What Happens If I Let Lord Shimura Live in Ghost of Tsushima?
Letting Lord Shimura live in Ghost of Tsushima results in Jin sparing his adoptive father and mentor from an honorable death. Shimura, bound by the samurai code, requests Jin to grant him a warrior’s end to preserve his honor. Choosing to spare him signifies Jin’s complete rejection of the rigid samurai code in favor of his own, the path of the Ghost. The immediate consequence is receiving the Vow of Vengeance, a crimson red dye for the Ghost Armor, and the game concludes with Jin walking away, knowing he will forever be hunted for his actions. It’s an act of defiance and mercy, severing the last tie to Jin’s past and cementing his identity as the Ghost.
The Weight of Mercy: Exploring the Consequences of Sparing Shimura
The decision to spare or kill Lord Shimura is the climax of Ghost of Tsushima’s narrative, a moral crossroads laden with emotional and philosophical weight. Choosing to let Shimura live is far from a simple act of compassion; it’s a profound statement about Jin’s evolution as a character and his rejection of the strict, often unforgiving, code that once defined his life.
A Father-Son Dynamic Broken
The relationship between Jin and Shimura is central to the game’s story. Shimura, a steadfast and respected samurai, raised Jin after the death of his father, instilling in him the principles of bushido – the samurai code. Throughout the game, Jin grapples with the conflict between these ingrained principles and the pragmatic, often dishonorable, methods necessary to liberate Tsushima from the Mongol invaders.
Sparing Shimura is, in essence, a final act of rebellion against the constraints of that code. It’s a recognition that clinging to tradition would have meant certain defeat for the people of Tsushima, and that sometimes, survival necessitates embracing unconventional tactics. This decision underscores the game’s exploration of what it truly means to be honorable when faced with impossible choices.
The Crimson Dye: Vow of Vengeance
The most immediate in-game reward for sparing Shimura is the Vow of Vengeance dye, a striking crimson red that can be applied to the Ghost Armor. This isn’t just a cosmetic item; it’s a visual representation of Jin’s commitment to his new path. The red symbolizes vengeance, yes, but also the blood that has been shed and the sacrifices that have been made. It signifies a deep and abiding commitment to protecting Tsushima, even if it means being branded a traitor.
The choice of color is significant. White, the color received for killing Shimura, represents a traditional sense of purity and righteousness. Red, on the other hand, is a color of passion, danger, and rebellion. It’s a color that perfectly embodies the Ghost’s unorthodox methods and his unwavering dedication to his people.
The Hunt Continues: An Uncertain Future
By sparing Shimura, Jin ensures that he will forever be considered an enemy of the Shogunate. Shimura warns him of this during their final encounter, stating that the Ghost will be hunted for the rest of his days. This adds a layer of complexity to the ending. Jin’s act of mercy doesn’t absolve him of the consequences of his actions; it simply shifts them.
He chooses to live with the weight of being an outlaw, constantly looking over his shoulder, knowing that powerful forces are arrayed against him. This ending leaves the door open for future stories, where Jin must continue to defend Tsushima while evading capture. The game implies that his fight for freedom is far from over.
A Morally Grey Choice
One of the brilliant aspects of Ghost of Tsushima is that neither ending is definitively “good” or “bad.” Both choices have their merits and drawbacks, and the “best” option is ultimately subjective, depending on the player’s interpretation of Jin’s journey and their own moral compass.
Sparing Shimura can be seen as an act of compassion, a refusal to perpetuate the cycle of violence and death. It shows that Jin has learned to value life above all else, even the life of someone who represents the rigid code he has abandoned. However, it also robs Shimura of the honorable death he craves, forcing him to live with the perceived shame of being spared by a traitor. Is it truly merciful to deny someone their dying wish, even if that wish is to be killed?
