Can I Go Back to Tsushima from Iki Island? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can go back to Tsushima from Iki Island in Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut. While there are some initial restrictions, the game allows you to freely travel between the two islands, giving you the flexibility to explore both at your own pace. This freedom, however, isn’t immediately granted upon arrival at Iki Island. You’ll need to progress a little into the Iki Island storyline to unlock the ability to freely travel back to Tsushima.
Initial Restrictions on Iki Island Travel
When you first arrive on Iki Island, you’ll notice that fast travel back to Tsushima is initially unavailable. This is because the game intends to immerse you in the new environment and the narrative of the Iki Island expansion. You are essentially locked on the island for a brief period until you complete the initial quests that introduce you to the island and its conflicts.
Completing the First Few Tales of Iki
Specifically, you must complete the first four Tales of Iki to unlock the ability to fast travel off the island. This acts as a checkpoint, ensuring you have a basic understanding of the challenges and narrative that Iki Island presents. Once these tales are completed, the game will grant you a boat to travel again, allowing you to navigate freely between Tsushima and Iki Island. This mechanism prevents players from feeling overwhelmed by the more challenging environment of Iki Island before they are ready, ensuring a smoother gameplay experience.
Freedom to Travel After Initial Quests
After completing those initial Iki Island quests, you can travel back to Tsushima anytime you wish. This means you can switch between the main game content on Tsushima and the Iki Island expansion, allowing you to level up, acquire resources, and complete side quests on either island as you see fit. This freedom of travel ensures you’re not locked into one area and can return to Tsushima to address any unfinished business.
When to Visit Iki Island: A Matter of Preference
While you can access Iki Island early, it’s generally recommended that you attempt the expansion after completing the main game on Tsushima. The enemies on Iki Island are significantly tougher, and the narrative is best experienced with the full context of Jin’s journey up to that point. Players who cannot wait, however, should at least wait until the third act, when Jin has acquired more abilities and is better equipped to handle the challenges.
Iki Island’s Increased Difficulty
The difficulty spike in Iki Island is not trivial. The island introduces Shamans who make nearby enemies much stronger and enemies who can change weapons mid-fight, forcing the player to be more adaptable in combat. Thus, going in too early might result in a frustrating experience. Players who do want to experience it sooner should consider switching to a lower difficulty and being prepared to return to Tsushima to level up and earn abilities if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding travel between Tsushima and Iki Island in Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut:
1. Can I return to Tsushima after starting Iki Island?
Yes, you can return to Tsushima after completing the initial four “Tales of Iki” quests. Until then, you are restricted to Iki Island.
2. Is Iki Island a one-way trip at first?
Yes, initially, it’s a one-way trip until you complete a portion of the Iki Island main quests. This allows for a focused immersion in the narrative before unlocking travel freedom.
3. When is the best time to go to Iki Island?
It’s recommended to go to Iki Island after completing the main story of Ghost of Tsushima. However, at the very least, attempt it during or after Act 3 of the main game.
4. Is Iki Island more difficult than the main game?
Yes, Iki Island is more challenging than the main game. It features stronger enemies and new combat mechanics, like Shamans.
5. Can I leave Iki Island to level up and return?
Absolutely. Once the initial quests are complete, you can freely travel between the islands to level up and gain more abilities in Tsushima before returning to Iki.
6. How long does it take to complete Iki Island?
The main story of Iki Island takes about 5 hours to complete. 100% completion could take up to 13.5 hours.
7. What are the initial quests I need to complete on Iki?
You need to complete the first four Tales of Iki before you can travel back to Tsushima.
8. What if I start Iki Island too early?
If you start too early and find it too difficult, you can always return to Tsushima, level up and gain new abilities, then return to Iki when you feel ready.
9. Can you go to Iki Island during Act 3 of the main game?
Yes, you can travel to Iki Island in Act 3 once the initial Iki travel quest has been started.
10. Is any armor better on Iki Island?
The Sarugami Armor is considered one of the best new sets on Iki Island. It’s known for its risk and reward style focusing on perfect parries.
11. Is there fast travel on Iki Island?
Yes, after the initial lock, fast travel is available within Iki Island and to/from Tsushima.
12. Does my progress on Tsushima carry over to Iki?
Yes, your progress, skills, abilities and equipment from Tsushima carry over to Iki Island.
13. Can I go back to Iki after completing it?
Yes, you can freely return to Iki Island after completing its main story.
14. What happens if I beat Khotun Khan early?
You cannot beat Khotun Khan early on. The game will force a cutscene to progress the story.
15. Can I save both hostages in “The Impact of Loss” on Iki?
Unfortunately, saving both hostages in the quest “The Impact of Loss” is not possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is an initial period where you cannot travel from Iki Island, you can eventually freely go back to Tsushima at any point after completing the introductory quests on Iki. This freedom provides you with the opportunity to fully explore both maps, level up, and enjoy the rich content offered by Ghost of Tsushima and its Iki Island expansion. Understanding the initial restrictions and when to approach Iki Island will significantly enhance your overall gameplay experience.