“Ghost of Tsushima,” developed by Sucker Punch Productions and released in 2020, stands as one of the most visually stunning and emotionally engaging games of its generation. Set in feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island, the game follows Jin Sakai, a samurai who must adopt unconventional tactics to repel the invaders and protect his homeland. Central to Jin’s journey are the armors he dons, each offering distinct advantages that cater to different playstyles and scenarios. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the best armors in “Ghost of Tsushima,” detailing their strengths, weaknesses, and situational uses to help players make informed choices in their quest to liberate Tsushima.
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The Importance of Armor in “Ghost of Tsushima”
Armors in “Ghost of Tsushima” are not just aesthetic choices; they significantly impact gameplay by enhancing Jin’s combat abilities, stealth capabilities, and overall survivability. Each armor set is tailored to a specific playstyle, whether it’s direct confrontation, stealthy assassination, or ranged combat. Upgrading armor sets further enhances their benefits, making it crucial to understand and optimize the use of each one.
The Best Armors in “Ghost of Tsushima”
1. Sakai Clan Armor
Overview: The Sakai Clan Armor is a tribute to Jin’s lineage and is designed for players who favor direct, aggressive combat. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy engaging in duels and overwhelming enemies with brute force.
Stats and Abilities:
- Increases melee damage.
- Major increase to health.
- Reduces damage taken.
- Standoff streak extended by 2 (up to 5 if upgraded).
Strengths:
- Combat Prowess: The significant boost to melee damage and health makes Jin a formidable force in open combat. The additional standoff streaks allow players to dispatch multiple enemies before the fight even begins, giving a psychological edge and reducing the number of foes Jin must face directly.
- Versatility: While primarily geared towards combat, the health boost also provides a buffer in more challenging encounters, making it a versatile choice for various situations.
Weaknesses:
- Stealth Limitation: The armor’s bulk and design do not lend themselves well to stealth, making it less ideal for missions that require silent takedowns and evasion.
Best Used In:
- Duels and one-on-one confrontations.
- Open combat scenarios where melee engagement is inevitable.
- Situations where maximizing health and damage output is crucial.
2. Ghost Armor
Overview: The Ghost Armor epitomizes Jin’s transformation from samurai to the titular Ghost. It’s designed for players who prefer a blend of stealth and intimidation, allowing for silent eliminations and fear tactics.
Stats and Abilities:
- Reduces enemy detection speed.
- Reduces the number of kills needed to enter the Ghost Stance.
- Kills have a 15% chance to terrify nearby enemies.
Strengths:
- Stealth Efficiency: The reduced enemy detection speed makes it easier for Jin to navigate enemy camps and execute stealth kills without being noticed. This is invaluable for players who prefer a more covert approach.
- Ghost Stance Synergy: Reducing the number of kills required to enter Ghost Stance allows for more frequent use of this powerful ability, turning the tide in critical moments.
- Psychological Warfare: The chance to terrify enemies with each kill can create chaos among enemy ranks, often leading to easier mop-up operations as enemies flee or falter.
Weaknesses:
- Combat Durability: While it excels in stealth and psychological tactics, the Ghost Armor does not offer significant protection in open combat, making Jin more vulnerable if detected.
Best Used In:
- Stealth missions and infiltrations.
- Situations where psychological tactics and fear can be leveraged.
- Encounters where frequent use of Ghost Stance can turn the tide.
3. Ronin Attire
Overview: The Ronin Attire is a favorite for players who value a balance between stealth and combat. It offers bonuses to stealth and melee combat, making it a versatile choice for a variety of situations.
Stats and Abilities:
- Reduces enemy detection speed.
- Increases melee damage.
- After leaving pampas grass while crouched, enemies will be much slower to detect you.
Strengths:
- Stealth and Combat Balance: The reduction in detection speed combined with increased melee damage allows players to seamlessly switch between stealth and combat, adapting to changing circumstances.
- Evasion: The special ability to avoid detection when leaving pampas grass provides a unique tactical advantage, facilitating surprise attacks and quick escapes.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Specialization: While it offers a good balance, the Ronin Attire does not excel as much as other armors in specific areas such as open combat durability or maximum stealth efficiency.
Best Used In:
- Mixed scenarios requiring both stealth and combat.
- Exploration and general gameplay where versatility is key.
- Missions involving both open conflict and infiltration.