Ultimately, the choice to spare Shimura is a powerful statement about the human cost of war and the enduring strength of familial bonds. It’s a testament to Jin’s ability to forge his own path, even in the face of overwhelming pressure. It represents a profound moral shift, highlighting a move away from tradition and toward a new form of honor, one defined by compassion and the will to protect the innocent, explored further at venues such as the Games Learning Society, where the narrative and player agency are discussed in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does sparing Shimura affect the post-game world in any way?
No, sparing Shimura does not significantly alter the post-game world beyond receiving the Vow of Vengeance dye. The quests, activities, and enemy presence remain the same. The main difference lies in the narrative closure and the thematic implications of your choice.
2. Is sparing Shimura considered the “good” ending?
Whether sparing Shimura is considered the “good” ending is subjective. It showcases compassion and a rejection of rigid tradition but also condemns Jin to a life as a hunted outlaw. The game deliberately avoids presenting a clear-cut good or bad ending, emphasizing the complexities of the decision.
3. What is the significance of the Vow of Vengeance dye?
The Vow of Vengeance dye, received for sparing Shimura, symbolizes Jin’s commitment to his new path as the Ghost. The crimson color represents vengeance, the sacrifices made, and Jin’s dedication to protecting Tsushima, even as a hunted figure.
4. Does sparing Shimura make the game harder in the post-game?
No, sparing Shimura does not affect the gameplay difficulty in the post-game. The challenge remains consistent regardless of your ending choice.
5. Can I change my decision after choosing to spare Shimura?
No, the choice to spare or kill Shimura is permanent and cannot be changed once made. It’s a critical decision point that defines your ending and Jin’s final character arc.
6. Does sparing Shimura unlock any unique abilities or gear besides the dye?
No, the only unique reward for sparing Shimura is the Vow of Vengeance dye. No other abilities or gear are unlocked based on this choice.
7. How does sparing Shimura affect Jin’s relationships with other characters?
Sparing Shimura primarily impacts Jin’s relationship with Shimura himself, creating a permanent rift. While other characters may acknowledge Jin’s decision, it doesn’t drastically alter their interactions or questlines.
8. Will there be a sequel, and which ending is more likely to be canon?
Whether Ghost of Tsushima will have a sequel and which ending will be considered canon remains unconfirmed by Sucker Punch Productions. While some speculate that the honorable ending (killing Shimura) is more likely to be canon, both endings offer potential narrative paths.
9. Does sparing Shimura mean Jin avoids being branded a traitor?
No, sparing Shimura does not prevent Jin from being branded a traitor. Regardless of your choice, Jin’s actions as the Ghost have already marked him as an enemy of the Shogunate.
10. If I spare Shimura, will I encounter him again in the post-game?
No, after the final confrontation, Lord Shimura will not be encountered again in the post-game world of Ghost of Tsushima.
11. Is there an “honorable” ending if I spare Shimura?
While some consider killing Shimura the “honorable” path because it fulfills his wish for a warrior’s death, sparing him can also be seen as an act of compassion and moral courage. The concept of honor is subjective in the game.
12. Does sparing Shimura affect the weather or environment in the game?
No, the choice to spare or kill Shimura does not impact the weather or environment in Ghost of Tsushima.
13. What happens to Jin after sparing Shimura?
After sparing Shimura, Jin walks away, knowing he will be hunted as a traitor. The game’s ending implies he continues to protect Tsushima in his own way, but his future remains uncertain.
14. Is sparing Shimura the easier choice emotionally?
The emotional impact of sparing Shimura is subjective and depends on the player’s connection to the characters and their values. Some may find it emotionally easier to spare him, while others may struggle with denying him his wish for an honorable death.
15. Can I still liberate all of Tsushima if I spare Shimura?
Yes, sparing Shimura does not impact your ability to liberate all of Tsushima. You can still complete all territories and side quests regardless of your ending choice.
The decision to spare or kill Lord Shimura is a pivotal moment that shapes the ending of Ghost of Tsushima. Whether you value tradition or compassion, the choice is yours to make, knowing that both paths carry significant consequences and shape Jin’s legacy as the Ghost. More research on the cultural implications of the game can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.