Getting Started
First Hour Walkthrough
Your journey begins with a cinematic opening: Jin Sakai, a samurai, defends Tsushima Island during the Mongol invasion. After a brief horse-riding segment and tutorial on movement, you’ll face your first combat encounter. Follow the on-screen prompts to slash with Square (light attack) and Triangle (heavy attack). The game teaches you parrying (L1 just before an enemy strike) and dodging (Circle). You’ll also learn to use your bow (R2 to draw, R1 to steady, release R2 to fire).
The first hour is all about linear story missions. Follow your ally Yuna through the ruins. You’ll encounter your first major enemy—the Mongol general. This fight is scripted; you will lose. After a dramatic sequence, you’ll be left for dead. A mysterious character named Sensei Ishikawa finds you. You’ll then travel to the Azamo Bay area, where the open world truly opens up.
Key events in the first hour:
1. Opening cutscene and horse ride.
2. First combat tutorial (attack, parry, dodge).
3. Short stealth segment (crouch with R3).
4. Scripted boss fight (you lose).
5. Rescue by Ishikawa and travel to Lady Masako’s estate.
6. Receive your first armor (Traveler’s Attire) and katana.
7. Unlock the Wind as your guide (press R2 to point, then R3 to set a waypoint).
Character Creation
Ghost of Tsushima does not have a traditional character creation system for the main story. You play as Jin Sakai, a predefined protagonist. However, you can customize his appearance through:
- Armor: Different sets that change your look and grant bonuses.
- Helmets and Masks: Found in the world or from merchants.
- Hairstyles and Facial Hair: Unlocked via gameplay or purchased.
- Horse Cosmetics: Saddle, mane, and tail from the stables.
In Legends Mode (co-op), you choose from four classes (Samurai, Hunter, Ronin, Assassin) and can customize their gear and appearance, but that’s separate from the main campaign.
Controls (All Platforms)
PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5 (DualShock 4 / DualSense)
| Action | PS4/PS5 Controller |
|---|---|
| Move | Left Stick |
| Camera | Right Stick |
| Light Attack | Square |
| Heavy Attack | Triangle |
| Parry / Block | L1 |
| Dodge | Circle |
| Sprint | Hold R2 (or L2+L3?) – actually hold R2 |
| Sheath/Unsheath | R2 (hold to sprint, tap to sheath) |
| Interact | Triangle |
| Jump | X |
| Crouch | R3 (press right stick) |
| Bow | Hold R2, aim with L Stick, release to fire |
| Throw Kunai/ Tools | L2? – L1+R1? – Actually: R1 for quickthrow, hold L2 to aim |
| Ghost Weapons | L2 + R2 combo? – Use L2 for aim, R2 for fire |
| Resolve (Heal) | Up on D-Pad |
| Use Tool | Down on D-Pad |
| Wind Guidance | Hold R2? – Actually: R2 to point, R3 to set waypoint |
| Standoff | Hold Triangle near enemy |
| Photo Mode | Press Down on D-Pad then Touchpad? – Typically pause menu>Photo Mode |
PC (Keyboard & Mouse)
Controls are fully customizable. Default layout:
| Action | Keyboard | Mouse |
|---|---|---|
| Move | W/A/S/D | – |
| Camera | – | Mouse movement |
| Light Attack | Left Click | – |
| Heavy Attack | Right Click | – |
| Parry / Block | Q | – |
| Dodge | Space | – |
| Sprint | Hold Shift | – |
| Interact | E | – |
| Jump | F | – |
| Crouch | Ctrl | – |
| Bow | Hold RMB (right mouse) to aim, LMB to fire | – |
| Quick throw Ghost Weapon | R | – |
| Aim Ghost Weapon | Hold LMB? – Actually: Hold Middle Mouse Button? (Check settings) | – |
| Resolve (Heal) | 1 | – |
| Use Tool | 2 | – |
| Wind Guidance | Hold Middle Mouse then press E? – Default: G to point | – |
| Standoff | Hold E near enemy | – |
| Pause/Menu | Escape | – |
UI Overview
The HUD is minimal by default (can be adjusted in settings). Key elements:
- Health Bar: Top-left corner, white bar. Lost health can be recovered using Resolve (Up on D-Pad).
- Resolve: Three circle pips below health. Used for healing, powerful abilities (Mythic Arts), or attacking certain enemies. Build Resolve by landing attacks and parrying.
- Stance Notifications: When you unlock stances, an icon appears showing the current stance (Stone, Water, Wind, Moon). Cycle with L1+Button (see later).
- Compass: Top of screen, shows objective markers and points of interest. The Wind guides you: you set a destination and wind blows leaves in that direction.
- Tool Wheel: Hold L2 to access ghost weapons (smoke bombs, kunai, etc.) and items.
- Mini-Map: Hidden by default. Press Down on D-Pad to toggle. Shows nearby enemies, resources, and your location.
- Waypoint Wind: Press R2 to call the wind, then R3 to lock a destination. Colored wisps guide you.
- Notifications: Quest updates, ability unlocks, and weather changes appear on-screen.
- Set a waypoint using wind for your current main quest (Yellow wind).
- Explore lightly – The world is beautiful, but stick to the main path for the first 2–3 hours to unlock core mechanics.
- Loot every chest – They contain supplies, iron, linen, and sometimes cosmetics.
