Is the Hero of Tsushima Armor Good? A Deep Dive
The short answer? No, the Hero of Tsushima armor isn’t good in the long run. While it might seem appealing at first glance, especially for its unique look and early-game benefits, its inability to be upgraded quickly renders it obsolete compared to other armor sets available in Ghost of Tsushima. Let’s delve deeper into why this pre-order bonus falls short and when it might (and might not) be worth using.
Initial Appeal and Shortcomings
The Hero of Tsushima armor offers a major increase to health and a moderate reduction in damage taken when you first acquire it. These are significant advantages, especially at the beginning of your journey on Tsushima Island. The armor’s design is also undeniably striking, boasting a distinct and regal aesthetic that separates it from other armors.
However, the major drawback is its lack of upgradability. Unlike nearly all other armor sets, the Hero of Tsushima armor cannot be improved through crafting with resources, meaning its initial stat boosts remain static. As you progress through the game, encounter stronger enemies, and unlock more potent armors with unique perks, the Hero of Tsushima armor’s advantages quickly fade. The Samurai Clan Armor, for instance, can be upgraded and quickly surpasses the Hero armor in terms of both health and damage mitigation. The Hero of Tsushima serves as a very temporary stopgap, primarily valuable for its aesthetics and the initial boost it provides before better options become accessible.
When to Consider Using the Hero of Tsushima Armor
While not a long-term solution, there are specific situations where you might find the Hero of Tsushima armor useful:
- Early Game Advantage: It can provide a nice cushion during the opening hours of the game. The extra health and damage resistance can make early encounters much more manageable.
- Aesthetic Preference: If you simply love the way it looks, there’s nothing wrong with wearing it purely for cosmetic reasons, especially during exploration or side activities.
- Transition Period: If you’re in a position where you have not yet unlocked the Samurai Clan Armor or haven’t gathered enough resources to upgrade your current armor, it can fill the gap nicely.
However, if your aim is to optimize combat efficiency, the Hero of Tsushima armor will ultimately be a handicap compared to other armor sets.
The Superior Alternatives
Several armor sets offer significantly more impactful advantages:
- Samurai Clan Armor: This armor is a direct upgrade from the Hero of Tsushima set, offering better health boosts, damage reduction, and upgradability.
- Ghost Armor: Focused on stealth, it reduces enemy detection speed and terrorizes enemies after stealth kills, encouraging a different, more strategic playstyle.
- Sarugami Armor: This is one of the most powerful armors. It provides a significant risk/reward advantage by boosting counterattack abilities after perfect parries.
- Sakai Clan Armor: Great for melee combat, this armor drastically increases melee damage, health, and standoff streaks, making it ideal for direct combat encounters.
- Gosaku’s Armor: This armor enhances health and allows you to stagger enemies more effectively, great for heavy melee.
These options quickly become far more advantageous than the fixed stats of the Hero of Tsushima armor. The variety of armors allows players to optimize their playstyle whether it be through stealth, combat or a mix of both.
Conclusion
While the Hero of Tsushima armor has its initial charm and is a nice early-game bonus, its inability to be upgraded makes it less desirable as you progress through Ghost of Tsushima. The armor’s aesthetic is unique, but its function is fleeting. You should not use this armor if your priority is to maximize combat effectiveness, as the Samurai Clan Armor and other armor sets provide superior benefits. For a short-term boost or purely cosmetic reasons, it’s fine; otherwise, consider it a stepping stone on your path to more powerful, customizable equipment. Ultimately, there are much better options available to fully embrace the combat and narrative of Tsushima.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I obtain the Hero of Tsushima armor?
The Hero of Tsushima armor is a pre-order bonus included in the Digital Deluxe, Special, and Collector’s Editions of Ghost of Tsushima. It’s not available to those who purchased the base game.
2. Can the Hero of Tsushima armor be upgraded?
No, the Hero of Tsushima armor cannot be upgraded. This is its primary drawback, making it less effective as the game progresses.
3. What are the main benefits of the Hero of Tsushima armor?
The armor provides a major increase to health and a moderate reduction in damage taken. These benefits are most noticeable early in the game.
4. Is the Samurai Clan Armor better than the Hero of Tsushima armor?
Yes, the Samurai Clan Armor is significantly better than the Hero of Tsushima armor because it can be upgraded and provides superior stat boosts.
5. Is the Hero of Tsushima armor good for combat?
Initially, it can be helpful for its health and damage reduction, but it’s not good for the long term. Superior armors like the Sakai Clan Armor and Sarugami Armor greatly outperform it as the game progresses.
6. Does the Hero of Tsushima armor have any special abilities?
No, unlike some other armor sets, the Hero of Tsushima armor does not possess any unique abilities beyond the health and damage reduction.
7. When should I stop using the Hero of Tsushima armor?
You should consider switching to a different armor set as soon as you obtain the Samurai Clan Armor or another armor set that better suits your playstyle as it will have more impactful advantages after upgrades.
8. What is the best-looking armor in Ghost of Tsushima?
Subjectivity plays a role here, but the most praised armors for appearance often include the Traveler’s Armor, Sakai Clan Armor, Ronin Armor, God of War Armor, Aloy Armor, Sarugami Armor, Gosaku’s Armor, and Ghost Armor.
9. What is the best overall armor in Ghost of Tsushima?
There isn’t a single best armor; it depends on playstyle. However, the Sarugami Armor is arguably the most powerful combat armor when mastered, while Ghost Armor is excellent for stealth builds.
10. Is Ghost of Tsushima a hard game?
While it can be challenging, especially during duels and intense combat scenarios, it is not considered overly difficult. The game offers various difficulty options to tailor the challenge.
11. Is stealth or combat better in Ghost of Tsushima?
The game encourages both stealth and combat. Both are viable, and you can adapt your approach depending on your preferred playstyle and the situation at hand. The narrative also supports a mix of both honorable combat and the more dishonorable stealth approach.
12. Can you be dishonorable in Ghost of Tsushima?
You can use “dishonorable” tactics, such as stealth kills and using the Ghost weapons. However, there is no morality system and the story is linear. The weather will become more gloomy and dark as you delve into the more dishonorable actions though.
13. What happens if you wear Sakai Armor in Iki Island?
Entering the Sheltered Campsite on Iki Island with the Sakai Clan Armor before starting the quest “The Legacy of Kazumasa Sakai” will cause villagers to flee, preventing the start of the quest. Simply switch to a different armor set to proceed.
14. What is the significance of the Ghost Armor?
The Ghost Armor is a pivotal armor set tied directly to the narrative, representing Jin’s transformation into the “Ghost.” It is a crucial part of the story.
15. Who is the hardest boss in Ghost of Tsushima?
Many players find the final boss, Lord Shimura, the most challenging, followed by Khotun Khan and The Eagle from the Iki Island DLC.