Is Ghost of Tsushima DLC Hard? A Deep Dive into the Iki Island Challenge

Yes, the Iki Island DLC for Ghost of Tsushima is generally considered harder than the base game. While Ghost of Tsushima presents a manageable challenge, even on normal difficulty, Iki Island ramps up the intensity with new enemy types, altered combat mechanics, and a more unforgiving environment. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; in fact, for many players, it enhances the experience and provides a welcome test of their skills honed in Tsushima. Let’s explore the reasons behind this increased difficulty and how you can overcome the challenges Iki Island throws your way.

Why Iki Island Presents a Greater Challenge

Several factors contribute to the heightened difficulty of the Iki Island DLC:

New Enemy Types: The introduction of Shamans is perhaps the most significant change. These enemies buff nearby allies, making them hit harder and become more resistant to damage. Prioritizing Shamans becomes crucial, forcing you to adapt your tactics.
Weapon Switching Enemies: Enemies on Iki Island can switch weapons mid-fight, which is a huge game changer. This requires players to adapt their stances on the fly.
Increased Enemy Aggression: Enemies on Iki Island seem to have enhanced aggressiveness and quicker reaction times, making combat more intense and demanding.
Environmental Hazards: Iki Island features a more rugged and unforgiving environment, with treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather that can impact combat.
Stance Knowledge Requirement: Due to the enemies switching weapons mid fight, players should become better at all the stances.

Overcoming the Challenges of Iki Island

While Iki Island is tougher, it’s far from insurmountable. Here are some tips for conquering its challenges:

Master Your Stances: The enemies that switch weapons mid combat need to have different stances used against them. You’ll need to be adept at switching between Stone, Water, Wind, and Moon stances to effectively counter different enemy types.
Prioritize Shaman Elimination: Identify and eliminate Shamans as quickly as possible. Utilize ranged attacks, stealth, or quick bursts of aggression to take them out before they can buff their allies.
Upgrade Your Gear: Ensure your armor, weapons, and gadgets are fully upgraded. Visit a swordsmith and armorer to enhance your equipment and gain an edge in combat.
Utilize Ghost Weapons: Don’t hesitate to use your Ghost Weapons, such as Kunai, Sticky Bombs, and Smoke Bombs, to control the battlefield and gain tactical advantages.
Perfect Your Parry Timing: Mastering the parry mechanic is crucial for survival. Precise parries not only deflect attacks but also create opportunities for counterattacks.
Embrace Stealth: When possible, utilize stealth to thin out enemy ranks before engaging in direct combat.
Explore and Discover: Iki Island is filled with secrets and hidden upgrades. Take the time to explore the island and uncover valuable resources and abilities.
Adjust Difficulty: If you’re finding the challenge overwhelming, don’t hesitate to adjust the difficulty settings. There’s no shame in lowering the difficulty to enjoy the story and explore the island without excessive frustration.
Learn enemy attack patterns: Each enemy type in Ghost of Tsushima has a different attack pattern. The best way to defeat enemies is to learn those attack patterns so you can parry or dodge.

FAQs: Conquering Your Fears About Iki Island

Is Iki Island Worth It?

Absolutely! Despite the increased difficulty, Iki Island is a worthwhile addition to Ghost of Tsushima. It offers a compelling story, new combat challenges, and a beautiful new region to explore. The focus on Jin’s past adds depth to his character, and the new content provides a refreshing experience for seasoned players.

When Should You Start the Iki Island DLC?

Ideally, it’s recommended to tackle Iki Island after completing the main Ghost of Tsushima story. This allows you to approach the DLC with a fully upgraded character and a comprehensive understanding of the combat mechanics. However, you can start it as early as Act 2.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Iki Island DLC?

The main storyline of Iki Island can be completed in around 5 hours. Completing all side missions and exploring the island to 100% completion will take closer to 13 hours.

Is There Any Game Better Than Ghost of Tsushima?

Whether a game is “better” is subjective, but games like Elden Ring offer a different, often more challenging, experience. Elden Ring is harder but lacks in narrative. Ghost of Tsushima tells a story and gives the player more narrative freedom, while Elden Ring gives players open world freedom.

What Is the Hardest Part of Ghost of Tsushima?

Many players consider some of the duels to be the hardest part of Ghost of Tsushima. The duels force players to learn a bosses move set and the duels allow little to no margin for error.

Is Sekiro Better Than Ghost of Tsushima?

Again, it’s subjective. Sekiro is more challenging and has a tighter, more focused gameplay loop. Ghost of Tsushima offers a larger open world with more exploration and customization options, but it comes at the cost of pacing.

Should I Beat Iki Island First?

While you can leave Iki Island to level up, it’s generally recommended to complete the main Ghost of Tsushima story first. This ensures you’re adequately prepared for the challenges of Iki Island from a story perspective.

Is Iki Island Harder Than the Main Game?

Yes, Iki Island is definitively harder than the main game. The new enemy types, increased aggression, and challenging environmental hazards make for a more demanding experience.

What Should I Do Before Iki Island?

Complete as many side quests and upgrades in Tsushima as possible. Make sure your gear is upgraded, and you’re comfortable with all the combat mechanics.

Can I Leave Iki Island Early?

Once you start the “Journey into the Past” mission, you cannot leave until you complete all the story missions. Be sure you’re prepared before embarking on this journey.

What Does Iki Island Add?

Iki Island adds a new island to explore, a compelling story arc that delves into Jin’s past, new enemy types, combat mechanics, armor, and a variety of side quests and collectibles.

Is Ghost of Tsushima Easier Than Bloodborne?

Yes, Ghost of Tsushima is significantly easier than Bloodborne. Ghost of Tsushima is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, while Bloodborne is known for its punishing difficulty.

Which Armor Is Best in Ghost of Tsushima?

The Sarugami Armor is considered by many to be the best armor in Ghost of Tsushima. Its special ability allows players to use a combo whenever they get a perfect parry against an enemy.

Is There an Ending to Iki Island?

Yes, Iki Island has a definitive ending. The Epilogue: Last Words tale concludes the story arc and provides closure to Jin’s journey on the island.

Should I 100% Ghost of Tsushima?

Completing 100% of Ghost of Tsushima is a matter of personal preference. There’s no special reward for doing so, but if you enjoy exploring and completing all the side content, it can be a rewarding experience. Learning through play is beneficial, which is something explored by the Games Learning Society. For more on games in education visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

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