Techniques

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.

### 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.

## Stance techniques

Main article: Stance
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.

 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 straight-forward 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

Main article: 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:

### Evolving tactics

Main article: 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 in 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.