Ghost Of Tsushima: Dominate Combat With This Guide!
Hey guys! Ready to become a legendary samurai in Ghost of Tsushima? This game is seriously beautiful, and the combat is just as stunning, if not more so. But let's be real, at first, it can feel a bit overwhelming. That's why I'm here to break down the fighting system for you, step by step. We're going to dive into everything from the basic stances and attacks to the advanced techniques that'll make you a true ghost on the battlefield. Think of this as your ultimate Ghost of Tsushima fighting tutorial. We will cover everything. So, grab your katana, and let's get started!
Understanding the Stances: Your Foundation for Combat
Alright, first things first: the stances. In Ghost of Tsushima, your stance is your best friend. Choosing the right one is key to surviving and thriving in combat. Each of the four stances – Stone, Water, Wind, and Moon – is designed to counter a specific type of enemy. Mastering these is more than just a recommendation; it's practically mandatory if you want to make it through Tsushima. The game will teach you the first stance as part of the main story, and then you have to unlock the others by liberating mongol camps, and defeating the camp leaders in stand-offs. You'll gain new stances to use as your journey progresses. Each of these stances is effective against a certain type of enemy, so choosing the right stance will give you an edge in battles. Let's break them down:
- Stone Stance: This is your go-to for fighting swordsmen. It's all about heavy attacks that can break through their guards and stagger them, leaving them open for a flurry of blows. You'll get this stance early in the game, and you'll find it incredibly useful in most of the encounters you face. This stance allows you to deflect incoming attacks, enabling you to attack during defense.
- Water Stance: If you're up against shielded enemies, the Water Stance is your best bet. It features attacks that specifically target shields, breaking their defenses and opening them up for attacks. Think of this stance as your shield-breaker. The faster and more powerful attacks offered by this stance will help you clear the battlefield by removing those pesky enemies that rely on their shields.
- Wind Stance: Need to take down those annoying spear-wielding enemies? The Wind Stance is your answer. It's designed to be fast and mobile, allowing you to quickly close the distance and strike before they can react. This is a must-have stance against enemies with spears, such as the spearman and the spear-wielding brutes. It allows you to move rapidly and take out the enemies faster.
- Moon Stance: This stance is for taking down the brutes, or enemies that are larger in size, and can deal more damage. When you go into Moon Stance, your attacks will become powerful and lethal, leaving the enemy vulnerable for attacks. This is your heavy hitter stance, dealing massive damage to the tougher enemies.
Switching between stances is crucial. Use the D-pad to swap them on the fly during combat. Pay attention to the types of enemies you're facing and adapt your stance accordingly. This isn't just about button-mashing; it's about strategy, guys! Getting good at switching stances will be a game-changer. Remember, the right stance can turn a tough fight into a walk in the park. The stances are a cornerstone of the Ghost of Tsushima combat experience.
How to Switch Stances
Switching stances is super easy, thankfully. On PlayStation, you use the D-pad to switch between them. Just tap left, right, up, or down, and you're good to go. The game will show you what stance is best against your target.
Basic Attacks and Combos: Your Arsenal of Pain
Now, let's talk about the bread and butter of your attacks: the basics. You'll have two main attack types: light attacks and heavy attacks. Light attacks are quick and effective for building up your combo meter. Heavy attacks, on the other hand, are slower but deal more damage. Use them to break enemy defenses and stagger your opponents. Mastering the timing of your attacks is the key here.
Light Attacks
Light attacks are your fast-attack options. These are great for keeping the pressure on enemies and building up your combo. You can string them together in a series to create a combo. Light attacks are also the fastest attacks, meaning you can interrupt the enemy attacks easier. Use them to punish your enemies, and get an opening to do more powerful attacks. To perform a light attack, just press the Square button (X on Xbox).
Heavy Attacks
Heavy attacks are slower, but they pack a punch. They're perfect for breaking through enemy defenses. Time your heavy attacks correctly, and you can stagger your enemies. Use this window to unleash a flurry of blows. To perform a heavy attack, press the Triangle button (Y on Xbox).
