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Which Ghost of Tsushima Ending is Better? A Deep Dive into Honor, Choice, and Legacy

The question of which ending is “better” in Ghost of Tsushima – honoring Lord Shimura’s wish and killing him, or sparing his life – is not one with a simple answer. The “better” ending is entirely subjective and depends on your personal interpretation of Jin Sakai’s journey, the samurai code, and what you value most in a narrative conclusion. However, if forced to choose, sparing Lord Shimura is the more narratively resonant and emotionally complex ending, offering a glimpse of a future where Jin forges his own path while grappling with the consequences of his choices.

Understanding the Two Paths

To truly understand the weight of this decision, let’s break down the nuances of each ending.

The Honorable Path: Killing Lord Shimura

Choosing to honor Lord Shimura’s wish for a warrior’s death aligns with the traditional samurai code. Jin grants his adoptive father the dignity he desires, ensuring he dies by the sword of a worthy opponent – his own son. This ending satisfies the established hierarchy and tradition, presenting a somber yet respectful farewell.

However, this path comes at a significant cost. Jin, who has already shed so much of his former identity to become the Ghost, must commit one final act that contradicts his evolving sense of justice and compassion. By killing Shimura, he perpetuates the very cycle of violence and rigid adherence to outdated ideals that he has been fighting against.

The Ghost’s Path: Sparing Lord Shimura

Choosing to spare Lord Shimura is an act of defiance. It’s Jin fully embracing his role as the Ghost, prioritizing his own moral compass over the expectations of a dying man and a crumbling social order. He refuses to take the life of his own kin, even if it means being branded a traitor and hunted for the rest of his days.

This ending is far more nuanced and offers a compelling vision of the future. It acknowledges the gray areas of morality and the necessity of adapting to survive. Jin, though ostracized, is free to forge his own path, protecting Tsushima in his own way, unbound by the constraints of the samurai code. This ending also leaves more room for future stories and character development.

Why Sparing Shimura Resonates More Deeply

While the “honorable” ending provides closure, it’s the act of sparing Shimura that truly showcases Jin’s growth. Here’s why:

Character Evolution: Jin’s journey throughout the game is about challenging the rigid samurai code. Choosing to spare Shimura is the ultimate culmination of this evolution.
Moral Complexity: The game constantly presents difficult choices with no clear “right” answer. Sparing Shimura acknowledges this complexity and forces the player to confront the consequences of their actions.
Narrative Potential: Sparing Shimura opens up possibilities for future stories. The dynamic between Jin and the Shogunate, the repercussions of his defiance, and his continued protection of Tsushima offer fertile ground for a sequel.
Emotional Impact: While both endings are emotionally charged, sparing Shimura carries a heavier weight. It’s a rejection of tradition, a declaration of independence, and a commitment to a new way of life. The line “I have no honor, but I won’t kill my family,” is powerful and underscores the depth of Jin’s internal struggle.

Considering the Samurai Code

The debate surrounding these endings is rooted in the concept of honor within the samurai code. But what does honor truly mean in the context of Ghost of Tsushima? Is it blind adherence to tradition, or is it something more nuanced?

The game argues that true honor lies in protecting the innocent, even if it means sacrificing personal reputation and adhering to unorthodox methods. Jin’s transformation into the Ghost is not about abandoning honor altogether, but about redefining it. He embraces tactics that are considered dishonorable by traditional standards, but he does so to save his people and defend his home. This nuanced portrayal of honor makes sparing Shimura a powerful statement.

The Aesthetic Choice: Armor Dyes

While not the deciding factor, the rewards for each ending also influence player choice. Killing Shimura grants the “Righteous Punishment” white dye for the Ghost Armor, while sparing him unlocks the “Vow of Vengeance” crimson red dye. The “Vow of Vengeance” with its striking red color, is often seen as a more visually compelling and thematically appropriate reward for embracing the Ghost persona.

