Check out this guide about the combat and stealth mechanics in Ghost of Tsushima! Get to know the difference between the confronting & stealth play styles, & more!
Table of Contents
Combat System Overview
Approach Every Encounter Differently
The player can choose to approach encounters either as a stealthy ghost or heroic samurai. These two approaches have distinct mechanics and are completely different from each other.
Dismemberment Available As A Subtle Effect
With the slice of your blade you can dismember your enemies in certain occasions. However, this is more of an eye candy effect for successfully dispatching your foes, and will likely not be able to be triggered at will. The dismemberment of your enemies will be more of an after effect of a takedown.
Customize Jin's Armor For The Occasion
Jin's armor will play a huge factor depending on how he plans to approach a fight. Heavier armor sets and pieces will surely give him some sustain during head-on encounters, while lighter armor keeps him mobile when sneaking around!
Check Out The Character Customization Guide Here!Managing Resolve To Heal & Attack
Your resolve is represented by the small yellow orbs displayed at the lower left of the screen. Jin can earn them by doing actions such as parrying and counterattacking an enemy's attack at the last moment. Jin can use Resolve to heal himself and to execute more powerful and lethal moves.
Check Out The Resolve Bar Here!Ranged Weapons Are Available
Several bows and tools that allow Jin to combat enemies at range are available at his disposal. Utilize them effectively to predict and direct the flow of combat.
Check Out The Ranged Weapons List Here!Melee Combat Approach
Face Enemies Head On
Players can choose to fight enemies head-on as an honorable samurai. This means that you will be face-to-face with enemies, challenging them to one-on-one fights. The samurai approach relies heavily on timing and parries to gain the upper hand against enemies.
Click Here For All Samurai Technique ListFace Down Enemies In A Standoff
You may also choose to challenge your enemies to an Standoff duel.Time your attacks as the enemy is about to strike to cut them down in a single blow!
More Tips For StandoffSuit Up & Fight
As a Samurai, Jin should be equipped with armor that can help him survive fights. Depending on what you have equipped, the armor can shield you from enemy attacks and sustain you during lengthy duels.
Check Out The Customization Guide Here!Timing Parries Is Important
Parrying is an effective way of keeping you safe against enemy attacks while at the same time, opening them up for a deadly counter attack! Time your blocks at the last second to successfully parry an enemy, and deliver a devastating blow!
Learn How To Parry SuccessfullyDodge To Evade Attacks
Alternatively, you can dodge to evade attacks from enemies. This requires less precision and timing, but can help keep you safe from multiple enemies attacking you at the same time.
Different Stances For Different Enemies
Jin will be able to switch up his stances to deal with a variety of enemy types. Each stance will allow you to deal the maximum amount of damage to a specific enemy. Take some time to learn these stances in order to get the best out of them.
Stances In The Game
Stance | Descrption |
---|---|
Stone Stance | Two handed sword stance, Jin's traditional style handed down to his original sword style. |
Water Stance | Single handed sword stance, newly created by Jin to counter Mongol's shield and attacks |
Stealth Combat Approach
Sneak & Employ Tricks To Succeed
Another way for Jin to tackle encounters is the way of the Ghost. It is the complete opposite of the way of the Samurai, and relies on stealth and trickery to gain the upper hand against the Mongol empire.
Click Here For All Ghost Technique ListUse Tools To Keep Out Of Sight
Use various tools to reach seemingly inaccessible areas. An example of this is to use a grappling hook to get onto roofs and stay above the ground! This gives you the high ground to scope out the area, while remaining undetected.
Gain Advantage With Distractions
Jin has several items and gadgets up his sleeve that can make him an effective combatant in the field. Make good use of these tools to achieve your goals and to survive your missions.
Distract Enemies & Assassinate Them
You can use items such as Firecrackers to distract enemies and leave them open. While they are distracted, you can get up close to them to perform an Assassination!
Chain Assassinations For Multiple Targets
Keep in mind that you will be able to chain assassinations for situations where you need to clear out a small group of enemies. This skill helps you silently take down enemies with ease, while keeping stealth!
Use Gadgets In Confrontations
Jin will also have a variety of gadgets at his disposal in the event that you have been seen! You can use Kunais to quickly take out enemies, or even smoke bombs to blind them for a few seconds!
Use Fear To Your Advantage
The more Jin kills in the battlefield, the more he becomes a Ghost in the eyes of his foes. Capitalize on fear to cower your enemies to submission and force them to retreat or give up.