Do Sword Kits Make a Difference in Ghost of Tsushima? An In-Depth Guide
In Ghost of Tsushima, the captivating action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions, players step into the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior tasked with defending Tsushima Island from the Mongol invasion. As you traverse the breathtaking landscapes and engage in intense combat, you’ll encounter various customization options, including sword kits. So, the core question remains: Do these sword kits actually make a difference in the game?
The definitive answer is: No, sword kits are purely cosmetic. They offer no gameplay bonuses or stat enhancements. Their sole purpose is to alter the appearance of Jin’s katana, allowing players to personalize their samurai’s look and express their individual style. While they don’t affect combat prowess, sword kits are a fantastic way to enhance the immersion and visual experience of the game.
Unveiling the World of Sword Kits
Sword kits are essentially reskins for Jin Sakai’s katana. Throughout your journey on Tsushima Island, you’ll discover numerous kits hidden in various locations, often at Pillars of Honor. These pillars mark spots of significance and offer a unique sword kit upon interaction. From vibrant colors to intricate designs, the available options cater to a wide range of aesthetics, allowing players to create a unique look for their character.
Obtaining and Applying Sword Kits
Acquiring sword kits involves exploring the vast open world of Tsushima. Keep an eye out for Pillars of Honor marked on the map or through exploration. Once found, simply interact with the pillar to unlock the corresponding sword kit. To apply a sword kit, navigate to the Gear section in the game’s menu. From there, select the Sword Kit option and choose your desired design. You can switch between owned kits at any time, allowing for dynamic customization based on your mood or the specific circumstances of your playthrough.
The Allure of Aesthetics
While purely cosmetic, the impact of sword kits shouldn’t be underestimated. They contribute significantly to the overall experience by allowing players to personalize their character and create a unique visual identity. Whether you prefer a subtle and elegant design or a bold and striking one, sword kits offer a tangible way to express your preferences and further immerse yourself in the world of Ghost of Tsushima.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) providing more information about sword kits and other related aspects of the game:
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How many sword kits are there in Ghost of Tsushima?
There are a considerable number of sword kits to collect throughout the game. The exact number might vary slightly depending on the version of the game you’re playing (e.g., including the Director’s Cut). However, you can expect to find upwards of 40 unique sword kits spread across Tsushima Island and Iki Island.
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Are sword kits exclusive to certain editions of the game?
Yes, some sword kits are exclusive to specific editions of the game, such as the Digital Deluxe Edition or the Collector’s Edition. These editions often include bonus content, including unique cosmetic items like sword kits.
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Can I purchase sword kits in Ghost of Tsushima?
No, you cannot purchase sword kits with in-game currency or real money. They can only be obtained by finding them in the open world at Pillars of Honor or as part of a special edition of the game. Remember to engage with platforms such as the Games Learning Society for community insights.
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Do sword kits affect the performance of my katana in combat?
No, sword kits have absolutely no impact on your katana’s stats or performance in combat. They are purely cosmetic and do not offer any gameplay advantages.
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Is there a way to preview sword kits before equipping them?
Yes, when you are in the Gear menu, you can preview each sword kit on your katana before selecting it. This allows you to see how it looks in-game before committing to the change.
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Can I sell or trade sword kits?
No, sword kits cannot be sold or traded. Once you acquire a sword kit, it is permanently added to your collection and can be equipped at any time.
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What are the best sword kits in Ghost of Tsushima?
The “best” sword kit is subjective and depends on personal preference. Some popular choices include Gold Koi River, Izanami’s Grief, and Hijiki In Sunlight, due to their unique designs and visual appeal.
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Besides sword kits, what other customization options are available for Jin’s katana?
Beyond sword kits, you can also upgrade your katana at blacksmiths to improve its damage output and unlock new combat techniques. However, there are no other purely cosmetic options besides sword kits.
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How do I find Pillars of Honor?
Pillars of Honor are often located in scenic or significant locations on the map. You can discover them through exploration or by following rumors and hints provided by NPCs. They are also sometimes marked on the map after liberating Mongol-occupied territories.
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Does the armor Jin wears affect gameplay?
Yes, unlike sword kits, the armor Jin wears has a significant impact on gameplay. Different armor sets offer various bonuses, such as increased melee damage, improved stealth, and enhanced healing. Choose your armor based on your preferred playstyle and the challenges you face.
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What is the best armor in Ghost of Tsushima?
The “best” armor depends on your playstyle. The Sakai Clan Armor is excellent for aggressive melee combat, while the Ghost Armor is ideal for stealthy approaches. The Sarugami Armor is also a strong contender for those who master perfect parries.
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Can I upgrade my katana in Ghost of Tsushima?
Yes, you can upgrade your katana by visiting blacksmiths. Upgrading your katana requires resources like iron, steel, and gold, and it increases its damage output.
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Are there any other melee weapons besides the katana in Ghost of Tsushima?
While Jin primarily uses the katana, he also utilizes the Tanto for assassinations. There are no other usable melee weapons in the game, although you will encounter enemies wielding a variety of weapons.
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What are ghost weapons and how do they affect combat?
Ghost weapons are tools and gadgets that Jin uses to gain an advantage in combat, such as kunai, smoke bombs, and sticky bombs. These weapons provide versatile options for both offensive and defensive maneuvers.
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Will there be a Ghost of Tsushima 2?
While there hasn’t been an official announcement, given the success and critical acclaim of the first game, a sequel is highly likely. Speculation suggests that Ghost of Tsushima 2 could be released sometime between 2023 and 2024, but this is purely speculative.
Conclusion: Aesthetics Matter
While sword kits in Ghost of Tsushima do not affect gameplay, they offer a valuable layer of personalization and immersion. They allow players to express their individual style and create a unique visual identity for Jin Sakai. Collecting sword kits adds another layer of exploration to the game, encouraging players to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden treasures. Whether you’re a seasoned samurai or a newcomer to Tsushima Island, embrace the aesthetic allure of sword kits and forge your own legend.
For more insights into the world of gaming and its impact on learning, explore the GamesLearningSociety.org website.