Exploration

**Exploration** is a major aspect of *Ghost of Tsushima*. Once you finished the Prologue, you can have Jin Sakai freely roam Tsushima.

There are many different locations and things to discover on the island. The map shows the names and proximity of notable locations. You can travel on foot or with your horse. A grapple hook is useful for climbing. You can fast travel to certain locations that you discovered.

To unlock the full diversity of weapons and abilities you must explore the world map, go to obscure places and meet side-characters.

You can find collectibles, resources, charms and a few side missions that offer sets of armor as a reward.

## Areas

Tsushima island has three regions:

* Izuhara
* Toyotama
* Kamigata

There are over 40 diverse biomes. Each area has a different theme that makes it distinct. Some places are occupied by Mongols called Mongol territories that Jin will need to liberate.

## Animals

Various animals live on the island such as birds, bears, foxes and insects. They can help you discover new items, locations and quests. Some animals can be hostile, with the player able to kill them for Predator Hides.

## Caves

Some caves offer pathways to special areas and hidden items.

## Forests

Areas have different kinds of forests. Flowers can be collected to change the color of your armor and clothing.

## Mountains

There are mountains located throughout the island. They offer a nice view of the surrounding landscape and have resources to collect during the climb. Sometimes there is a grapple, puzzle or climbing sequence to reach the top.

## People

There are many different people in villages, forests and beyond. They can be friendly, hostile or neutral. Some will give important story information and objectives that help Jin in completing many side quests in Tales of Tsushima.

## Settlements

### Strongholds

There are a few strongholds and castles on the island occupied by samurai or Mongol forces. Some will be unable to be explored until later on during Jin's Journey.

### Hot springs

Hot springs restore your body and mind, increase the maximum health and reflect on a story element or character.

### Lighthouse

There are seven abandoned lighthouses located throughout the coasts of the island. Relight the fire on top of each to restore hope to the people and earn minor Legend gains.

### Towns

There are dozens of small towns in Tsushima. Tall buildings such as a Pagoda or castle can be visible above the forest. Hubs have people to talk to and some will ask for help. Towns have vendors and opportunities to find side stories.

## Shrines

There are shrines across the island dedicated to the kami of Japanese mythology, many of which are hidden.

## Unwritten Side Quests

These minor side quests in Tsushima are not noted nor tracked in Jin's Journal, nor are they indicated anywhere on the map. The player can complete these quests in short amounts of time during exploration and earn minor Legend gains. These names are not official as they are never noted in-game and are not considered to be part of Tales of Tsushima.

* Encounter with Yama - Located near Kashine Hills
* Encounter with Peasant and Bandits - Located directly west near crossroads of Kuta River Bridge
* Help monk with plague victims - Located by wooden tower near Exile's Bluff
* Encounter with Yarikawa samurai - Located in ruined village of Old Yarikawa
* Save peasant from burning house - Located in Kin Village
* Stop Mongol siege weapons - Located near Shinboku Inn
* Place a flower on Aya's grave - Located in burned cemetery to far west of Endless Forest

## Tips

Here are some tips to help you explore Tsushima.

* Use the Guiding Wind to navigate the island. It is the main way to navigate. There are no markers or waypoints. The wind helps you find a tracked location or objective and hidden collectibles if desired.
* Smokestacks indicate people in need of help or other areas of interest.
* Explore abandoned buildings to collect rare resources. Many pagodas and tall buildings have Vanity Gear hidden on top, which the player will need their Grapple Hook to climb.
* Some animals try to get your attention. Foxes will guide you to hidden Inari shrines across the island. The Yellow Songbird will bring you to other areas of interest.
* Once you've visited a location you'll be able to return with Fast Travel.
* A string of Torii gates can lead you to places like a high mountain shrine.
* There are visual cues in the environment such as interesting and odd shaped trees.
* If you jump into water from a mountain you will survive the fall.

## Videos

Ghost of Tsushima - State of Play PS4Ghost of Tsushima - Exploration Overview PS4Ghost of Tsushima - 7 Reasons It's The Samurai Game You've Been Waiting For
## References

1. ↑ Ghost of Tsushima Players Will Have to Properly Explore the Map for ‘Full Diversity' of Abilities and Weapons
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://blog.playstation.com/2020/05/29/ghost-of-tsushima-your-questions-answered/
3. ↑ https://imgur.com/a/I3hWzrl/
4. ↑ How the Studio Behind The Last Guardian Helped Ghost of Tsushima Find Its Direction
5. ↑ https://press-start.com.au/features/2020/05/22/ghost-of-tsushima-interview-weapon-upgrades-crafting-length-waypoints-and-more/