4. Tadayori’s Armor
Overview: Tadayori’s Armor is tailored for archers and players who prefer ranged combat. It enhances Jin’s archery skills, making him a deadly sniper from a distance.
Stats and Abilities:
- Increases nocking and reload speed.
- Increases total Concentration time.
- Headshots restore 25% of the Concentration meter.
Strengths:
- Archery Enhancement: The increased nocking and reload speed, combined with extended Concentration time, make Jin an incredibly efficient archer, capable of taking out multiple enemies quickly from a distance.
- Sustainability: The ability to restore Concentration with headshots ensures that skilled players can maintain a high level of ranged efficiency, making it easier to control the battlefield from afar.
Weaknesses:
- Close-Combat Vulnerability: Tadayori’s Armor offers minimal benefits in melee combat, leaving Jin vulnerable if enemies close the distance.
Best Used In:
- Scenarios requiring ranged combat and sniping.
- Missions with vantage points and opportunities for long-range engagements.
- Situations where thinning enemy numbers from a distance is advantageous.
5. Kensei Armor
Overview: The Kensei Armor is designed for players who enjoy a strategic approach to combat, using Ghost Weapons to gain the upper hand.
Stats and Abilities:
- Increases Resolve gains.
- Ghost Weapons deal more damage.
- Striking an enemy with a Ghost Weapon causes them to deal less damage and take more damage.
Strengths:
- Ghost Weapon Mastery: The enhanced damage from Ghost Weapons, combined with the debuff applied to enemies struck by them, allows for a highly tactical approach to combat, weakening enemies before engaging them directly.
- Resolve Boost: Increased Resolve gains mean Jin can use his special abilities more frequently, providing more options in combat.
Weaknesses:
- Situational Effectiveness: While powerful in the right hands, the Kensei Armor requires a strategic approach and may not be as effective in straightforward combat scenarios.
Best Used In:
- Encounters where strategic use of Ghost Weapons can turn the tide.
- Boss fights and tougher enemy groups where debuffs are valuable.
- Situations requiring frequent use of Resolve-based abilities.
6. Mongol Commander’s Armor
Overview: The Mongol Commander’s Armor offers unique defensive benefits and is particularly useful for players looking to blend into enemy ranks.
Stats and Abilities:
- Major increase to health.
- Reduces all damage by a major amount.
- Disguises you while out of combat, reducing Mongol detection speed.
Strengths:
- Defensive Boosts: The significant health increase and damage reduction make Jin exceptionally durable, ideal for surviving tough encounters.
- Disguise Ability: The disguise ability allows Jin to move through Mongol camps with reduced risk of detection, facilitating easier infiltration and reconnaissance.
Weaknesses:
- Combat Limitations: While it offers excellent defensive benefits, the armor does not enhance Jin’s offensive capabilities, potentially prolonging fights.
Best Used In:
- Infiltration missions within Mongol territories.
- Scenarios where survivability is crucial.
- Encounters requiring reconnaissance and strategic planning.
7. Gosaku’s Armor
Overview: Gosaku’s Armor is a well-rounded set that offers significant benefits for both offense and defense, making it a popular choice for players who prefer balanced gameplay.
Stats and Abilities:
- Major increase to health.
- Increases stagger damage.
- Killing a staggered enemy restores 10% of health.
Strengths:
- Stagger Mastery: The increased stagger damage allows Jin to break through enemy defenses more easily, creating openings for critical strikes.
- Health Regeneration: The ability to restore health by killing staggered enemies provides a sustainable way to maintain Jin’s health during prolonged battles.
Weaknesses:
- Versatility Over Specialization: While it offers balanced benefits, Gosaku’s Armor may not excel in any one area compared to more specialized armors.
Best Used In:
- General combat situations requiring both offense and defense.
- Prolonged engagements where health management is key.
- Battles involving heavily armored or shielded enemies.
Conclusion
“Ghost of Tsushima” offers a rich and diverse selection of armors, each tailored to different playstyles and tactical preferences. Whether you prefer the aggressive prowess of the Sakai Clan Armor, the stealthy efficiency of the Ghost Armor, or the ranged dominance of Tadayori’s Armor, there is a set to suit every approach. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each armor allows players to adapt to the ever-changing challenges presented by the Mongol invasion and effectively protect Tsushima Island.