When to Play Iki Island in Ghost of Tsushima

When playing Iki Island, it is generally recommended to do so after completing the main story of Ghost of Tsushima, as this provides the best experience from a story perspective. However, if you prefer to play it earlier, you can access Iki Island as soon as you have progressed enough in the main game to unlock the new area, ideally after gaining sufficient leveling and upgrades to handle the increased difficulty.

Understanding Iki Island’s Difficulty and Story Integration

Iki Island is considered harder than the main game, introducing new challenges such as Shamans that make nearby enemies stronger and the ability for enemies to change weapons mid-fight, requiring players to adapt their combat stances more frequently. This increased difficulty suggests that players should ensure they have upgraded their deflection and evasion skills, increased their health, and possibly unlocked all combat stances before taking on the challenges of Iki Island.

Preparing for Iki Island

To adequately prepare for Iki Island, consider upgrading your Standoffs, increasing your Resolve, and unlocking Ghost Stance, as these will provide significant advantages in combat. Additionally, completing Mythic Tales can offer valuable rewards and experience, helping you better handle the challenges on Iki Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you go to Iki Island during Act 3?

• Yes, but there may be restrictions on traveling to certain parts of the island during Act 3. Progressing a bit in the main story will lift these restrictions.

1. Should I do Iki Island before Act 2?

• While it’s possible to access Iki Island after unlocking it, storywise, it fits better after completing the main story, but you can play it as soon as you’re able to survive its challenges.

1. How many hours is Iki Island?

• Focusing on main objectives, Iki Island is about 5 hours in length, but 100% completion can take around 13½ hours.

1. Can I play Iki Island first?

• You don’t need a new game to play Iki Island if you’ve completed the main story, but you must have played enough of the main game to unlock the area.

1. Is Sekiro better than Ghost of Tsushima?

• Both games have their unique strengths; Sekiro offers a tight structure, while Ghost of Tsushima provides more flexibility and an open world, though with more side quests.

1. What is the best level to play Ghost of Tsushima?

• For experienced players, Medium difficulty is recommended as it offers a challenge without being overwhelming.

1. Can you leave Iki Island before finishing?

• Once you start the “Journey into the Past” mission, you cannot leave until you complete all story missions.

1. Is Iki Island harder than the main game?

• Yes, Iki Island is more challenging, with tougher enemies and new mechanics requiring better mastery of combat skills.

1. How long does Ghost Stance last?

• Ghost Stance can be held almost indefinitely as long as Jin remains in combat and near enemies.

1. Should I do the Mythic Tales before Iki Island?

   • Completing Mythic Tales can provide valuable experience and rewards, making it a good idea to do them before heading to Iki Island.

2. What armor is best for Iki Island?

   • Sarugami Armor is highly recommended for its ability to allow combos after perfect parries, offering a significant advantage.

3. Can I access Iki Island at any point?

   • While you can leave Iki Island at any point to level up or earn more abilities through the main story, it’s recommended to access it after gaining sufficient experience and upgrades.

4. How does Iki Island fit into the story of Ghost of Tsushima?

   • Iki Island’s storyline is designed to fit after the main story from a narrative perspective, though it can be played earlier without significant story implications.

5. Is there a Ghost of Tsushima 2?

   • There has been no official announcement for a Ghost of Tsushima sequel, but if in development, a release date could be expected between 2023 and 2024.

6. What is the hardest part of Ghost of Tsushima?

   • The game’s difficulty can vary, but duels against characters like Kojiro and Khotun Khan are often cited as particularly challenging, requiring mastery of combat skills and stances.