How to Find and Complete The Laughing Bandits in Ghost of Tsushima
The Laughing Bandits side tale in Ghost of Tsushima is a poignant and memorable quest, filled with both tragedy and intrigue. It’s a great example of the emotional depth found within the game’s numerous side quests. You’ll discover the quest’s impact firsthand, but here’s a detailed walkthrough on how to start and complete this tale.
Unlocking and Starting The Laughing Bandits
To begin this side tale, you won’t find a glowing icon on the map. Instead, you need to actively seek it out in the world. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find and start The Laughing Bandits quest:
- Locate the Quest Giver: Your journey begins by heading to the area just north of the Golden Forest in the Izuhara region, the first region of Tsushima.
- Find the Woman: Look for a woman standing near a small camp or shack. She’ll be distressed and will initiate a conversation when you approach.
- Accept the Quest: After speaking with the woman, you’ll learn about the bandits and the disappearance of her friend, Saki. Agree to help her, thus starting the quest “The Laughing Bandits”.
Completing the Steps
Once the quest has begun, Jin will need to follow a series of clues and locations to unravel what happened to Saki. Here’s a breakdown of each step:
- Travel to Saki’s Home: The woman will point you to Saki’s home, which isn’t too far from the initial meeting point.
- Follow the Bandits’ Tracks: At Saki’s home, you’ll need to use your investigation skills to follow the bandits’ tracks. Look for signs like footprints, disturbed ground, or broken items. The trails will lead you away from Saki’s house, marking the path of her captors.
- Travel to the Komoda Ruins: The bandit’s tracks will eventually lead you to the Komoda Ruins, an area you might be familiar with if you have progressed through the main story. It’s an old settlement partially destroyed, providing ideal cover for an ambush.
- Confront the Bandits: At the Komoda Ruins, you’ll encounter the laughing bandits. This will lead to a direct fight against the bandits. Defeat them all, ensuring there are no stragglers.
- Discover the Truth: After defeating the bandits, you will be able to see what occurred. Saki tragically drowned herself. While her body is visible underwater if you utilize photo mode, you can’t actually save her within the game’s mechanics. This is a powerful and sorrowful realization.
- Return to the Woman: The last step is to return to the woman who initially tasked you with finding Saki. Share the tragic news of her fate to complete the side tale. While there is no happy ending, your duty to see it through and close this story will bring it to an end.
The Laughing Bandits Rewards
While completing The Laughing Bandits may not result in the happiest of outcomes, you will receive an important increase to your Legend, which is crucial for unlocking further upgrades for Jin. You also receive a medium reward of supplies. Though the rewards may seem small in the face of the story’s gravity, it’s a reminder that not all tales in Ghost of Tsushima end in victory. This quest serves to highlight the harsh realities that the people of Tsushima face, adding depth to the game’s narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you save Saki in The Laughing Bandits quest?
No, unfortunately, you cannot save Saki. Her fate is predetermined within the game’s narrative. While you can see her body underwater using photo mode after defeating the bandits, there are no mechanics to alter the outcome of her story.
2. Where is the starting location of The Laughing Bandits quest?
The quest begins just north of the Golden Forest in the Izuhara region of Tsushima, near a small camp or shack, where you will encounter a distressed woman.
3. Are there any missable side quests in Ghost of Tsushima?
While most side quests can be accessed at almost any time, some quests are tied to specific story points or locations. Some characters will move or disappear if you progress too far. So it’s always wise to complete any that come your way if they interest you to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the stories.
4. How many Tales of Tsushima are there?
There are a total of 61 Tales of Tsushima, or side quests, in Ghost of Tsushima. This number does not include the main story missions or the 7 Mythic Tales.
5. What are Mythic Tales in Ghost of Tsushima?
Mythic Tales are unique side quests that reward Jin with powerful abilities, armor sets, or weapons. They are distinct from the standard side quests and are often longer and more involved.
6. How long does it take to 100% Ghost of Tsushima?
A full 100% completion of Ghost of Tsushima can take around 61.5 hours, as it involves completing all main quests, side quests, Mythic Tales, and exploration.
7. Which armor is considered the best in Ghost of Tsushima?
The Sarugami Armor is often considered the best due to its risk-reward mechanic which allows you to counter attacks with a powerful flurry. It is obtained through a specific Mythic Tale.
8. Is Ghost of Tsushima based on a true story?
Yes, Ghost of Tsushima is inspired by the first Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274. The island of Tsushima was indeed a focal point of this historical event.
9. What is Nightmare Mode in Ghost of Tsushima?
Nightmare Mode is a higher difficulty setting in Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, a multiplayer mode. Players must reach a Ki level of 90 to unlock this challenge.
10. Where can I find “A Debt Repaid” side quest?
The “A Debt Repaid” side quest can be found on the border of the Yarikawa and Kushi prefectures, on the east side of the map, near some bamboo groves north of the Yarikawa Stronghold.
11. Where are the Charm of Fortunes located?
The Charm of Fortunes can be obtained through the side quests “Peace for the Divine” and “Friends in Passing”. “Peace for the Divine” is found in Toyotama, while “Friends in Passing” is the eighth quest of the Ishikawa tales.
12. Should I let Lord Shimura live or die in the story?
This choice affects your rewards. Killing Lord Shimura rewards you with the Righteous Punishment dye, while sparing him gives the Vow of Vengeance dye for your Ghost Armor. The choice is entirely up to your preference.
13. Is the Golden Temple in Ghost of Tsushima a real place?
The Golden Temple in the game is inspired by Banshoin Temple in Izuhara, though its design is somewhat altered for the game.
14. Is it worth doing 100% of Ghost of Tsushima?
Whether to 100% the game depends on your preferences. There’s no extra reward for 100% completion beyond the enjoyment of fully experiencing the game. Complete the content that brings you the most satisfaction.
15. What is the strongest class in Ghost of Tsushima: Legends?
In Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, the Ronin class is often considered one of the strongest due to its supportive and self-sufficient capabilities. But you will find fans of each of the 4 classes.
The Laughing Bandits tale, while sad, is just one of the many compelling side stories within Ghost of Tsushima. By taking the time to explore and engage with the world, you’ll uncover its true depth and character.