Moon Stance

**Moon stance** is the fourth stance that becomes available to Jin Sakai in *Ghost of Tsushima*, attained after Jin observes and/or kills Mongol Leaders fifteen times (see acquisition below for more details). A powerful stance that utilizes kicks and spinning attacks to be a disruptive force, it specializes in total disruption, either through its Heavy Attack chain on a single enemy or to an entire envoy of enemies with the held Heavy Attack.

This stance is effective against all Mongolian Brutes, no matter what weapon they have in hand, breaking through their defense where they would otherwise not flinch.

## Acquisition

Moon Stance becomes available to the player after observing and/or killing Mongol Leaders, located at camps marked as Mongol territory, seven (7) times after attaining Wind Stance, for a total of fifteen (15) times.

Observing counts separate from killing; observe a Leader by approaching nearby them without being detected, and once there is line of sight, press  when prompted. As a result, it is possible to get the Stance with only eight (8) Mongol Leaders, and shouldn't take anymore than killing fifteen Mongol Leaders total to attain Wind Stance.

The player can switch to Moon Stance by holding  then pressing .

## Basic Moveset

During Moon Stance, Jin will hold his katana up high in the air, pointing it to the upwards right.

The Moon Stance's Heavy Attack chain, **Heavy Strike**, consists of two swift kicks that will disrupt anyone they hit, followed with one powerful overhead strike.

The Moon Stance's held Heavy Attack, **Spinning Strike**, involves Jin taking a low stance with his katana held in front. When released, Jin will perform a series of spins with his blade out, disrupting all enemies hit by the attack. While useful with dealing with Brutes, this move is also great when surrounded by multiple enemies or pushed into a corner.

## Upgrades

Upgrades to Moon Stance focus on increasing the number of attacks performed with Spinning Strike, together with increasing the damage dealt with the third strike of Heavy Strike.

### Whirlwind

Whirlwind allows the player to perform an additional spin attack during Spinning Strike, modifying the combo to be  (hold) . This allows the player to continue their disruptive streak by unleashing a second set of spinning attacks after the first.

Whirlwind requires 1 Technique point.

### Strength of the Heavens

Strength of the Heavens increases how much Stagger damage Jin deals to Brutes with any of the Moon Stance's Heavy Attack moves.

Strength of the Heavens requires 1 Technique point and Whirlwind.

### Finishing Strike

Finishing Strike causes the third attack in Heavy Strike to deal increased Melee and Stagger damage, increasing its potency when the player successfully lands a blow.

Finishing Strike requires 1 Technique point and the previous abilities to be unlocked.

### Tornado

Tornado allows the player to perform one more spin attack during Spinning Strike, modifying the combo to be  (hold)  . With all three strikes, Jin can wreak havoc on a group of enemies, especially against Brutes.

Tornado requires 2 Technique points and the previous abilities to be unlocked.

## Trivia

* Each of the four main stance symbols are meant to represent the button they are mapped to.
	+ The Moon Stance is mapped to the  button, and is represented by the box-shaped frame of a Brute.