Mastering the Art of Archery: A Guide to Bows in Ghost of Tsushima

In Ghost of Tsushima, the way of the samurai blends with the cunning of the rogue. While the katana is your primary weapon, archery provides a crucial tactical advantage. To answer the central question directly: You acquire two distinct bows in Ghost of Tsushima: the Half Bow, which is unmissable, and the Longbow, which requires a specific quest. Here’s a comprehensive guide to obtaining and utilizing these essential tools of war.

Acquiring the Half Bow

The Half Bow is the first bow you’ll get in Ghost of Tsushima, and it’s virtually impossible to miss. It’s tied directly to the main storyline.

• Tale of Sensei Ishikawa: Early in Act 1, you’ll encounter a quest in the Hiyoshi region called “The Tale of Sensei Ishikawa.” This is more than just a side mission; it’s a vital step in your journey.
• Meeting Ishikawa: This questline introduces you to Sensei Ishikawa, a master archer, and his teachings.
• A Tutorial in Archery: Part of the quest involves a detailed tutorial on how to use the bow effectively. You’ll learn about aiming, drawing, and utilizing different arrow types.
• Permanent Acquisition: Once you complete the Tale of Sensei Ishikawa, the Half Bow is yours to keep and upgrade.

Unlocking the Longbow: The Curse of Uchitsune

The Longbow is a more powerful alternative, and acquiring it is part of an optional Mythic Tale. These tales are essentially legendary quests that offer unique rewards.

• The Curse of Uchitsune: This Mythic Tale revolves around the legend of a powerful archer and his cursed bow. You can start this quest by talking to a musician (Yamato) near the Kashine Forest in the Kamiagata region, which is unlocked later in the game.
• Tracking the Trail: The quest will lead you to various locations marked by purple flowers. Follow the trail meticulously.
• Acquisition and Duel: The quest will end with the acquisition of the longbow. Get ready for a tough duel to prove your worth and skill in Archery.
• Superior Power: The Longbow is more powerful than the Half Bow, offering greater range, damage, and the ability to pierce Mongol helmets.

Upgrading Your Bows

Both bows can be upgraded at bowyers, allowing you to improve their stats and effectiveness.

• Resources Required: Upgrading bows requires resources like bamboo, yew wood, wax wood, and predator hides.
• Resource Farming: Certain areas are more conducive to farming specific resources. For instance, Arrow Peak Shrine is a good location to farm bamboo, while Golden Summit Shrine yields yew wood. Predator hides are often found around Rushing Water Crossing.
• Wax Wood: Unlike other resources, wax wood cannot be farmed and is primarily obtained by visiting shrines and offering prayers.
• Charm of Inari: Equip the Charm of Inari to get bonus resources when gathering.

Beyond the Bow: Other Offensive Tools

Archery is only one facet of Jin’s arsenal. The game offers a variety of other offensive tools.

• Kunai: Quick and effective throwing blades.
• Smoke Bomb: Disrupts enemies and allows for stealthy escapes or attacks.
• Black Powder Bomb: Deals significant area-of-effect damage.
• Sticky Bomb: Sticks to enemies and deals explosive damage.
• Wind Chime: Distracts enemies, creating openings for stealth takedowns.

Weaponry: Katana and Tanto

In addition to archery, Jin utilizes traditional samurai weaponry.

• Sakai Katana: Your primary melee weapon, versatile for combat.
• Sakai Tanto: A dagger used for stealth assassinations.
• No Other Melee Weapons: While you encounter other weapons throughout the game, Jin exclusively wields the Sakai Katana and Tanto.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many bows are in Ghost of Tsushima?

There are two bows in Ghost of Tsushima: the Half Bow and the Longbow. The Half Bow is acquired through the main story, while the Longbow is obtained through the “Curse of Uchitsune” Mythic Tale.

2. Which bow is better, the Half Bow or the Longbow?

The Longbow is generally considered the better bow due to its higher damage, longer range, and ability to pierce Mongol helmets. However, the Half Bow has a faster firing rate and a higher maximum ammunition count, making it useful in certain situations.

3. Where can I find more arrows in Ghost of Tsushima?

Arrows can be found in several locations:

• Mongol Archers: Defeating Mongol archers will often yield arrows.
• Quivers: Quivers are scattered throughout the map, especially in Mongol-controlled areas.
• Mongol Ammunition Pouches: These pouches are common in Mongol camps and bases.

4. How do I upgrade my bows in Ghost of Tsushima?

You can upgrade your bows by visiting a bowyer. Upgrades require resources like bamboo, yew wood, wax wood, and predator hides.

5. What resources are needed to upgrade the Half Bow in Ghost of Tsushima?

Upgrading the Half Bow requires bamboo, yew wood, wax wood, and predator hides. These resources can be found throughout the game world.

6. Is archery useful in Ghost of Tsushima?

While not as central as melee combat, archery is highly useful for initiating combat from a distance, taking down specific targets, and creating tactical advantages. Stealth archery can thin out enemy ranks before engaging in direct combat.

7. Where can I find wax wood in Ghost of Tsushima?

Unlike other resources, wax wood cannot be farmed. It is primarily obtained by visiting shrines and making offerings.

8. What is the best armor in Ghost of Tsushima?

Armor choice depends on your playstyle. However, the Sarugami Armor is a popular choice for its risk-reward mechanic, allowing you to unleash combos after a perfect parry.

9. Can I use the Longbow as the Hunter class in Ghost of Tsushima: Legends?

Yes, the Longbow is a ranged weapon for the Hunter class in Ghost of Tsushima: Legends. Furthermore, if you have the versatile perk, you can use the Longbow in all classes.

10. What is the Sakai horse armor, and what does it do?

The Sakai Horse Armor is a special armor for your horse that significantly enhances its combat capabilities. It increases horse charge damage by 50% and allows it to kill brutes in one hit.

11. What are the best charms to use in Ghost of Tsushima?

Again, charm selection is tied to playstyle, but some popular choices include:

• Charm of Inari: Increases supplies, predator hides, bamboo, and yew wood gained from collecting.
• Charm of Takemikazuchi: Killing an enemy grants a small damage buff for a few seconds.

12. What makes the Longbow more powerful?

The Longbow is more powerful because it:

• Deals more damage.
• Has a longer range.
• Can penetrate Mongol helmets, which the Half Bow cannot.

13. Where do I find the Composite Bow?

The article mentions a Composite Bow, found as a Mongol Artifact. To get it, head to the Kubara Lighthouse (south of Yamabushi’s Peak and east of Fort Koyasan in the Kubara prefecture of Toyotama). Look for a small Mongol tent on the southwest side of the lighthouse and inside the tent, you’ll find the bow on the wall. Note, this artifact is just a collectible and not a usable weapon.

14. How many Mythic Tales are there in Ghost of Tsushima?

There are seven Mythic Tales in Ghost of Tsushima.

15. Where is the Sakai horse armor located?

The Sakai horse armor is found on a boat marked with a large flag in the rocks of Zasho Bay. To learn this location, you’ll need to eavesdrop on the window in the nearby coast.

Mastering archery, along with other combat techniques, is essential for success in Ghost of Tsushima. The skills you gain can also influence how you approach problem-solving in real-world situations, highlighting the potential for games to influence learning, as explored by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each bow, you can adapt your strategy to face any threat, making you a truly formidable samurai.