How to Obtain Vanity Gear in Ghost of Tsushima: A Comprehensive Guide

Vanity Gear in Ghost of Tsushima offers purely cosmetic enhancements to Jin Sakai’s appearance, allowing you to personalize his look without affecting gameplay stats. You obtain vanity gear by exploring the world, completing specific quests, and locating hidden items. Utilize the Wind of Vanity technique to guide you to these treasures, then meticulously search the indicated areas for your desired cosmetic items.

Unlocking the Path to Vanity: The Wind of Vanity

Before you can even begin your quest for fashionable flair, you need to unlock the Wind of Vanity. This essential technique acts as a compass, pointing you in the general direction of nearby vanity items, haiku locations, sword kits, and other collectibles.

How to Acquire and Use the Wind of Vanity

1. Technique Points: You’ll need a Technique Point to unlock the Wind of Vanity. These points are earned by leveling up Jin through completing missions, defeating enemies, and generally progressing through the game.

2. Techniques Menu: Once you have a Technique Point, open the Techniques menu. Navigate to the Samurai section, then the Exploration submenu.

3. Unlocking: Select Wind of Vanity and spend your Technique Point to unlock it.

4. Activation on the Map: Open the world map. You’ll find the Wind of Vanity as an option in the bottom right of the screen. Selecting it will prompt a line of wind to blow on the map, indicating the direction of the nearest vanity item or collectible. Remember that the wind only points in a general direction, and you’ll still need to explore the surrounding area to pinpoint the exact location of the item.

Locating Vanity Gear Throughout Tsushima

Vanity gear is scattered throughout the island of Tsushima, hidden in various locations, rewarded for completing specific tales, and even found atop prominent landmarks. Let’s explore some common methods for finding these cosmetic treasures.

Exploration is Key

The most common way to find vanity gear is simply by exploring the world. Keep your eyes peeled for anything that looks out of place, like a small shrine, a hidden alcove, or an unusual object perched on a rooftop. Once unlocked, the Wind of Vanity will significantly aid in this endeavor. However, remember that the wind only provides a general direction; thorough investigation of the surrounding area is still necessary.

Completing Tales (Side Quests)

Many Tales (side quests) reward you with vanity gear upon completion. Pay attention to the rewards listed for each quest before accepting it, as some quests are guaranteed to provide unique cosmetic items.

High Places and Grappling Hooks

Some vanity gear is located in hard-to-reach places, requiring the use of the grappling hook. Look for items perched atop temples, lighthouses, or other tall structures. Utilizing the grappling hook to reach these areas is often the only way to obtain the coveted vanity gear.

Act-Specific Gear

Different acts of the game contain unique vanity gear. For example, Act 1 (Izuhara) contains seven specific vanity items. Explore each region thoroughly to ensure you’ve found all available cosmetics before progressing to the next act.

Utilizing Environmental Clues

Ghost of Tsushima often provides subtle environmental clues to guide you toward hidden items. Look for the following:

• Golden Birds: These birds will lead you to points of interest, including vanity gear locations.
• Foxes: Follow foxes to Inari Shrines, which often contain cosmetic rewards.
• Unique Structures: Keep an eye out for unusual structures or landmarks that might hide a secret.

Specific Vanity Gear Locations Examples

• Komatsu Forge: Find the Forgemaster’s Headband on the rooftop of the blacksmith’s building.
• Golden Temple: Use the grappling hook to reach the top of the Golden Temple and claim the vanity gear there.

Vanity Gear: More Than Just Cosmetics

While vanity gear doesn’t directly impact gameplay, it contributes significantly to the game’s immersion and personalization. By changing Jin’s appearance, you can further connect with the character and create a unique visual identity. This aspect of customization enhances the overall experience, making your journey through Tsushima even more memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vanity Gear

1. How many vanity items are in Act 1?

There are a total of 7 Vanity Gear items in Act 1 (Izuhara). These are scattered throughout the map and can be found by using the Wind of Vanity and exploring thoroughly.

2. How do you get the Vanity Gear at Komatsu Forge?

At Komatsu Forge, you need to reach the rooftop of the blacksmith’s building. Start by jumping onto the smaller house next to it, then climb around to find a gap that leads to the rafters above the blacksmith. The Forgemaster’s Headband will be there.

3. How do you get the vanity at the Golden Temple?

For the vanity gear at the Golden Temple, you need the grappling hook. Stand below one of the edges, jump, and press R2 to use the grappling hook. Repeat this until you reach the top of the temple, where you’ll find the vanity item.

4. How does the Wind of Vanity work?

When you activate the Wind of Vanity on the map screen, a short line will appear, indicating the direction of the closest item, such as a vanity item, haiku location, or sword kit.

5. Why does the golden bird keep leading me to Komatsu Forge?

The golden bird at Komatsu Forge is guiding you to the Forgemaster’s Headband, a vanity item located on the blacksmith’s rooftop.

6. Do sword kits matter in Ghost of Tsushima?

No, sword kits are purely cosmetic. They change the appearance of Jin’s Sakai Katana and Sakai Tanto but provide no gameplay bonuses.

7. How do you get the black straw hat in Ghost of Tsushima?

To get a black straw hat, you need to acquire either the Refined Tadayori’s Straw Hat (Hunter at Dusk dye), the Ashen Straw Hat, or the Genbu Straw Hat. The first one requires completing “The Legend of Tadayori”, upgrading Tadayori’s Armor, and buying the dye from the black dye merchant. The latter two require completing “Blood on the Grass”.

8. What does the yellow bird mean in Ghost of Tsushima?

The yellow birds guide you to points of interest near your location. They can lead you to haiku locations, enemy camps, side missions, hot springs, or other exploration rewards.

9. Can you shoot the golden bird in Ghost of Tsushima?

No, you cannot kill the yellow birds. Attempting to shoot one will result in a humorous consequence.

10. What happens when you follow the golden bird in Ghost of Tsushima?

Following a golden bird leads Jin to nearby items and locations. The destination is random, but it could be hot springs, bamboo strike locations, or other collectibles.

11. How do you get the Yamaneko eyepatch?

After completing the “Troubled Waters” and “Bloodletting” tales, head to the southern part of the Shattered Cliffs. Look for wooden wreckage near a campfire, and you’ll find the Yamaneko eyepatch on Yamaneko’s body.

12. How do you complete the Ariake lighthouse?

Climb to the top of the Ariake Lighthouse and exit using one of the windows. From there, get as close to the edge as possible and use the grappling hook to get above.

13. Where can I find the Games Learning Society?

You can find more information about game-based learning at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

14. Is it essential to collect all Vanity Gear?

No, collecting all vanity gear is not essential for completing the game. They are purely cosmetic items that allow you to customize Jin’s appearance.

15. Can I miss any Vanity Gear permanently?

No, you cannot permanently miss any Vanity Gear. All locations are accessible throughout the game, even after completing the main story.

Collecting vanity gear adds depth and personalization to your Ghost of Tsushima experience. Use the Wind of Vanity, explore thoroughly, and enjoy customizing Jin Sakai to your liking!