Combo Moves
As you progress through the game, you'll learn various combo moves that let you string together different attacks for maximum damage. These combos vary depending on the stance you're using. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you. Some of these combos can also stagger your enemies.
Deflection, Parry, and Dodge: Mastering the Defense
Defense is just as important as offense in Ghost of Tsushima. You need to learn how to deflect, parry, and dodge effectively to survive. Let's break these down.
Deflecting Attacks
Deflecting is all about timing. If you time your block (L1 on PlayStation) just as an enemy attack is about to hit you, you'll deflect it. This will stagger the enemy, giving you an opening to counter-attack. Deflecting is essential, so practice it a lot!
Parrying Attacks
Parrying is a bit more advanced than deflecting. You have to deflect right before the attack hits you. If you pull it off, you'll stagger your opponent and can follow it up with a devastating counter-attack. A well-timed parry will give you an opening for a lethal strike. This will deal a lot of damage, but be careful because it requires perfect timing.
Dodging Attacks
Dodging is your best friend when an enemy is about to unleash a heavy attack or an unblockable move. Press the Circle button (B on Xbox) to dodge. You can also roll to get more distance. Dodging is all about getting out of the way, and can be used to reposition yourself.
Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Combat to the Next Level
Alright, you've got the basics down. Now, let's look at some advanced techniques that will elevate your combat skills. These techniques will help you become a master samurai. It's time to become the Ghost of Tsushima!
Standoffs
Standoffs are a unique feature of Ghost of Tsushima. Before a fight begins, you can initiate a standoff, where you face off against multiple enemies. Timing is key here. Press the Triangle button (Y on Xbox) when the enemy is about to attack. If you time it right, you can eliminate multiple enemies in one fell swoop. The more enemies you eliminate, the greater the reward! However, if you fail, you'll take a lot of damage, and the fight will begin.
Ghost Weapons
Ghost weapons are special tools you can use to gain an edge in combat. These include smoke bombs, sticky bombs, kunai, and more. Use these strategically to create openings, disrupt enemy attacks, or control the battlefield. Using your ghost weapons effectively can make your fight easier. You can use these to inflict poison, stun, and even set the enemies on fire!
Mythic Techniques
Throughout the game, you'll unlock mythic techniques. These are powerful moves that can turn the tide of battle. These can be attacks that are extremely powerful and lethal. Learn how to use them effectively and incorporate them into your fighting style.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Here are some extra tips to help you succeed in combat. These tips are based on my experience playing this game. Take them to heart, and you'll be well on your way to mastering the combat system:
- Upgrade Your Gear: As you progress through the game, upgrade your katana, armor, and ghost weapons to increase your effectiveness in combat. This is essential, as the game will become challenging. Upgrading your equipment will help make the game easier.
- Learn Enemy Attack Patterns: Pay attention to how enemies attack, and learn their attack patterns. This will help you anticipate their moves and counter them effectively. Each enemy has a set of attacks that it will use. Learning them will help you react accordingly.
- Use the Environment to Your Advantage: Use environmental objects such as explosives, and cover to your advantage. This will help you defeat your enemies easily. You can also use the cover to stealthily attack.
- Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Try out different combinations of stances, attacks, and ghost weapons to find what works best for you. There is a lot to explore here, so experiment, and find what works for you.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the better you'll become at combat. Don't get discouraged if you struggle at first. Keep at it, and you'll get there. The combat system can be difficult, but you will overcome this.
Conclusion: Become the Ghost!
And there you have it, guys! This Ghost of Tsushima fighting tutorial should get you started on your journey to becoming a master samurai. Remember, practice is key. Keep experimenting, and don't be afraid to try new things. The combat in this game is incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of it. So go out there, embrace the stances, master your attacks, and become the ghost! Good luck, and have fun slicing your way through Tsushima! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. Happy gaming! Now go and conquer the island!