Are There Different Endings in Ghost of Tsushima?
Yes, Ghost of Tsushima features two distinct endings, offering players a powerful and emotionally charged choice that shapes the final moments of Jin Sakai’s journey. While both endings conclude the main storyline, they present starkly different outcomes based on a pivotal decision made by the player regarding Jin’s relationship with his uncle, Lord Shimura. This choice isn’t just a simple button press; it’s a culmination of the game’s themes of honor, tradition, and the sacrifices made during wartime, leaving a lasting impact on players.
The Two Paths: Honor or the Ghost
The core of the ending decision lies in the player’s final confrontation with Lord Shimura. After battling alongside Jin throughout the game and watching him embrace the “Ghost” tactics, Lord Shimura implores Jin to honor tradition one last time. Jin is given a choice:
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The Honorable Path: Here, Jin grants Lord Shimura the “honorable death” he requests. This act of fulfilling a traditional samurai ritual involves Jin killing his uncle, a painful yet culturally significant act for the time period. This option, while heartbreaking, aligns with the traditional Samurai code and emphasizes obedience to the expectations placed upon him as a Samurai and as his uncle’s adopted son.
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The Path of the Ghost: The alternative is to refuse Lord Shimura’s request. Instead of taking his life, Jin chooses to spare him. This path signifies Jin’s complete transition to the Ghost and his willingness to break free from the rigid expectations of the past in pursuit of his goal to save Tsushima.
Consequences and Rewards
Neither of the two choices results in significant gameplay differences in the post-game world. Once the ending is complete, players can return to the open world and complete any side quests, explore unvisited locations, and continue collecting items. However, each choice does unlock a unique visual reward:
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Killing Lord Shimura unlocks the “Righteous Punishment” white dye for the Ghost Armor, along with the Ghost Mask and headband. This option is often seen as a symbol of the difficult choice Jin made and shows that he, even when straying from tradition, has a type of righteousness in his actions.
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Sparing Lord Shimura awards the player with the “Vow of Vengeance” crimson red dye for the Ghost Armor. This represents Jin’s new direction, his abandonment of the old ways, and his firm commitment to his new path as the Ghost of Tsushima. Many players regard this as the more visually appealing of the two.
Which Ending is Canon?
Though Sucker Punch has not officially declared a canonical ending, there is a strong suggestion that the honorable ending, where Jin kills Shimura, is more likely to be considered canon, especially if a sequel is developed. This is because the ending is far easier to fit into the framework of a sequel. The ending where Jin spares Lord Shimura would cause issues for any future instalments. The studio will also want to consider which ending will best support the future narrative. This choice ultimately remains up to the player.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning the endings in Ghost of Tsushima, to provide further insight for players:
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Does the ending choice significantly impact gameplay?
No, the ending choice primarily influences the cosmetic reward received. The open world, side quests, and all other gameplay features remain accessible post-ending, regardless of the choice made.
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Are there any gameplay changes between choosing honor or dishonor throughout the game?
While the gameplay mechanics remain the same throughout, your chosen style of combat, such as whether you prefer to fight honorably or use stealth, does affect the weather patterns. This is the only real distinction.
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Can you replay the ending to see both outcomes?
Yes, through save file management players can experience both ending scenarios. However, the game itself does not directly offer a way to replay the final decision.
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Which ending is considered the “good” ending?
Neither ending is explicitly labeled as “good” or “bad.” Both have their own merits and align with different perspectives. The ending where Jin kills his uncle adheres to the traditional samurai code, while the ending where he is spared reflects his path as the Ghost.
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Which ending is considered the “bad” ending?
The ending where Jin kills his uncle is sometimes seen as the “bad ending” as it involves the death of a character that players have grown to have empathy for. It has also been suggested it represents Jin’s final step away from the Samurai code. However, this isn’t a universally accepted conclusion. It’s a matter of perspective.
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Will the ending choice affect a potential sequel?
While nothing is confirmed, it’s speculated that Sucker Punch may need to choose a canonical ending for future titles. The honorable ending is more feasible, but there’s no guarantee at this point.
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Why does the white dye come from killing Shimura?
The white “Righteous Punishment” dye is often interpreted as Jin’s way of accepting the burden of his decision. It signifies his willingness to bear the consequences of his actions and that he did what he felt was ultimately right.
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Why does the red dye come from sparing Shimura?
The red “Vow of Vengeance” dye represents Jin’s decision to embrace his path as the Ghost, breaking free from traditional constraints. Red, is a color that signifies blood and sacrifice and ties in to the new path Jin has embraced and his commitment to the people of Tsushima.
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What is the best ending for Jin’s character arc?
The “best” ending depends entirely on player interpretation. Some believe that sparing Shimura aligns with Jin’s transformation, while others argue that killing him fulfills a sense of duty and honor.
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Does the ending affect what armors you can get?
No, the armors you can unlock and obtain throughout the game are not affected by the ending you choose. All armors and items are available in the post-game.
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Does the ending affect any of the side characters?
The endings do not make any difference to the fate or storyline of any of the side characters. The main focus of the endings is focused directly on Jin and his relationship with Lord Shimura.
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Is there a post-credit scene after the ending?
No, Ghost of Tsushima does not have a traditional post-credits scene. However, as mentioned previously, players can explore the open-world post game.
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What if I just want to get the white dye?
Players should make their choices based on the narrative, but if obtaining the white dye is the driving factor then choosing to kill Lord Shimura is the only way to achieve it.
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What if I just want to get the red dye?
Similarly, if getting the red dye is the players goal, then the choice to spare Lord Shimura will need to be made.
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Will the Ghost of Tsushima movie follow a specific ending?
It’s too early to know which ending the film will favor, as plot details are scarce. The movie adaptation might even create its own unique interpretation of the game’s conclusion.
In conclusion, the two endings of Ghost of Tsushima are a testament to the game’s powerful storytelling and its ability to engage players with moral and emotional complexity. While the rewards may be cosmetic, the decision itself carries immense weight, leaving players to reflect on their own understanding of honor and sacrifice.