- Kill Mongol leaders – They drop keys to locked chests with high-value loot.
- Talk to NPCs with a yellow dot above them – They often give side quests (“Tales”).
- Pet the foxes – Fox dens lead to Fox Shrines which boost your charm slots permanently.
- Climb the golden bird shrines – They point to near-unique gear.
- Fighting large groups head-on – Early on, you lack stances and upgrades. Use stealth (crouch, assassinate from grass) or run away.
- Ignoring the wind – The wind is your only guide; don’t rely on mini-map alone.
- Selling iron/linen immediately – These are crucial for upgrades. Keep at least 50 of each early.
- Rushing the main story – You’ll miss Resolve increases and techniques.
- Using Resolve only for healing – Sometimes it’s better to use a Resolve ability (e.g., Dance of Wrath) to clear threats fast.
- Fighting bears or boars – They are tough and offer little reward early.
Essential Early Objectives
1. Complete “The Tale of Lady Masako” and “The Tale of Sensei Ishikawa” – These are the first main quests after the intro. They unlock critical skills and open the world.
2. Liberate the First Farmstead – Near Azamo, there’s a Mongol-controlled farm. Clearing it gives early supplies and XP.
3. Follow the Wind to the Golden Temple – This shrine grants your first Mythic Tale (later, but early you get a hint).
4. Upgrade your Katana – Visit the Swordsmith in Azamo Bay. Iron is plentiful in chests and from Mongol leaders.
5. Learn the Stone Stance – This is your first combat stance, effective against swordsmen. You start with it; practice the timing.
What to Do First and What to Avoid
Do First
Avoid
Early Resource Priorities
| Resource | Usage | Priority (First 5 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Supplies | Buy items, upgrade gear, tailor | High – upgrade Traveler’s Attire for more supplies from loot |
| Iron | Upgrade katana (damage, stances) | Very High – max katana to level 2 ASAP |
| Linen | Upgrade armor (health, defense) | High – improve Traveler’s Attire or Samurai Clan Armor |
| Predator Hides | Upgrade bow capacity/quivers | Medium – but priority if you use bow often |
| Gold | Buy armor sets from merchants | Low – spending gold on supplies is inefficient |
| Yew Wood | Upgrade bow damage | Medium – after katana and armor |
| Resolve Nodes | Permanent Resolve increases | Very High – find every Bamboo Strike location (they award one permanent Resolve pip each) |
| Mythic Tokens | Unlock special techniques (e.g., Heavenly Strike) | High – start the Mythic Tale early |
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Button mashing – Attacks have weight; time your strikes and parries. Mash and you’ll get hit.
- Ignoring parry – Perfect parry (L1 just before hit) opens enemies for massive damage. Practice with early Mongol swordsmen.
- Not using the observe mechanic – When you spot a Mongol leader, Observe (press Triangle when prompted) to learn their weakness. This gives bonus XP and a strategic advantage.
- Over-relying on bows – Arrows are limited and enemies block. Use melee or stealth.
- Neglecting the wind – You can miss hidden side quests and shrines.
- Skipping Bamboo Strikes – You miss free Resolve upgrades, which are critical for healing.
- Not swapping stances – Each stance is strong against a weapon type (Stone vs swords, Water vs shields, etc.). Early you only have Stone, but later you must swap.
- Death consequences – Dying causes slight progression loss (XP multiplier decreases), but nothing permanent. Don’t reload; just continue.
- Avoiding fast travel – Unlock settlements (small camps) to fast travel. Saves time.
- [ ] Complete the prologue and reach Azamo Bay.
- [ ] Accept and finish “The Tale of Lady Masako” (first main quest).
- [ ] Visit the swordsmith in Azamo Bay and upgrade your katana at least once (needs 2 iron).
- [ ] Purchase or find the Traveler’s Attire (you start with it, but upgrade it to get better resource detection).
- [ ] Loot all chests in the Azamo area (especially the barn and the Mongol camp).
- [ ] Find and complete a Bamboo Strike (look for a bamboo stalk icon on map). This gives you one permanent Resolve upgrade.
- [ ] Attend a Fox Den (follow a fox to a shrine) to unlock a charm slot.
- [ ] Equip a Charm (you may find one in a chest; go to Inventory > Charms).
- [ ] Learn the Observe mechanic by watching the Mongol leader in the first camp near Azamo.
- [ ] Practice standoff (hold Triangle near a single enemy) to bluff and kill instantly.
- [ ] Change your controls in settings if you prefer: e.g., swap dodge and jump, or set to “Pole Climber” to toggle crouch instead of hold.
- [ ] Spend your first technique points on Improved Resolve or Mizuno no Kaze (wind stance opener).
- [ ] Follow the wind to The Golden Temple to start your first Mythic Tale (Heavenly Strike).
- [ ] Save manually before any major fight (Options > Save).
- [ ] Explore at least two Shinto Shrines (mark by golden birds) for charm slots.
- [ ] Check the Tales of Tsushima section in the menu; these are side quests. Do the ones near Azamo (they’re short and give good XP).
- Katana upgraded to level 2.
- Traveler’s Attire upgraded once.
- 2–3 charm slots.
- At least one mythic technique (Heavenly Strike).
- Comfort with parrying and stealth.
Day-One Checklist
By the end of your first session (2–3 hours), you should have:
This foundation will carry you through the first region (Izuhara) and set you up for success against the Mongols.