Should You Explore Iki Island Before Finishing Ghost of Tsushima?

The question of whether to tackle Iki Island, the significant DLC expansion for Ghost of Tsushima, before completing the main story on Tsushima is a popular one among players. The short answer is: it is generally recommended to finish the main Ghost of Tsushima storyline before embarking on Iki Island. While the game technically allows you to access Iki Island partway through the main campaign, playing it after completing the main story provides a much more enriched and narratively satisfying experience.

Why Finish Tsushima Before Iki?

There are several compelling reasons to prioritize completing the main story of Ghost of Tsushima before venturing onto Iki Island:

• Story Context: Iki Island’s narrative delves into Jin Sakai’s past, exploring his trauma and relationship with his father. These themes resonate much more strongly when framed against the backdrop of Jin’s experiences and character arc during the main story. Jumping into Iki too early can diminish the impact of these revelations and feel less meaningful.

• Gameplay Balance: Iki Island introduces more challenging enemies and combat scenarios, often designed for a player who has already mastered the core gameplay mechanics and has access to a wide variety of skills and equipment upgrades earned through completing main story missions. While not impossible earlier on, tackling Iki Island without these advantages will likely result in a much more frustrating experience.

• Emotional Resonance: The Iki Island storyline acts as an epilogue of sorts to the base game’s narrative. Experiencing it after you’ve seen the conclusion of the main conflict with the Mongol invasion of Tsushima provides a better understanding of the character’s growth and overall themes of the game.

• Skill and Gear Progression: By finishing the main story, players typically have access to all combat stances, a greater variety of armor, and more powerful techniques. These advantages will make the challenging fights of Iki Island much more enjoyable.

• Content Impact: There are some elements on Iki Island that will have a greater impact and resonance if you’ve experienced certain aspects of the main game first. This includes, but is not limited to, optional quests, specific dialogue options and overall context.

When Can You Access Iki Island?

While it’s recommended to play after the main game, Iki Island becomes accessible during Act 2 of the main storyline. At this point, a mission will appear that will lead you to the island, allowing you to explore it. However, this early access doesn’t imply that the developers intended it to be played then. The design of the game lends itself to the idea of finishing the main story first. You are free to visit Iki, and level up by leaving, and returning but the intended flow is designed for post-main story.

Should You 100% Tsushima Before Iki?

While completing all side content in Ghost of Tsushima can be rewarding, 100% completion is not necessary before starting Iki Island. Many of the most significant upgrades, techniques, and gear are acquired through the main story missions and the Mythic Tales (which are recommended to complete). Players should instead focus on finishing the main storyline and doing as many Mythic Tales as possible before heading to Iki Island.

Iki Island and New Game+

It’s also worth noting that completing the main story is a prerequisite for accessing New Game+. Players who want to experience Iki Island, and then start a brand-new playthrough with all of their gathered skills and items would need to finish the main storyline first. This provides further reason to finish the main story before starting the Iki Island DLC.

FAQs

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing the Iki Island DLC in relation to the main game, providing even more context for readers:

1. Will Iki Island spoil the main story if I play it early?

While there aren’t direct major spoilers, playing Iki Island early can lessen the impact of certain narrative moments and themes in the main story. It’s better to experience the main story first to truly appreciate the depth of Iki’s narrative.

2. Is Iki Island harder than the main game?

Yes, Iki Island generally presents a higher difficulty level than the main game. The enemies are tougher, and some combat encounters require a higher degree of skill and strategy.

3. Do I need to be a certain level to start Iki Island?

There’s no specific level requirement, but it is strongly recommended that players have completed the main storyline. This will ensure they are sufficiently equipped with skills and gear.

4. Does Iki Island have its own ending?

Yes, Iki Island has its own self-contained storyline with its own ending. Once you complete the main Iki tale, you will be able to complete any missed side quests or content before returning to Tsushima.

5. Can I return to Tsushima after starting Iki Island?

Yes, you can fast travel back to Tsushima once you’ve completed the main story missions on Iki Island. However, you cannot fast travel from Iki until you have finished its main questline.

6. Does Iki Island affect the ending of Ghost of Tsushima?

Yes, completing the Iki Island DLC alters some dialogue in the base game’s ending. It doesn’t change the outcome of the ending itself but adds a slightly different perspective.

7. Can I do the Iki Island quests after beating the main story?

Absolutely, Iki Island can be fully explored and completed at any point after beating the main story. It’s even recommended to do so.

8. Is there unique gear on Iki Island?

Yes, Iki Island introduces new armor sets, charms, techniques, and cosmetic items. These items can significantly enhance Jin’s abilities and allow for new gameplay styles.

9. What are Mythic Tales, and why should I do them before Iki?

Mythic Tales are optional side quests in Ghost of Tsushima that reward players with new techniques and tools. Completing as many as possible before Iki Island will give you a broader range of combat options.

10. Should I complete all side quests on Tsushima before Iki Island?

While side quests are great for immersion and character development, they are not required before heading to Iki. Prioritize the main story, and mythic tales.

11. Is Iki Island worth playing?

Yes, Iki Island is a fantastic DLC that expands upon the lore, gameplay, and story of Ghost of Tsushima. It’s highly recommended for any player who enjoyed the base game.

12. Does Iki Island have a post-game?

While there isn’t a separate post-game, you can explore the island freely after completing its main story, taking on side quests and completing any missed locations.

13. What are the differences in enemy types on Iki Island?

Iki Island introduces new enemy types and variations of existing enemies from the base game. These new foes require players to adapt their strategies and use all their available skills.

14. Can I start a New Game+ without finishing Iki Island?

No, you must complete the main story of Ghost of Tsushima before being able to start a New Game+ regardless of how far you are in the Iki Island DLC.

15. Does 100% completion matter in Ghost of Tsushima?

Ultimately, 100% completion is up to the player’s preference. There are no additional story beats, cutscenes, or gear that is directly tied to completing every single activity. It comes down to enjoyment, rather than necessity.

Conclusion

In summary, while you can technically access Iki Island during Act 2, the best experience is achieved by completing the main Ghost of Tsushima story first. This approach will provide better narrative context, improved gameplay balance, and a more rewarding journey overall. Finish Tsushima first, then set sail for Iki Island and enjoy the added depth to Jin’s epic tale.