Jin Sakai can learn various techniques throughout the game. Technique points, obtained by increasing one's own legend ranking and liberating Mongol territory, are used to learn new techniques. There are three types of techniques categorized in the game menu: samurai, stance and Ghost. The weather in Tsushima slowly changes during exploration depending on how much Jin has used samurai or Ghost techniques. A samurai-based approach results in clearer weather while a Ghost-based approach results in more thunderstorms instead.
Samurai techniques[]
The Samurai technique is divided into four sections: deflection, evasion, mythic and exploration. These techniques concerns with Jin's skill as a samurai fighting straight on with his enemies, or with his interaction with the world of Tsushima through mythic tales and points of interest. The deflection and evasion lines are split into a progression tree where certain techniques need to be taken before proceeding to the next tier of Techniques.
Deflection[]
Deflection techniques focus on Jin's ability to block and parry incoming attacks. Upgrading this tree will reward players for performing parries, gain more resolve from defensive maneuvers and keep up the defense. As noted above, each technique is part of a tier, and to access the next tier, at least one technique from the previous tier needs to be unlocked.
Evasion[]
Evasion techniques on Jin's ability to completely avoid attacks by either dodging or rolling. Later down the tree, Jin is also offered alternative techniques that improves his offensive abilities in a variety of manners. As noted above, each technique is part of a tier, and to access the next tier, at least one technique from the previous tier needs to be unlocked.
Mythic[]
Mythic techniques, as indicated by their name, are techniques of mythical qualities. As a result, they are not attained by applying technique points but by completing their designated Mythic Tale. Heavenly Strike and Dance of Wrath are sword based techniques that are executed via a key combination, posing as unblockable attacks that deal high amounts of damage. Way of the Flame and Explosive Arrow are extra tools that Jin can access through his tools menu, applying special properties to his blade or arrow respectively.
Image | Technique | Description | Requirement |
---|---|---|---|
Heavenly Strike | A quick unblockable attack that inflicts extra damage against staggered enemies. | Complete "The Heavenly Strike" | |
Dance of Wrath | Unleash three consecutive unblockable attacks that inflict high damage. | Complete "The Spirit of Yarikawa's Vengeance" | |
Way of the Flame | Use incendiary oil to ignite your katana and burn your foes. | Complete "The Undying Flame" | |
Explosive Arrow | Heavy arrow fitted with volatile powder that explodes on impact. | Complete "The Curse of Uchitsune" |
Exploration[]
Exploration techniques are non-combat aides for the player, as they allow the player use the Guiding Wind to direct them to points of interests instead of relying on waiting for the Yellow Songbird to come to the player's aid.
Icon | Technique | Description | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Wind of health | Follow the Guiding Wind to hot springs that will increase your health. | 1 | |
Wind of resolve | Follow the Guiding Wind to bamboo strikes that will increase your resolve. | 1 | |
Wind of charms | Follow the Guiding Wind to Shinto shrines where you can find new charms. | 1 | |
Wind of Inari | Follow the Guiding Wind to fox dens. Foxes will lead you to Inari shrines where you can earn additional charm slots and upgradeable charms. | 1 | |
Wind of vanity | Follow the Guiding Wind to discover items that allow you to personalize your appearance. | 1 | |
Wind of harmony | Follow the Guiding Wind to discover animal sanctuaries on Iki Island. | 1 | |
Wind of concentration | Follow the Guiding Wind to discover archery challenges on Iki Island. | 1 |
Stance techniques[]
The stance techniques are a set of technique trees aimed to improve each of the stances Jin attains throughout the game. Each stance is good against specific types of enemies, with each tree only modifying one specific stance.
Stance | Properties |
---|---|
Stone | A straightforward stance that is good against enemies with swords. Focuses on consistent and focused damage. |
Water | A solid stance that is good against enemies with shields. Focuses on burst damage. |
Wind | A sweeping stance that is good against enemies with polearms. Focuses on mobility. |
Moon | A powerful stance that is good against brute-type enemies. Focuses on disruption. |
Ghost techniques[]
Ghost techniques are centralized on Jin's developing affinity for stealth and misdirection as the Ghost, in contrast to the straightforward combat of the samurai. While this set of techniques reflects Jin's willingness to take on dishonorable tactics, it also includes the evolution of techniques that would normally be seen as samurai techniques, such as the standoff or health recovery through resolve, into inhuman techniques that lets Jin fight against multiple enemies and survive impossible odds.
Ghost weapons[]
Ghost Weapons consists of the tools Jin slowly attains during his journey through Tsushima, taking up the shroud of stealth and misdirection as the Ghost. Starting out with the Kunai early on, Jin gains access to a new tool the first five times his Legend grows. Below is a list of Ghost tools Jin can gain access to:
Icon | Weapons | Descriptions |
---|---|---|
Kunai | Throw a couple kunai to nearby enemies, breaking their guard. | |
Black powder bomb | Throw a bomb that causes a destructive explosion. | |
Smoke bomb | Throw down a smoke bomb to enter stealth while confusing enemies. | |
Sticky bomb | Throw a bomb that sticks to a surface or enemy before exploding. | |
Wind chime | Throw a wind chime to a location to attract the attention of one enemy. |
Evolving tactics[]
Evolving tactics is the collection of techniques Jin improves upon to combat the Mongols. Some of these techniques were originally "samurai" techniques which have been developed to make Jin inhuman, while other define his image as the Ghost. All of these "tactics" will be naturally attained over the course of the game.
Icon | Technique | Description | Acquisition | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Recover health | Consume Resolve to heal some health. | Prologue | ||
Standoff | Challenge enemies to a one-on-one showdown. | Prologue | ||
Archery | Harness the Way of the Bow to rain arrows on your enemy. | The Tale of Sensei Ishikawa | ||
Assassination | Kill unaware enemies with a quiet and brutal stealth attack. | The Warrior's Code | ||
Focused hearing | Detect nearby units by dampening unnecessary noise, seeing where they are. | The Warrior's Code | ||
Shoji assassination | Assassinate an enemy behind a shoji door. | Shadow of the Samurai | ||
Ghost Stance | Approach enemy leaders while in stealth to Slaughter them and enter the Ghost Stance. Once in the Ghost Stance, you can kill up to 3 enemies with deadly strikes. | The Ghost of Yarikawa | ||
Horse charge | Ride forward in an all-out charge that can throw and damage even large groups of enemies. | A Lost Friend |