Unveiling the Ghost Stance in Ghost of Tsushima: A Deep Dive

Yes, there is a Ghost Stance in Ghost of Tsushima, and it’s arguably one of the most powerful and visually striking combat options available to Jin Sakai. Unlocked during a pivotal point in the game, specifically after Jin’s duel with General Temuge during “The Ghost of Yarikawa”, the Ghost Stance fundamentally alters your approach to combat, turning you into a whirlwind of deadly precision and fear. Getting it, mastering it, and understanding its strategic implications are crucial for any player aiming to conquer Tsushima.

How to Acquire the Ghost Stance

Unlike the other combat stances that are learned by observing and defeating Mongol Leaders, the Ghost Stance is obtained through story progression. Once you reach the quest “The Ghost of Yarikawa” you can begin the process of unlocking this stance. This means that the Ghost Stance is gated behind Act Two of the story.

To actually activate the Ghost Stance during combat, you need to fulfill one of two requirements:

• Kill seven (7) total enemy units without being damaged by an enemy. This will be displayed as a kill counter around the Stance icon in the bottom right.
• Assassinate a Mongol Leader. Players will know this has been fulfilled as Jin will behead the Leader.

Once activated, Jin dons a spectral white aura, moves with increased speed, and can unleash a devastating series of attacks that instantly kill most enemies. It’s a potent tool for clearing out large groups quickly and efficiently, and its visual flair makes it a particularly satisfying ability to use.

The Power and Implications of the Ghost Stance

The Ghost Stance isn’t just about raw power; it represents a crucial turning point in Jin’s character arc. As he increasingly embraces unconventional tactics and abandons the rigid code of the samurai, the Ghost Stance becomes a symbol of his transformation into the legendary “Ghost of Tsushima.”

Gameplay-wise, the Ghost Stance provides a strategic advantage in several ways:

• Crowd Control: Excellent for dealing with large groups of enemies, allowing you to quickly thin their ranks and gain control of the battlefield.
• Momentum: Activating the stance can swing the momentum of a fight in your favor, especially when you’re outnumbered or facing difficult opponents.
• Psychological Warfare: The very sight of the Ghost Stance can instill fear in the enemy, breaking their morale and making them more vulnerable. As the article stated, “This Stance can terrify the bravest men”.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Ghost Stance

1. What is the Ghost Stance, and when do I get it?

The Ghost Stance is a special combat ability that allows Jin to instantly kill multiple enemies. You unlock it during the “The Ghost of Yarikawa” tale, which is part of Act Two of the main story.

2. How do I activate the Ghost Stance?

You activate the Ghost Stance by killing seven enemies without taking damage or by assassinating a Mongol Leader.

3. Is the Ghost Stance dishonorable?

The game’s narrative frames stealthy tactics, including the Ghost Stance, as dishonorable compared to direct confrontation. However, there are no gameplay consequences for using it, and many find it to be a highly effective and enjoyable combat option. The most dishonorable, it can be Extremely Dangerous to the enemies. This stance is favoured by Jin Sakai.

4. Can I use the Ghost Stance in duels?

No, the Ghost Stance is typically unavailable during one-on-one duels against specific named characters. These fights are designed to test your skill with the katana and the other traditional stances.

5. What’s the best way to build up the Ghost Stance meter?

The most efficient way to fill the Ghost Stance meter is to focus on stealthy kills and avoiding damage. Using kunai, smoke bombs, and other gadgets can help you quickly eliminate enemies without being detected.

6. Does difficulty affect how easily I can fill the Ghost Stance meter?

No, the difficulty setting does not affect the rate at which the Ghost Stance meter fills. It primarily affects enemy damage output and awareness.

7. Are there any upgrades that affect the Ghost Stance?

Yes, there are upgrades within Jin’s skill tree that enhance the Ghost Stance, such as increasing its duration or the number of enemies you can kill while in the stance.

8. Does assassinating leaders always trigger the Ghost Stance?

Yes, successfully assassinating a Mongol Leader will always trigger the Ghost Stance.

9. Can the Ghost Stance be used indefinitely?

No, the Ghost Stance has a limited duration. Once activated, Jin can eliminate a certain number of enemies before the stance ends.

10. What’s the difference between the Ghost Stance and the other combat stances?

The Ghost Stance is a temporary, powerful ability that allows you to instantly kill enemies. The other stances (Stone, Water, Wind, Moon) are permanent combat styles that are effective against specific enemy types.

11. Is the Ghost Stance the “fifth stance” people talk about?

Yes, the Ghost Stance is often referred to as the “fifth stance” because it’s acquired later in the game and functions differently from the four core stances.

12. What are the best armor sets to use with the Ghost Stance?

Armor sets that enhance stealth, damage output, or resolve gain are generally good choices to pair with the Ghost Stance. The Tadayori’s Armor can be especially effective due to its archery-related buffs.

13. Is there any way to replenish the Ghost Stance meter during combat?

No, there is no direct way to replenish the Ghost Stance meter during combat. You must either kill seven enemies without taking damage or assassinate a leader to activate it again.

14. Is the Ghost Stance only useful in the open world, or is it also helpful in story missions?

The Ghost Stance is useful in both the open world and story missions, especially during large-scale battles or when facing numerous enemies simultaneously.

15. Does the Ghost Stance make the game too easy?

While the Ghost Stance is undoubtedly powerful, it doesn’t necessarily make the game too easy. It requires strategic use and can be challenging to activate consistently, especially on higher difficulty settings. Moreover, the game presents plenty of challenges beyond simple combat encounters. The narrative frames straightforward confrontation as honorable, and stealthy tactics as dishonorable. However, Ghost of Tsushima has no systems that make meaningful distinctions between the two approaches.

Mastering Tsushima’s Combat

Ultimately, the Ghost Stance is just one tool in Jin’s arsenal. True mastery of Ghost of Tsushima’s combat system requires understanding the strengths and weaknesses of all the stances, utilizing a variety of gadgets, and adapting your strategy to the situation at hand.

Whether you embrace the path of the honorable samurai or fully embrace the persona of the Ghost, the choice is yours. But knowing how to unleash the power of the Ghost Stance is essential for any player looking to protect Tsushima from the Mongol invasion. To further explore the fascinating intersection of gaming and learning, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.