Ghost Of Tsushima Guides, Walkthrough, Essential Tips, And Collectibles (Spoiler-Free)

Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is a massive open-world game set in ancient Japan that's packed with plenty to do. While it can be a somewhat straightforward game at times, there's still a lot that's not readily apparent when you first start exploring. To help you survive the Mongol-invaded island of Tsushima and restore your honor, we've assembled a comprehensive collection of tips and guides to help you make the most of the experience. That includes beginner's tips that you can learn before you even start up the game, so you're ready for the early challenges. Given the number of customization options, this is very important.

We also have a full walkthrough for the game, alongside a suite of guides covering all the game's side missions and collectibles--many of which we'll continually add into this article in subsequent days. These side missions and collectibles vary, with some expanding the lore while others make Jin more powerful or give him new options in stealth and combat.

Also, we won't be discussing or showing off any sort of story spoilers. We've made sure to mark our articles with spoiler tags to ensure you get the most out your time spent roaming about in Ghost of Tsushima. For our full thoughts about the game, be sure to read our Ghost of Tsushima review and Iki Island expansion review. As with our guides, you won't have to worry about it spoiling major plot beats.

Ghost of Tsushima Beginner's Tips

Ghost of Tsushima is a vast, beautiful game you'll be eager to explore, but even with its traditional open world trappings, you may need a little more than the wind to guide you. Whether it's tips for sharpening your combat or some basics to get more out of the game, here are nine things you should know before starting Ghost of Tsushima.

Do The Character Tales

Character tales are side quests that pop up as you recruit more of the characters who support Jin in defending the island of Tsushima. Once you have them on your side, these questlines will open up. And these are the important ones you'll want to take on. Doing so not only provides more insight into who these characters are, but gets you new gear and upgrades as you progress in them.

It's also worth noting that character tales are written to be played alongside the main story, and if you hold off on them til the late game, these stories won't really hit the same.

Take A Stance

Combat can be challenging, even more so if you don't take advantage of its systems. The game will remind you at times if you're not engaging with the various stances you unlock, and you should heed that advice if not for the first time. Stances work as a sort of rock-paper-scissors match up where a certain stance is more effective against an enemy using a certain type of weapon, allowing you to stagger enemies quickly for easier kills.

One upgrade along the Wind Stance path lets you auto-parry spear attacks when you attack, so get that when you can. While it's not on the Stance skill tree, consider upgrading the Deflection path which lets you parry some unblockable attacks.

Take Out Archers First

When you get into pretty big combat scenarios, you're often overwhelmed by the number of enemies coming after you. There'll be a mix of swordsmen, spearmen, sometimes brutes and archers. Since archers hang back and fire away, they'll often interrupt any sort of combat rhythm. You can predict when they fire by their voice lines, but it's better just to get them out of the way first. They're also easy targets since they don't have the gear to defend themselves up close.

Arrows Straight Through The Dome

You might be inclined to reserve arrows for long-range situations, but your bow can be clutch for thinning out enemies at close range. It's pretty satisfying to activate concentration and line up a headshot to take down an enemy charging at you. Since there's such a short delay between pulling out your bow and putting up your guard, you don't have to leave yourself vulnerable.

Do Optional Objectives When Clearing Camps

When clearing out Mongol camps, you're often asked to do optional objectives in addition to killing the camp leader. These aren't just for the completionists; sneaking around to find the leader and observe the leader before making the assassination is important. Doing so grants an extra point to your Stance unlock progression meter so you can get them quicker--other objectives give you more Legend XP.

Use Those Smoke Bombs

Smoke Bombs are intended to obscure the enemy's vision so you can flee a large mob and make your escape if you're in danger. But actually, this is a prime opportunity to get some easy kills. Smoke bombs essentially put you into a stealth state, and if you have the Chain Assassination skill maxed, you can get 3 easy kills before dipping out or gathering yourself to take on the rest.

