How Many Sakai Banners Are There on Iki Island?

The answer to how many Sakai banners you can find on Iki Island in Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island Expansion is 7. These banners are part of a larger collectible system in the game and are integral for unlocking specific cosmetic items and understanding more about the Sakai clan’s history and its impact on Iki. Finding all the Sakai banners requires a thorough exploration of the island and often involves overcoming various challenges.

Exploring Iki Island for Sakai Banners

Iki Island, a downloadable content expansion to the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, provides players with a brand-new area to explore, rich with history, challenges, and collectibles. Among these collectibles are the Sakai banners, significant relics of Jin Sakai’s lineage and past. Collecting these banners reveals more about his family’s connection to the island and unlocks unique rewards.

The journey to collect all 7 Sakai banners is an adventure in itself, pushing players to delve into every corner of Iki Island. These banners aren’t simply lying in plain sight; they are carefully hidden, often requiring players to solve environmental puzzles, conquer enemy encampments, or navigate treacherous terrains.

The Significance of Sakai Banners

Sakai banners aren’t just random items scattered across the map; they are intrinsically linked to the story and lore of the game. Each banner represents a piece of the Sakai clan’s legacy and offers insights into their influence and experiences on Iki Island. By collecting them, Jin can reflect on his past and further solidify his identity as the Ghost.

The banners also serve a practical purpose. Gathering all 7 banners unlocks a unique armor dye for Jin, allowing players to customize their appearance and further immerse themselves in the role of a samurai haunted by the ghosts of his past.

Finding All 7 Sakai Banners: A Detailed Guide

While we won’t provide exact locations (that’s for you to discover!), knowing the general areas and what to expect can be a significant help:

• Explore every region thoroughly: Iki Island is divided into distinct areas, and the banners are spread across them. Don’t just stick to the main roads; venture off the beaten path.
• Look for clues in the environment: The game often provides subtle hints through visual cues or environmental storytelling. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially near ruined buildings, ancestral sites, and areas with a strong Sakai clan presence.
• Conquer Mongol camps: Some banners may be located within or near Mongol territories. Liberating these areas may reveal hidden paths or unlock access to previously inaccessible locations.
• Solve environmental puzzles: Some banners are hidden behind simple puzzles that require interaction with the environment. Look for levers, switches, or objects that seem out of place.
• Utilize Guiding Wind: The Guiding Wind feature can be set to guide you towards collectibles, though it might not lead you directly to the banner’s exact location. It will, however, get you close.

Remember, patience and persistence are key to finding all 7 Sakai banners. Enjoy the exploration and embrace the challenges that Iki Island throws your way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sakai Banners on Iki Island

1. What is the purpose of collecting Sakai banners on Iki Island?

Collecting all 7 Sakai banners on Iki Island unlocks a special armor dye for Jin, allowing for character customization. It also provides deeper insights into the Sakai clan’s history and connection to the island.

2. Are Sakai banners missable on Iki Island?

No, Sakai banners are not missable. Once Iki Island is unlocked, players can return to the island at any time to collect any banners they may have missed during their initial playthrough.

3. Do I need to complete the main story of Ghost of Tsushima to access Iki Island?

You need to have progressed to Act 2 of the main Ghost of Tsushima story to access the Iki Island expansion.

4. Can I track my progress for collecting Sakai banners?

Yes, the game’s menu provides a tracking system for collectibles, including Sakai banners. You can view which banners you have already collected and which ones are still outstanding.

5. Are there any specific skills or upgrades required to reach all the Sakai banners?

No specific skills or upgrades are mandatory, but having certain traversal skills like the grapple hook will make exploration significantly easier and allow access to some areas where banners are hidden.

6. Are Sakai banners guarded by enemies?

Sometimes. Some banners are located within or near enemy encampments and are guarded by Mongols or other adversaries. Be prepared for combat while exploring.

7. Do the Sakai banners have any lore implications beyond the armor dye?

Yes, each Sakai banner offers a glimpse into the past, revealing stories and events related to the Sakai clan’s presence on Iki Island. These stories can be accessed when you examine the collected banners.

8. Is there a map available that shows the locations of all the Sakai banners?

While there isn’t an in-game map that pinpoints their exact locations, many online guides and resources offer detailed maps and walkthroughs for finding all 7 Sakai banners. However, discovering them on your own enhances the exploration experience.

9. Are Sakai banners considered difficult to find?

The difficulty varies from banner to banner. Some are relatively easy to locate, while others require more diligent exploration and problem-solving.

10. Can I collect the Sakai banners in any order?

Yes, you can collect the Sakai banners in any order you prefer. The game doesn’t impose any restrictions on the order in which you find them.

11. Do Sakai banners contribute to any trophies or achievements?

Yes, collecting all Sakai banners contributes to the completion of Iki Island’s content, which is necessary for unlocking certain trophies or achievements related to the expansion.

12. Can I use the Guiding Wind to help me find Sakai banners?

Yes, you can set the Guiding Wind to lead you towards collectibles, which will assist you in narrowing down the general area where the Sakai banners are located.

13. What happens if I accidentally sell or discard a Sakai banner?

You cannot sell or discard Sakai banners. Once collected, they are permanently added to your collection and remain accessible for viewing.

14. Are the Sakai banners related to any side quests on Iki Island?

While the Sakai banners aren’t directly tied to specific side quests, finding them often involves exploring areas where side quests may be available, leading to a more enriched overall experience.

15. Is collecting all Sakai banners worth the effort?

Absolutely. Beyond unlocking the unique armor dye, collecting all 7 Sakai banners provides a deeper understanding of the lore and backstory of Ghost of Tsushima, particularly the Sakai clan’s connection to Iki Island. This enhances the overall narrative experience and adds another layer of immersion to the game.