personalized warrior experience.

Audiovisual Enhancements and Unique Experiences

In addition to gameplay expansions, the Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut offers improved audiovisual fidelity, making the hauntingly beautiful island of Tsushima more stunning than ever. The PlayStation 5 enhancements, in particular, deliver remarkable textures and atmospheric details that bring the world to life in extraordinary ways. Beyond the visual appeal, the director’s cut also adds subtle narrative depth through new legends and character interactions, enriching the overall game world. With its perfect blend of captivating storytelling and aesthetic upgrades, the DLC promises a rewarding and memorable adventure for both returning veterans and new players alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions About Ghost of Tsushima?

How does the "Guiding Wind" mechanic work?

Instead of a traditional mini-map or compass, you swipe on the touchpad to summon a gust of wind that points toward your objective. This keeps the screen clean and encourages you to keep your eyes on the beautiful world rather than a UI element, significantly enhancing the immersion.

Can I switch between "Samurai" and "Ghost" playstyles easily?

Yes. You are never locked into one style. You can wear Samurai armor for a massive fort raid and then switch to the Ghost armor for a stealthy infiltration. The game encourages you to use all the tools at your disposal, reflecting Jin’s own tactical evolution.

How challenging are the one-on-one duels?

Duels are the game’s ultimate test of skill, stripping away your Ghost tools and forcing you to rely on pure swordsmanship. They are challenging but fair, requiring you to learn the enemy’s patterns and master the parry and dodge mechanics. They are widely considered some of the best moments in the game.

Is the Iki Island DLC meant to be played after the main story?

While you can access Iki Island as soon as you reach Act 2 of the main game, it is narratively and mechanically designed as post-game content. The story is much more impactful if you have already seen the conclusion of Jin’s journey on Tsushima, and the difficulty is tuned for experienced players.

Does the game have a lot of repetitive "Ubisoft-style" map clearing?

While there are territories to liberate, the game avoids the “checklist” feel of other open-world titles by making the process of clearing camps feel more like a mini-narrative or a tactical puzzle. Liberating a village often leads to new quests or interactions with the local people, making your impact on the world feel real.

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