Swapping Armor Sets

Each set of attire carries its own unique attributes. That much is clear from when you acquire them and see them in-menu. But it's easy to forget swapping them for the right situation, so this is your reminder. When roaming about, wear the Traveler's Attire to uncover more of the map area as you explore, which can mark key locations from further out and make your controller pulse when collectibles are nearby. If you're going into sneaky missions, swap in the Ronin attire, and if you're going head on into battle, always have your Samurai armor ready. It's a quick swap in the menu that'll give you an edge whatever the situation. More armor sets unlock throughout the game, but these are key ones towards the beginning.

Don't Forget To Actively Set And Reset Your Charms

Major charms offer beefier buffs than minor charms, that much is clear, but you only get two slots for major charms so don't waste them on minor charms. Still, minor charms are very helpful; one of the key location types to seek is Inari shrines, finding these unlock extra minor charm slots. If you see a fox out in the open, follow them to wherever they lead.

One particularly good major charm to find at the start is Mizu-no-Kami, which makes timing windows for parries a bit wider. The shrine for it is quite close to the starting location…here [show the map]. Parrying is probably the most important combat mechanic to master, so this'll only make life easier.

Follow The Wind, Or Not

You can spend technique points to unlock the Guiding Wind perk that'll lead you to important spots that offer upgrades, like the hot springs to boost health or shrines where you find charms. These aren't just things to check off of a list since these have a fairly significant impact on your ability to survive and thrive in combat. But, you know how these things go: you can check all the locations of the hot springs, bamboo strikes, shinto shrines, and more to circumvent the search process altogether if you prefer.

Those are just some of the basics you should keep in mind and make habits in the early goings of Ghost of Tsushima. We also have an advanced combat guide that goes into detail for becoming a top-notch Samurai (or Ghost). You can find all our other Ghost of Tsushima guides below.

Ghost of Tsushima Walkthrough

Below are links to our spoiler-free walkthrough of the entire game. Consult them for strategies and details on how to get through each of the story missions. Though if you're curious about more specific subjects and items, then chances are we have an article about it coming soon in the guides section below, so be sure to bookmark this page.

• Act 1
• Act 2
• Act 3

Tales of Tsushima Side-Missions Walkthrough

Aside from completing story missions and pursuing collectibles, the meat of the game's side activities is its side-missions, which are called Tales of Tsushima. With 61 in total, you're probably going to need help finding them all. Here's the location of every single Tale and details on how to complete them. Be wary; this guide contains light spoilers.

• Ghost of Tsushima Side Missions Walkthrough: Tales of Tsushima Locations And Rewards

Mythic Tales Walkthrough And Locations

Mythic Tales are special side-missions that can net you powerful weapons and techniques, further enhancing your ability to take on the Mongol threat. There are six in total to complete, and they can only be unlocked on the map after you've completed enough story and side-missions. We encourage you to regularly complete story side-content, because once you do, you can find Mythic Tales on the map. Here's a walkthrough detailing exactly where you can find them and how to beat them.

• Ghost of Tsushima Mythic Tales Walkthrough And Locations

How To Access The Iki Island Expansion

Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut includes a story expansion that takes you to an entirely new region called Iki Island. In order to access it, you'll need to fulfill a few conditions, which we detail in our guide on how to access the Iki Island expansion.

• Ghost Of Tsushima: How To Unlock The Iki Island Expansion

Collectibles Locations And Other Guides

Aside from a full walkthrough, we've also got a ton of guides devoted to specific aspects and collectibles in the game. We've only a few up for now to help as you acclimate to the game's mechanics during its opening hours, but be sure to check back within the day as we start publishing the rest of our guides. Though if there's any other subjects you'd want us to make a guide on, be sure to let us know in the comments below.

Hot Springs Locations Guide

Hot springs are special spots on the map where you can rest that expand your maximum health. As expected, it's in your best interest to seek these out. However, their locations are well-hidden across the island of Tsushima. To help you find them all, we've prepared a guide detailing all 18 hot springs locations.

• Ghost of Tsushima Hot Springs Locations Guide

Bamboo Strike Locations Guide

Bamboo Strikes are a special side-activity you can do that expands your maximum Resolve--the energy currency that allows you to recover your health. You'll want to track these down above all, as you can never go wrong increasing your total Resolve. But like every other collectible in the game, their locations are well-hidden. To help you find every single one, we've prepared a guide detailing all 16 Bamboo Strike locations.

