Read this guide / tips on how to get new stances in Ghost of Tsushima. Find out how to get points, how to swap / change, skill tree (Stone, Water, Wind & Moon, Ghost), explained!
Table of Contents
Technique / Skill Related Article
Stances Types & Techniques List
Stone Stance
How To Swap:  Effective against Swordsmen. Heavy Attacks deal extra Stagger damage. Swordbreaker: Piercing Strike: Hold Change Stances: Hold |
Stone Stance Techniques / Skills
| Puncture (1pt) | Hold , then tap Batter your foe with two piercing strikes. |
|---|---|
| Strength of Mountains (1pt) | Increase Stagger damage against Swordsmen from all Stone Stance attacks. |
| Full Puncture (1pt) | Hold , then tap Deliver three piercing strikes. |
| Momentum (1pt) | Perform Stone Stance heavy attacks with ferocious speed. |
Being Jin's default stance that he uses from the beginning of the game, this stance is very effective against Swordsmen. It is highly recommended to use it during duels as well.
Water Stance
| How To Swap: Effective against Shieldmen. Heavy Attacks deal extra Stagger damage. Shieldbreaker: Flurry Strike: Hold , then tap Change Stances: Hold |
Water Stance Techniques / Skills
| Flowing Strikes (1pt) | Hold , then tap Unleash a torrent of four rapid strikes |
|---|---|
| Strength of Tides (1pt) | Increase Stagger damage against Shieldmen from all Water Stance attacks. |
| Surging Strikes (1pt) | Hold , then tap Drown your foe with a flood of five rapid strikes. |
| Downpour (1pt) | Inflict increasing damage with each attack in your Flurry Strike. |
The first new stance Jin can learn after earning 3 stance slots. This single handed stance unleashes quick, flexible attacks, made to counter shield bearers. Also effective against spearmen and brutes holding shields.
Wind Stance
| How To Swap: Effective against Spearmen. Heavy Attacks deal extra Stagger damage. Spearbreaker: Typhoon Kick: Hold Change Stances: Hold |
Wind Stance Techniques / Skills
| Strengthened Typhoon Kick (1pt) | Typhoon Kicks launch you enemy farther back and deal extra Stagger damage. |
|---|---|
| Strength of Gales (1pt) | Increase Stagger damage against Spearmen from all Wind Stance attacks. |
| Spear Defense (1pt) | Automatically Parry spear attacks during any Wind Stance attack. |
| Typhoon Kick Finisher (1pt) | Enemies thrown by a Typhoon Kick are knocked down. |
Wind Stance is the second stance that Jin can learn by collecting 8 stance slots. This stance focuses on its reach and forward momentum, and are made to counter spear wielders. Also uses a series of kicks to knockback enemies and lead them falling from cliffs or into open flames.
Moon Stance
| How To Swap: Effective against Brutes. Heavy attacks deal extra Stagger damage. Heavy Strike: Spinning Strike: Hold Change Stances: Hold |
Moon Stance Techniques / Skills
| Whirlwind (1pt) | Hold , then tap Assail your foes with two fast spinning strikes. |
|---|---|
| Strength of the Heavens (1pt) | Increase Stagger damage against Brutes from all Moon Stance attacks. |
| Finishing Strike (1pt) | The third Moon Stance heavy attack deals extra Melee damage and Stagger damage. |
| Tornado (1pt) | Hold , then tap Three fast spinning strikes. |
The third stance that Jin learns after collecting 12 stance slots, the Moon Stance is a powerful staggering stance, meant to take down the toughest of brutes the Mongolian invaders can throw at you.
Ghost Stance
A temporary powerful stance of vengeance that will dispatch any enemies in sight. This stance will be deadly against all enemy types, but will require a charge of your Ghost Meter to use temporarily. The Ghost Meter can be charged by Slaughtering (assassinating) Mongol Leaders or killing enough enemies without taking any damage. This stance will automatically be available upon progressing your story.
How Do You Learn Stances?
Kill Or Observe Mongol Leaders
Jin will be able to learn new Stances by killing or observing Mongol Leaders, often found in base or in war parties around Tsushima. Once learning a new Stance, a new Stance skill tree will be unlocked to invest your Technique Points to learn new moves.
Learn More On Combat MechanicsObserve First, Then Kill Captain For Extra Progression
You may earn up to 2 Stance Slots per Captain by first observing the target while hidden, then proceeding to kill them to make the best of your kills and unlock your stances faster.
More On Observing Leaders & LocationCollect Stance Slots To Learn New Stance
In order to learn a new stance, you will need to fill up the required slots by killing or observing Mongol Leaders. These required slots differentiates with each stance.
Required Slots Per Stance
| Stance | Required Slots |
|---|---|
| Stone | Default |
| Water | 3 |
| Wind | 8 |
| Moon | 12 |
What Are Stances?
Technique Made To Counter Specific Enemies
Stances are different attack patterns that Jin can learn throughout his journey, and can be swapped on the fly during battle. Each Stance has its own strength against specific enemy archetypes, and learning which technique to use can vastly change the odds to your favor.
4 Different Stances: Stone, Water, Wind & Moon
Throughout your journey, you will be able to learn 4 different types of stance; Stone, Water, Wind & Moon. These stances each have a unique attack combo and strength against certain enemies.
Hot Swap Stances During Combat
You can change stances on the fly even during the heat of the battle. Time stops momentarily once your press R2, allowing you to select the stance that you want. Remember that you need to swap to the proper stances frequently in order to survive the encounters in Ghost of Tsushima.
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