The landscape of Tsushima Island is fraught with peril and conflict in the critically acclaimed PS4 title, Ghost of Tsushima. Wrought in the tradition of samurai culture and battling Mongol invasions, the weapons you procure on your journey are your lifeblood. This article aims to educate players about the best weapons in the game and how to acquire them to bolster their combat strategy.
Stronger Together: The Katana and Wakizashi Duo
In the heart of the samurai tradition is the Katana and Wakizashi set. The protagonist, Jin Sakai, begins his journey with these reliable companions. The Katana is the primary weapon, designed for precise, powerful strikes. In contrast, the Wakizashi is reserved for stealthier, quicker, and cleaner enemy takedowns. While the Katana and the Wakizashi are the first weapons in your arsenal, they remain relevant for face-to-face and stealth combats throughout the game.
The Beauty in the Bow: Halfbow and Longbow
Ghost of Tsushima presents our protagonist, Jin Sakai, as a formidable samurai and a competent archer. Throughout the journey, the players will be thrilled to see the versatility of Jin's combat skills that go beyond his expertise in sword fights.
The game cleverly introduces the art of archery by presenting two distinct types of bows for different combat situations: the nimble Halfbow and the mighty Longbow. These bows represent two different fighting styles and allow players to implement diverse strategies on the battlefield.
The Halfbow, as the name suggests, is inspired by traditional Japanese short bows. Despite its quicker draw time, this bow balances its lack of raw power with speed. In scenarios requiring a swift response, the Halfbow stands as the weapon of choice, allowing the player to fire arrows quickly and disrupt enemy ranks.
On the other end of the spectrum is the Longbow, a representation of power and precision. The Longbow differs from its counterpart in its emphasis on range and damage rather than speed. It trades rapid-fire capacity for heavy hits from a greater distance. Ideal in situations where pinpoint long-range strikes can turn the tide of battle; the Longbow is a testament to the adage, "The pen (or in this case, the arrow) is mightier than the sword."
Procuring these weapons comes as a part of the journey through the main campaign. As you navigate through the rich, engaging narrative, both the Halfbow and the Longbow are made available to the player, adding to Jin Sakai's growing arsenal and showcasing his extraordinary versatility as a warrior.
Mongol Commander’s Armor
The armor in Ghost of Tsushima is not merely ornamental but offers distinct combat benefits. The Mongol Commander’s armor can significantly boost your health and cut down enemy damage, making it highly sought after. This armor can be obtained from the mission "Fit for a Khan."
The Dance of The Flames: Way of The Flame
The engaging gameplay of Ghost of Tsushima takes a plunge into the mythical with the dramatic technique known as the Way of The Flame. This intimidating combat addition offers players a new way of battling foes, unfolding an exciting layer into the game's combat dynamics.
Ancient lore runs deep within the fabric of Tsushima Island's history, and the Way of The Flame directly reflects these mystical roots. Invoking this legacy, the combat technique imbues an air of otherworldliness around Jin Sakai as he becomes a formidable samurai and a visible force of destruction.
Once the Way of The Flame is unlocked, it presents the players with a high-powered means of dispatching enemies. With it, Jin Sakai can imbue his Katana with roaring flames. This makes every slash, every parry a spectacle of glowing sparks, inflicting massive damage on enemies. Moreover, the sight of a flaming sword can intimidate foes, rattling their resolve and often causing chaotic disruption in their ranks.
However, this extraordinary combat technique isn't merely handed to players; it must be earned by undertaking a unique challenge. Set out on the side mission, "The Undying Flame," to acquire this flamboyant technique. The mission is a quest in its own right, encapsulating a smaller narrative within the broader epic of Jin Sakai's journey. It’s through the completion of this mission that the Way of The Flame becomes a part of your battle repertoire, providing a dramatic and efficient way of facing your foes in the harsh landscape of Tsushima Island.
The Blast of the Hand: Black Powder Bomb
Ghost of Tsushima does an exemplary job in its depiction of precision combat and traditional techniques. However, it understands and embraces the unpredictable nature of war, where technicality and tradition sometimes need to be replaced with raw power. It’s in these situations where the Black Powder Bomb plays its crucial role.
The Black Powder Bomb stands apart from Jin Sakai's arsenal of weapons. It doesn't celebrate the artistry of the blade or the skillful finesse in archery. Instead, it introduces the element of power, shock, and disruption to your battle tactics, contrasting the subtlety typically associated with a strategic samurai.
This throw-able weapon becomes a game-changer when you're outnumbered or up against formidable foes. When tossed towards the enemy, it detonates to produce a powerful blast. This creates chaos within enemy ranks, allowing you to take down multiple enemies simultaneously, perfect for times when precision gives way to a need for control over the battlefield.
Besides its obvious area damage, the Black Powder Bomb also has stagger properties. Against larger, more menacing foes where one-to-one combat can be daunting, these bombs can be used to stagger, disorient, and carve out a window for Jin to strike his blade. This tool opens up employment of strategies that embrace the chaos of battle and turn it to your advantage.
To add this explosive tool to your arsenal, players must undertake the "Hammer and Forge" mission in Act One of the game. This mission gifts not just a powerful weapon but also a lesson in versatility, pushing you to liberate yourself from traditional samurai techniques and acknowledging the inevitable unpredictability of warfare.
Gosaku’s Armor
Famous for its fables about legendary warriors, Ghost of Tsushima introduces Gosaku’s Armor via a rural legend. Greatly enhancing your health and damage capabilities, this set also allows for self-healing whenever a destabilized adversary is taken down. This makes it an essential asset for enthusiasts of hand-to-hand fights. To secure it, finish the "Unbreakable Gosaku" legendary narrative.
The Hidden Depths: The Blowgun
The lethal Blowgun comes into play for silencing foes from a distance. It shoots out poison darts, which can quietly eliminate enemies or hallucination darts to tip the scales during crowded fights. The Blowgun is acquired during the "Ghost From The Past" mission in Act 2.
On the battlefield of Tsushima island, every weapon adds to the legend of the Ghost. The best strategy often involves changing tactics based on your situation, so it’s essential to unlock, understand, and master each armament's potential. Good luck, and may the spirit of the Samurai guide your path.