• Ghost of Tsushima Bamboo Strike Locations Guide

Shinto Shrine Locations Guide

Shinto Shrines are probably one of the most entertaining side-activities in the game. They're essentially platforming challenges you can complete that earn you some of the most useful Charms in the game. If you find a Shinto Shrine, you'll definitely want to take some time to explore them. To help you find all 16 Shinto Shrines, we've compiled a guide detailing all their locations.

• Ghost of Tsushima Shinto Shrine Locations Guide

Fox Den Locations Guide (Inari Shrines)

Finding Fox Dens increases the total number of Charms you can equip. And once you've unlocked every slot, you'll get new Charms and even increase their potency. To think--all this for following foxes around and honoring their shrines; it's pretty great. Regardless, you'll need to find them all, or you can refer to our guide. Whatever works!

• Ghost of Tsushima Fox Den Locations Guide

Haiku Locations Guide

When you're not fighting, you can always find a place to sit and compose a Haiku. There are key locations where you can do this, which have you creating your own custom Haiku with preset phrases provided as you reflect on particular subjects. A fun diversion, writing Haiku nets you a special headband to further customize your appearance. Here's a guide detailing where to find all the Haiku and the headbands you get.

• Ghost of Tsushima Haiku Locations Guide

Hidden Altar Locations Guide

In addition to the marked shrines throughout Tsushima, you can also find hidden altars that trigger visual flourishes. Find enough of them, and you can unlock a hidden trophy. Here's a list of where you can find 10 ones hidden altars.

• Ghost Of Tsushima Hidden Altar Locations Guide

Combat Guide

In Ghosts of Tsushima, you’ll strengthen Jin throughout your journey, unlocking more tools and skills to make tougher fights easier to take on. Since you can choose different skills that'll affect your playstyle as you level up, here are a few basic and advanced tips around what tactics you should use and skills you should unlock.

• Ghost of Tsushima Combat Guide: 8 Advanced Tips You'll Need

Resource Guide: What Each Items Upgrades And Where To Get Them

As you run through the world, collecting crafting resources, you might wonder what everything does. With the game incessantly telling you to upgrade your weapons and armor--sometimes even when it's not in your best interest to do so--it pays to know what your resources do. Here's a quick explainer detailing the crafting resources.

• Ghost of Tsushima Crafting Resource Guide: What Each Items Upgrades And Where To Get Them

All The Outfits And How To Get Them

There are many cool outfits you can unlock for Jin in Ghost of Tsushima that help fulfill the childhood fantasy of looking like a cool samurai. Not only that, but each one has its own unique perks that help you on your journey. You unlock several outfits throughout the game, so here's a guide detailing them all and when you get them.

• Ghost Of Tsushima Armor Guide: What They Do And How To Get Them All

Where To Find The Black And White Dye Dealers

While the merchants in town offer a decent range of purchasable colors for your outfits, you'll start to notice they lack some key colors: black and white. This is because these particular colors are only sold by specialized dealers hidden in the world. If you've got a desire for black or white colorways for your outfits, then look to our guide detailing where to find these dye dealers.

• Ghost of Tsushima Flowers Guide: Where To Find The Black And White Dye Dealers

Hidden Trophies Guide

Like all PS4 games, Ghost of Tsushima also has a host of Hidden Trophies that require some hyper-specific actions to trigger. To help all you completionists out there, we've compiled a guide detailing all the Hidden Trophies.

• Ghost of Tsushima Hidden Trophies Guide

How To Get Ghost of Tsushima's Toughest Trophy

Ghost of Tsushima is a pretty forgiving game in terms of Trophies, all things considered. Despite there being a ton of collectibles, most Trophies don't require you to find all of them--only the most important ones that usually have a direct impact on gameplay. There are a few hidden Trophies that require you to explore the game a little more, but they're usually not too tough to figure out. And then there's the game's toughest challenge...

• How To Unlock Ghost Of Tsushima's Toughest Trophy