Ghost of Tsushima: Early Game Strategy for Efficient Progression

Tips for Efficiently Progressing in the Early Game

Increase your stats at bamboo strike locations and hot springs

Location	Effect
Bamboo Strike	Increases maximum resolve
Hot Springs	Increases maximum health

At various locations on the map, such as bamboo strike locations and hot springs, you can increase the protagonist's stats. There are no drawbacks, so make sure to find and utilize them as soon as possible.

Strengthen your weapons using materials

In the town, you can enhance your equipment using materials at the armorer and swordsmith. Enhancing your sword increases its power, making it easier to defeat enemies. Materials can be found in various places on the map or dropped by defeated enemies, so be sure to pick them up whenever you come across them!

Birds and Foxes Guide You to Unexplored Areas

When there are unexplored locations nearby, golden birds and foxes appear. Foxes guide you to Inari shrines where you can unlock charm slots, while golden birds guide you to locations with waka poems and other items. When you find birds and foxes, follow them to unlock new locations.

How to Progress towards Castle Shimura

Focus on Jin's Journey (仁之道)

The quests in Jin's journey provide a significant increase in your Legend Ranks! You can also obtain the minimum necessary equipment for game progression. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on the quests under Jin's Journey until you head toward Castle Shimura.

Collect Materials Whenever Possible

The materials scattered throughout the map are items that are heavily used for equipment upgrades, so be sure to pick them up whenever you find them. Some materials may also be dropped by defeated enemies, so it's a good idea to check after defeating enemies.

Visit Golden Summit Shrine and Arrow Peak Shrine

Shrine Exterior	Map Image
Golden Summit Shrine	Southeast of Golden Temple
Arrow Peak Shrine	Northeast of Sakimori Overlook

Prioritize visiting Golden Summit Shrine and Arrow Peak Shrine as you can obtain useful amulets early in the game. Note that the effects of the amulets will not activate unless equipped in the equipment menu.

"The Curse of Uchitsune" is a Mythic Tale

By clearing the mythic tale, "The Curse of Uchitsune," you can obtain the Longbow. The Longbow is a powerful weapon that can penetrate enemy armor and helmets, so it is advisable to obtain it early. However, beware that a boss appears in the "Curse of Uchitsune," so it is recommended to strengthen your skills and equipment before taking on the challenge.

How to Proceed after Toyotama

Progress through Exploration and Mythic Tales

Once you arrive in Toyotama, it is recommended to first explore the map and find new locations. Raise your stats at bamboo strikes and hot springs, and accomplish side quests and mythic tales to receive rewards. It is advisable to strengthen your skills and equipment as you accumulate proficiency and materials.

Prioritize Mythic Tales

Mythic Tales offer clear rewards such as mythic techniques and powerful equipment, so it is recommended to prioritize clearing them. However, since you may have to fight bosses, it is best to strengthen your character before taking on the challenge.

Proceed with the Main Story after Preparation

The main story in Toyotama involves battles with numerous enemies and bosses. Therefore, it is recommended to fully strengthen your character through training, skill acquisition, and equipment enhancement before taking on the challenges.

Tips for Battle and Growth

Attack with the triangle (△) button And Break the Enemy's Defence

When the enemy is defending, your attacks will be blocked. However, when the white gauge displayed above the enemy is fully charged, you can break their guard. Using the triangle button to perform heavy sword strikes will charge the gauge. So, break the enemy's guard by using the triangle button and defeat the enemy with the square button (◻) for a quick sword attack!

Learn the "Essence of Parrying - Sword Technique"

Parrying is a recommended samurai technique. By learning said skill, you will be able to defend against certain attacks that cannot be blocked. Learning this skill will increase your ability to parry and deflect attacks, expanding your opportunities for counterattacks, so prioritize learning it.

Collect Charms at Shrines and Side Quests

Charms are often beneficial for battles and stealth gameplay, so it's a good idea to collect them at shrines and side quests in the early stages. Additionally, the number of talisman slots increases when you visit the Inari Shrine.

List of Strategy Guides