Is It Worth Completing Ghost of Tsushima? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is a resounding yes, it is absolutely worth completing Ghost of Tsushima. However, the depth of the game, its open-world nature, and the various layers of gameplay experiences mean that the question deserves a more detailed exploration. This article delves into why finishing Ghost of Tsushima, whether you’re a completionist or just someone looking for a fulfilling narrative, is a worthwhile endeavor, complemented by answers to the most frequent questions players have about the game.
The Journey and Its Rewards
Completing Ghost of Tsushima isn’t just about seeing the end credits roll; it’s about the journey you undertake as Jin Sakai. The game’s narrative is a powerful tale of honor, sacrifice, and the difficult choices one must make in times of war. From the sweeping landscapes of Tsushima Island to the emotionally charged moments with its cast of characters, the game offers a rich and engaging experience from start to finish.
Beyond the main story, Ghost of Tsushima provides substantial post-game content. The beautiful Iki Island DLC, for example, significantly expands the game world, introducing new stories, characters, and challenges. Even without the DLC, there’s a treasure trove of side quests, collectibles, and hidden locations to explore.
What You Get for Finishing the Main Story
While completing the story doesn’t unlock a wealth of new features, it does give you the ability to make a significant choice that impacts your visual experience. Choosing to kill or spare Lord Shimura at the end will grant you an exclusive dye for the Ghost Armor: White for “Kill” and Red for “Spare”. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s a way for the game to acknowledge your critical decision. Additionally, New Game+ becomes available, letting you play the game again with all your gear and skills, allowing you to experience the story differently and even obtain both dye options.
The Allure of 100% Completion
For completionists, Ghost of Tsushima offers numerous challenges and milestones. You’ll be spending a fair amount of time to achieve 100% completion – approximately 61½ hours by some accounts, compared to around 25 hours for the main story only. While there isn’t a unique reward like a special cutscene or extra armor for 100% completion, the satisfaction of fully mastering the game and exploring every nook and cranny is its own reward. Completing all tales of Tsushima and clearing Mongol camps are among the many steps to full completion. Clearing all the camps, for instance, will remove the fog of war from the map, revealing undiscovered areas.
The Gameplay and Its Depth
Ghost of Tsushima is more than just a beautiful world; it’s a polished combat system that offers both honorable samurai duels and stealthy ghost tactics. While the game does offer challenging encounters, it’s not overly punishing, featuring different difficulty levels – Easy, Normal, and Hard. The combat is fluid and engaging, allowing players to experiment with different styles and play the way they want.
Despite what some reviews might suggest, the game is not simply repetitive. The variety of enemy types, locations, and available tools (armor, weapons, and techniques) keeps the gameplay fresh. The sheer volume of side content can be a bit overwhelming to some, but it’s not designed to be a checklist, but rather an invitation to explore and enjoy at your own pace.
Choice in Combat: Honor vs. Ghost
One of the game’s strengths is the way it allows players to choose between honorable samurai combat and dishonorable “ghost” tactics. While there are moments where stealth is required, you are not penalized for choosing one path over the other, and both are equally viable and enjoyable. There’s no morality meter in the game, meaning there’s no penalty for playing dishonorably – you can play how you want.
Best Gear and Playstyles
Choosing the right gear is also key to enhancing your experience. While the Sakai Clan Armor provides a balance of offense and defense, the Sarugami Armor, which rewards perfect parries with powerful combos, can be considered the strongest. Experimenting with different armor sets and techniques is a crucial aspect of fully understanding the combat system. In addition, weapons such as Kunai and Smoke Bombs offer powerful offensive and defensive advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions
To provide even more insight, here are 15 frequently asked questions about completing Ghost of Tsushima:
1. What is the reward for completing the main story?
The main reward is the exclusive dye for your Ghost Armor – White for Killing Lord Shimura, Red for sparing him. You also unlock New Game+.
2. What are the benefits of 100% completion?
The primary benefit is the sense of accomplishment from experiencing everything the game has to offer. There’s no specific in-game reward for 100% completion.
3. How long does it take to 100% Ghost of Tsushima?
Around 61½ hours for 100% completion.
4. How long is the main story in Ghost of Tsushima?
The main story takes approximately 25 hours to complete.
5. Is Ghost of Tsushima repetitive?
Some might find the side quests repetitive, but the game offers enough variety to keep the gameplay enjoyable. It’s not a terrible game, but repetitive side content exists.
6. Which is the best armor in the game?
The Sarugami Armor is often considered the best due to its potent combo-based ability.
7. Can you play dishonorably?
Yes, you can play using the “ghost” tactics as much as you like. There’s no morality meter.
8. What does clearing all Mongol camps do?
Clearing all Mongol camps removes the fog of war from the map.
9. How do you get the White Ghost Armor dye?
You get it for choosing to kill Lord Shimura at the end of the game.
10. What is the hardest trophy to get in Ghost of Tsushima?
The Living Legend (Platinum trophy) is the hardest to obtain, followed by the Helping Sword Hand trophy (completing all tales of Tsushima).
11. Is there a better game than Ghost of Tsushima?
While subjective, games like Elden Ring are often considered more challenging and offer an alternative experience.
12. What’s the strongest class in Ghost of Tsushima Legends mode?
The Samurai class, known for its tank-like nature and self-healing capabilities, is often regarded as one of the strongest.
13. How long to beat Iki Island DLC?
Around 5 hours focusing on the main objective, or 13½ hours for 100% completion.
14. Which is the best sword in the game?
There isn’t a single “best” sword, but kits like the Gold Koi River and Heavenly Falcon are popular choices.
15. Is Ghost of Tsushima 2 in development?
While not officially announced, Ghost of Tsushima 2 is highly anticipated and speculated to be in development.
Final Verdict
Completing Ghost of Tsushima is an enriching experience that extends well beyond the main storyline. The game’s compelling narrative, flexible gameplay, and detailed world offer hours of exploration, combat, and storytelling. Whether you’re aiming for 100% completion or just want to see Jin’s journey through, Ghost of Tsushima is a title that absolutely deserves your time and attention. The post-game content, especially the Iki Island DLC, adds even more to this already fantastic experience, making it all the more worth it to see everything the game has to offer.