Dyeing the Land Red (or White, or Black): A Guide to Dye Merchants in Ghost of Tsushima
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Want to personalize Jin Sakai’s appearance as he liberates Tsushima Island? Then you need to know where to find dye merchants! Luckily, Ghost of Tsushima offers a variety of vendors who can help you customize your armor and clothing with stunning colors. You can buy dyes from regular merchants found in settlements across the island, or from specialty merchants who sell unique colors like black, white, and crimson. The dye merchants can be located through exploration as well as some quests.
Regular Dye Merchants: Your Everyday Color Palette
Location and Availability
Regular dye merchants are common throughout Tsushima. You’ll find them in almost every settlement, village, or survivor camp you encounter. This means you’ll have a consistent supply of dyes available to you as you progress through the game. These merchants typically sell the same inventory of common dyes in various colors.
What They Sell
These merchants offer a good starting selection of colors, allowing you to personalize your gear early in the game. They accept flowers as currency, which are readily found throughout Tsushima’s beautiful landscapes. Look for them growing near paths, in forests, and even on rooftops. You can also use the Guiding Wind to locate flowers, if you’re short on supply.
Specialty Dye Merchants: The Masters of Monochrome and Crimson
For truly unique colors, you’ll want to seek out the specialty dye merchants. These vendors are hidden in specific locations and offer exclusive dyes. Here’s where to find them:
Black Dye Merchant
The Black Dye Merchant is located in the Toyotama region, specifically in the Kushi Prefecture. Look for a cave just east of Kawamata Village. The cave is located on a dirt road that passes East of the village, up in the hills. This merchant specializes in black-themed dyes for your armor and outfits.
White Dye Merchant
The White Dye Merchant resides in the Kashine Prefecture, at Wanderer’s Pass. He is located at one of the highest peaks of Tsushima, so be prepared for a climb. This vendor offers various white dyes to give Jin a pristine look.
Crimson Dye Merchant
The Crimson Dye Merchant is only available in the Iki Island expansion. His house is located in Tatsu’s Ladder, up a path from the edge of the lake, and directly south of the Mount Takenotsuji label on the map. He specializes in red dyes.
Dyeing Armor and Horse Armor
Armor
Once you find a dye merchant, simply interact with them to view their inventory. You can browse through their selection and purchase the dyes you like using flowers. Once you have the dye, go to your inventory to apply it to the armor of your choice.
Horse Armor
For horse armor, you’ll need to acquire the Sakai Clan Horse Armor first. After obtaining this armor, a new location will appear on your map: the Sakai Banner location. This is found south near Nakajima Overlook. Speak with the dyer here to unlock new dyes for the horse armor. You’ll need to find Sakai Banners scattered throughout the world; every six banners you collect unlocks a new dye.
Ghost Armor Dyes
The Ghost Armor also features special dyes that are unlocked depending on the ending you choose in the game. Sparing Lord Shimura at the end will unlock a red dye for the Ghost Armor, while killing him will unlock a white dye. These dyes are exclusive to this armor and are a testament to the difficult choices you make in the game. You get the Ghost Armor at the end of act 2, during the mission From the Darkness.
Dyes and Visual Customization
Remember that while dyeing armor is purely cosmetic, it’s an essential part of customizing Jin’s appearance. Experiment with different color combinations to create your unique Ghost of Tsushima look!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many dye merchants are there in Ghost of Tsushima?
There are three specialty dye merchants: the Black Dye Merchant, the White Dye Merchant, and the Crimson Dye Merchant. In addition to these, regular dye merchants can be found in most settlements and survivor camps throughout Tsushima and Iki Island.
2. Where can I find flowers to buy dyes?
Flowers are scattered throughout Tsushima and Iki Island. Look for them near roads, in forests, on rooftops, and near settlements. Using the Guiding Wind to track flowers can help you gather them efficiently.
3. Can I dye every piece of armor in Ghost of Tsushima?
Yes, you can dye almost every piece of armor in the game. The only exception would be armor that cannot be altered in its appearance, such as unique pieces obtained through specific quests.
4. Does dyeing armor affect its stats or abilities?
No, dyeing armor is purely cosmetic and does not change its stats or abilities. It only alters the appearance of the armor.
5. How do I unlock the White Dye Merchant?
The White Dye Merchant is unlocked simply by finding him. He is located at Wanderer’s Pass in the Kashine Prefecture. The location can be obtained through exploration.
6. Is the Iki Island expansion required to get all dyes?
Yes, the Crimson Dye Merchant is only available in the Iki Island expansion. If you want all the unique dye colors, you’ll need to purchase and play through the expansion.
7. How do I get the Sakai Clan Horse Armor?
The Sakai Clan Horse Armor is obtained by completing the mythic tale quest ‘The Legend of Tadayori’. This quest is available in Act 2.
8. Where can I find Sakai Banners for horse armor dyes?
Sakai Banners are scattered throughout Tsushima. There is no in-game guiding system to track them. You’ll need to explore thoroughly to find them. They often hang in high places or at notable landmarks.
9. How do I change the color of the Ghost Armor?
The color of the Ghost Armor depends on the ending you choose. Sparing Lord Shimura unlocks the red dye, while killing him unlocks the white dye. This is a permanent choice, so consider it carefully!
10. Can I get both the red and white Ghost Armor dyes in one playthrough?
No, you can only get one of the dyes in a single playthrough, depending on the ending you choose. It’s one or the other.
11. What is the best armor in Ghost of Tsushima?
The “best” armor depends on your playstyle. The Sarugami Armor is powerful for players who master perfect parries, while Gosaku’s Armor is excellent for those who prefer a more defensive approach. The Samurai Clan Armor is a great all-around choice for beginners.
12. Do regular dye merchants sell different dyes in different locations?
No, regular dye merchants typically sell the same inventory of common dyes, regardless of their location. The color variation comes from the speciality dye merchants.
13. What happens if the Dye Trader in Terraria doesn’t spawn?
This FAQ relates to another game called Terraria. In Terraria, the Dye Trader is an NPC that sells the Dye Vat and other dye-related items. He will move in when the following criteria have been met: There is an empty house. The player has a dye, dye ingredient, or Strange Plant in their inventory, and at least four other town NPCs are in the world.
14. Is there a way to reset the dye on an armor piece?
Yes, you can revert an armor piece back to its original color by going to the dye option for that armor piece. There should be a default option that will remove any dye applied to the armor.
15. Can I dye the Traveler’s Attire?
Yes, you can dye the Traveler’s Attire, allowing you to customize Jin’s casual look as he explores Tsushima.
By mastering the art of dyeing, you can truly make Jin Sakai your own as you liberate Tsushima! Consider exploring more about the impact of games on learning and society at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.