Does Assassination Affect Anything in Ghost of Tsushima?
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The short answer is: no, assassination tactics in Ghost of Tsushima do not have any significant impact on the game’s core narrative, morality system, or overall ending. While the game brilliantly portrays the tension between the honorable samurai code and the more pragmatic “Ghost” tactics, your choice to assassinate, engage in direct combat, or a mix of both, will not alter the overarching story. The path of Jin Sakai, from a noble samurai to the feared Ghost, is set regardless of your gameplay style. You will always become “the Ghost,” and the events of the game will unfold as intended.
This design choice might disappoint some players seeking a branching narrative based on their actions. However, it allows the game to explore its thematic concerns regarding honor, sacrifice, and the cost of war without being constrained by a complex morality system. Let’s dive deeper into what this means for your experience.
Understanding the Game’s Narrative Design
Ghost of Tsushima isn’t built around a branching narrative that dramatically alters based on player choices. Instead, it presents a linear story about a man forced to abandon his traditional beliefs to save his homeland. This approach ensures that all players experience the core story Sucker Punch Productions wanted to tell.
The Absence of a Morality System
One of the most notable aspects of Ghost of Tsushima is the lack of a morality system. There is no in-game meter tracking your honorable vs. dishonorable actions. The game doesn’t punish you for assassinating enemies or reward you for adhering to samurai codes of conduct. In fact, even if you attempt to play through the entire game without using dishonorable tactics, there will be scripted cutscenes where Jin engages in assassination or other actions that could be considered dishonorable. These moments are integral to the development of Jin’s character and how he transforms into the Ghost.
The Impact of “The Ghost” Persona
While your actions do not change the storyline, they do influence your perception of Jin’s character. Players are given the freedom to decide how heavily they rely on “Ghost” tactics, which allows them to play Jin as somewhat of an anti-hero, pushing the boundaries of the traditional samurai ethos. However, this is a player-driven interpretation rather than a gameplay-defined transformation. You have the agency to decide how you feel about it.
Gameplay Freedom
Despite the fixed narrative, the game offers incredible freedom in how you approach combat. You can choose to face enemies head-on using your katana, rely on stealth and assassinations, or mix both. There is no penalty for choosing to assassinate. Using assassinations is often the most effective way to ensure a smooth stealth playthrough. The developers have ensured that no one way of play is strictly better than another, and they encourage experimentation.
Cosmetics and Endings
The game also offers multiple colorations for your armor and other cosmetics depending on some choices that you make. For example, you may receive a white or red dye for your armor based on a choice you make at the end of the game, but there are no game-changing effects. The endings of the game are affected by choices that the player makes, but it is only in the final act. No choices the player makes throughout the rest of the game have any influence on the outcome of the ending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the role of assassinations and other gameplay decisions, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Does becoming more of “The Ghost” change the weather?
Some players suggest that increased use of “Ghost” tactics leads to more rain and storms. However, this is not a verified game mechanic and may be just a player observation. The wind and birds, related to exploration, are separate and not tied to honor.
2. Does upgrading my stealth blade make assassinations more effective?
Yes, fully upgrading your stealth blade will make assassinations more effective. However, be warned that some of the Ghost weapons might actually cause you to fail forced stealth missions.
3. Are there any consequences for playing dishonorably?
No, there are no tangible consequences for playing dishonorably. Some traditionalist NPCs may scold you, but this doesn’t affect gameplay.
4. Does your choice of armor impact your gameplay regarding the Ghost tactics?
While different armor sets provide different gameplay benefits, none directly influence the narrative based on your Ghost or Samurai playstyle. The Sarugami Armor, for example, encourages perfect parries with the bonus of a combo attack.
5. Is there a benefit to liberating all Mongol-occupied areas?
Yes. Liberating Mongol camps reveals the map by removing the fog of war, and grants experience and supplies. Clearing areas also awards the player with a Ghost of Tsushima trophy.
6. Is Ghost of Tsushima historically accurate?
While not entirely accurate, Ghost of Tsushima is based on historical events such as the first Mongol invasion of Japan. The game takes creative liberties to present an engaging narrative but draws inspiration from real history.
7. What is the best combat stance in the game?
There isn’t a single “best” stance. Different stances are effective against different enemy types: Stone for swordsmen, Water for shield users, Wind for spears, and Moon for brutes.
8. When do you get the Ghost Armor set?
The Ghost Armor Set is obtained automatically after completing the “From the Darkness” main quest in Act 2.
9. What happens if you get rid of all the Mongols?
Clearing all Mongol camps removes the fog of war from the map, allowing you to see all unexplored locations.
10. What is the difference between sparing or killing Shimura?
Sparing or killing Shimura only changes the color of dye that you receive, the Ghost Mask, and the headband. Both lead to the same narrative ending and there is no superior choice. There is no impact on the ending of the game beyond some superficial differences.
11. Is there a reward for 100% completion?
There is no special in-game reward for 100% completion beyond the satisfaction of having explored everything the game has to offer.
12. Can you miss anything in the game?
No, nothing is missable in Ghost of Tsushima. You can always revisit areas to collect items or complete unfinished tasks.
13. Are there multiple endings to the game?
There are two endings based on a choice you make during the final act of the game, but they are purely for flavor. Both endings are largely the same story-wise.
14. Can you assassinate leaders in the game?
Yes, you can assassinate Mongol leaders, but doing so with the Ghost Stance is high profile and can cause terror in nearby enemies.
15. Is Jin Sakai an anti-hero?
Whether Jin is an anti-hero is up to the player’s interpretation. The game allows you to play Jin in ways that deviate from the traditional honorable samurai, which can be interpreted as anti-heroic behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the act of assassination is central to the mechanics of Ghost of Tsushima, it does not have any impact on the narrative or ending of the game. The game is deliberately designed to allow you to make personal choices about Jin’s path, but that choice does not affect the overarching story. The player decides how their Jin uses the “Ghost” tactics, how they perceive their actions, and how they relate to the ideals of honor and tradition. The lack of a strict morality system empowers players to engage with the game’s themes on their own terms. The game’s primary focus is on the personal journey of Jin Sakai as he becomes the Ghost, regardless of how you choose to fight the Mongols.