Ghost of Tsushima: To Lock On, or Not to Lock On? That Is the Question.
The core combat of Ghost of Tsushima is a ballet of blades, a dance of death where precision and awareness are paramount. The question of whether to use lock-on or embrace a free-flowing style is crucial for mastering this art. The short answer? Ghost of Tsushima is generally better played without lock-on for experienced players seeking to maximize fluidity and tactical awareness. However, the best approach depends heavily on your playstyle and comfort level. Utilizing custom lock-on can also be extremely advantageous.
The Case Against Lock-On: A Samurai’s Freedom
The developers at Sucker Punch made a deliberate choice to de-emphasize lock-on, and their reasoning shines through in the game’s design. Here’s why the unlocked approach often reigns supreme:
- Enhanced Awareness: Without a locked target, your camera is free to roam, giving you a panoramic view of the battlefield. You can easily spot incoming attacks, anticipate enemy movements, and prioritize threats. This is vital when facing multiple opponents simultaneously, which is a common occurrence in Ghost of Tsushima.
- Fluid Transitions: The absence of lock-on allows for seamless transitions between enemies. Instead of being tethered to a single target, you can effortlessly switch your focus, chaining attacks and maintaining momentum. This creates a sense of dynamism and control that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Strategic Positioning: Staying unlocked enables you to use the environment to your advantage. You can maneuver around obstacles, create space, and funnel enemies into chokepoints. This strategic flexibility is crucial for surviving challenging encounters.
- Mastering the Stances: Ghost of Tsushima’s stance system is a cornerstone of its combat. Each stance is tailored to a specific enemy type. Without lock-on, you can quickly identify the best stance for each opponent and switch accordingly, maximizing your effectiveness.
- Increased Challenge and Reward: Playing without lock-on demands a higher level of skill and attention. It forces you to truly understand the combat mechanics and develop a deeper connection to the character. The satisfaction of mastering this style is immense.
The Case For Lock-On: A Beginner’s Embrace (and Customization)
While the unlocked style offers distinct advantages, lock-on can be a valuable tool, especially for new players or those who prefer a more controlled approach.
- Target Prioritization: For those unaccustomed to the speed of the combat, lock-on can provide a clear focal point, reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed and letting you focus on parrying, dodging, and using the right combat stance for the right enemy.
- Accessibility: The ability to re-enable lock-on provides a good crutch for those not yet used to the combat or struggling with camera controls.
- Customizable Lock-On: When customized to only lock-on when you select it and to not reacquire a target upon an enemies death, it provides the best of both worlds by allowing you to manually select which enemy you are fighting while otherwise playing without lock-on.
Why Choose Custom Lock-On?
Utilizing custom lock-on provides many of the benefits of playing without lock-on while still allowing you to quickly and easily lock onto an enemy of your choosing. The benefit is being able to fight freely when there are only 1-2 enemies, but quickly choosing and focusing on the highest-priority target when there are 4+ enemies present.
Finding Your Style: Experimentation is Key
Ultimately, the choice between lock-on and unlocked combat is a personal one. The best approach is to experiment with both styles and see which one feels most natural and effective for you. Don’t be afraid to switch between them depending on the situation.
The combat system is deep and rewarding, and it’s worth taking the time to explore its nuances. Whether you choose to lock on or embrace the freedom of an unlocked style, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey of becoming the Ghost.
Consider studying GamesLearningSociety.org for additional insights on game mechanics and design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Ghost of Tsushima to help you navigate the world and master its combat:
1. What is the lock-on button in Ghost of Tsushima?
The lock-on feature can be toggled on and off using the up button on the d-pad, provided you have enabled the toggle in the settings. You can switch between targets using the right stick.
2. Why does Ghost of Tsushima not have a traditional lock-on system?
The developers wanted to encourage players to remain aware of their surroundings and move fluidly between enemies. A traditional lock-on system would have restricted movement and limited tactical options.
3. Can you become evil in Ghost of Tsushima?
No, there is no morality meter in Ghost of Tsushima. You can choose to play honorably or dishonorably, but the story will play out the same way regardless of your actions.
4. Is Ghost of Tsushima suitable for younger players?
The game features some violence and partial nudity, but it is generally considered appropriate for players aged 13 and older. Parents should exercise their own discretion.
5. How should I approach combat in Ghost of Tsushima?
Focus on blocking, dodging, and parrying. Learn the enemy attack patterns and timing. Experiment with different stances to find the best counter for each enemy type.
6. Can you beat Khotun Khan in the first encounter?
No, you cannot beat Khotun Khan during the first boss fight. The game will force you into a cutscene to progress the story.
7. Is the Digital Deluxe Edition horse better than the others?
No, the only difference is aesthetic. Choose the horse that you find most visually appealing.
8. Why can’t I always assassinate enemies in Ghost of Tsushima?
Enemies can only be stealth killed when they are unalerted. You cannot assassinate enemies during combat unless you use a smoke bomb.
9. What is the best armor in Ghost of Tsushima?
The Sarugami Armor is considered one of the best, especially for players who excel at perfect parries. It allows you to unleash powerful combos after a successful parry.
10. Does Ghost of Tsushima have auto-lock after defeating an enemy?
By default, yes, but the auto-lock can be disabled in the settings.
11. How long does it take to beat Ghost of Tsushima?
Completing the main story and side quests will take around 30 hours. Completing all story content and exploring the entire map can take 40 to 50 hours.
12. Do I need to 100% Ghost of Tsushima?
No, you do not need to get everything in Ghost of Tsushima. The game does not offer any special rewards for completing all content. Focus on the aspects that you enjoy the most.
13. What is the most useful stance in Ghost of Tsushima?
Each stance is effective against specific enemy types. Stone stance is best against swordsmen, Water stance is effective against shield users, Wind stance is strong against spear users, and Moon stance is particularly useful against brutes.
14. Does difficulty affect Ghost of Tsushima?
Yes, difficulty affects the challenge of the game. However, there are no trophies tied to a specific difficulty level, so you can adjust it as needed.
15. Are there multiple endings in Ghost of Tsushima?
Yes, there are multiple endings, but developer Sucker Punch will likely have to choose one to be canonical in future installments.