Conclusion: A Matter of Personal Interpretation

Ultimately, the “better” ending in Ghost of Tsushima is a matter of personal interpretation. Both paths offer closure and thematic resonance. However, sparing Lord Shimura feels like the more compelling and impactful choice, showcasing Jin’s evolution as a character and opening up exciting possibilities for future stories. It’s a choice that reflects the complexities of morality, the importance of adapting to change, and the enduring power of compassion. The decisions players make are important in helping them learn how to make decisions in their lives outside of games, too. A community like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org dedicates its work to researching how games and learning can be more interconnected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the choices and consequences in Ghost of Tsushima’s ending:

1. Is there a “canon” ending to Ghost of Tsushima?

While Sucker Punch Productions has not officially declared a canon ending, the honorable ending (killing Shimura) is often speculated to be the more likely canon choice for potential sequels, as it provides a cleaner narrative slate. However, the ambiguity allows for creative freedom in future installments.

2. What are the rewards for each ending?

Killing Shimura: Unlocks the “Righteous Punishment” white dye for the Ghost Armor, Ghost Mask, and Headband.
Sparing Shimura: Unlocks the “Vow of Vengeance” crimson red dye for the Ghost Armor.

3. Does my choice affect the open world after the ending?

Yes, there are minor changes. After sparing Shimura, Jin’s post-game home will be at Tradition’s End, northwest of Lucky Genzo’s Inn. There are also subtle dialogue changes with certain NPCs.

4. Does the ending affect gameplay or combat?

No, the ending does not affect the gameplay mechanics or combat abilities of Jin.

5. Is killing Shimura the “bad” ending?

Labeling either ending as definitively “good” or “bad” is too simplistic. Killing Shimura adheres to the samurai code but contradicts Jin’s evolving morals. It’s a morally gray choice with both positive and negative implications.

6. Is sparing Shimura the “good” ending?

Sparing Shimura allows Jin to stay true to his evolved principles and potentially protect Tsushima in his own way. However, it also results in him being branded a traitor and hunted by the Shogunate. Like killing him, it has both positive and negative aspects, with neither being definitively good or bad.

7. Does the ending affect Jin’s relationship with other characters?

While most of Jin’s key relationships are established before the final choice, the ending subtly influences how NPCs perceive him post-game. Sparing Shimura solidifies his image as the rebellious Ghost, while killing him might earn him a grudging respect from some traditionalists.

8. What happens to Tsushima after the ending?

Regardless of your choice, Tsushima remains free from Mongol control. The ending primarily focuses on Jin’s personal journey and his relationship with Lord Shimura.

9. Can I replay the ending to see both outcomes?

Yes, by creating a separate save file before the final duel, you can experience both endings.

10. How does the game frame the concept of honor?

Ghost of Tsushima presents a nuanced view of honor. It contrasts the rigid, tradition-bound samurai code with a more flexible and compassionate interpretation of honor based on protecting the innocent, even if it means breaking with tradition.

11. Does Jin ever regret his decision?

The game doesn’t explicitly show Jin regretting his choice, but the post-game dialogue and atmosphere subtly reflect the consequences of his actions. Depending on the ending chosen, the atmosphere reflects the ramifications of living by the Samurai code or the choice of living as a wanted man.

12. What are the potential storylines for a Ghost of Tsushima sequel?

Jin dealing with the consequences of being branded a traitor.
A new threat emerging on Tsushima, requiring Jin to protect the island once again.
Jin traveling to the mainland of Japan, facing new challenges and enemies.
Exploring the evolving relationship between Jin and the Shogunate.

13. Is there a “correct” way to play Ghost of Tsushima?

No. Ghost of Tsushima encourages players to define their own path and make choices that align with their personal values. There is no inherently “correct” or “incorrect” way to play.

14. Does the ending impact New Game Plus?

No, the ending does not directly impact the New Game Plus experience. You start with all your gear and skills regardless of the ending you chose in your previous playthrough.

15. Where can I learn more about the historical context of Ghost of Tsushima?

Numerous resources are available online and in libraries. Exploring the history of the Mongol invasions of Japan and the samurai culture will provide a deeper understanding of the game’s setting and themes. Also, check out GamesLearningSociety.org for ongoing research into how video games affect learning.

Which Ghost of Tsushima ending is better?