Ghost of Tsushima tools transform Jin Sakai from a traditional samurai into a deadly stealth warrior. These weapons let players approach combat with creativity and strategy, offering alternatives to direct sword fights. From throwing knives to explosive devices, each tool serves a specific purpose on the battlefield.
This guide covers every Ghost tool available in the game, explains how to unlock them, and shares effective strategies for combat. Whether players prefer aggressive assaults or silent takedowns, mastering these tools makes a significant difference in gameplay. Understanding Jin’s full arsenal helps players tackle even the toughest Mongol encounters with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Ghost of Tsushima tools include five main weapons—kunai, black powder bombs, sticky bombs, wind chimes, and smoke bombs—each unlocked through story progression.
- Smoke bombs paired with chain assassinations can eliminate multiple enemies in seconds, making them essential for stealth combat.
- Prioritize upgrading kunai capacity first, followed by smoke bomb duration, to maximize effectiveness throughout the game.
- Wind chimes are invaluable for distraction tactics, allowing players to isolate guards and maintain stealth during infiltration.
- Combining Ghost tools with Ghost stance creates devastating combos that trigger fear and enable instant kills on vulnerable enemies.
- Resource management is critical—gather supplies from enemies, explore the environment, and visit trappers to keep your Ghost tools stocked.
What Are Ghost Tools in Ghost of Tsushima?
Ghost tools are special weapons and gadgets that Jin acquires throughout his journey across Tsushima Island. These items represent his departure from the honorable samurai code, embracing unconventional tactics to fight the Mongol invasion.
The game introduces Ghost tools gradually as players progress through the main story. Each tool offers unique tactical advantages. Some deal direct damage, while others create distractions or provide escape options. Players can equip multiple Ghost tools simultaneously, switching between them with the directional pad.
These tools consume resources when used. Players must gather supplies from defeated enemies, explore the environment, and visit merchants to maintain their stock. Managing resources becomes an important part of gameplay, especially on higher difficulty settings.
Ghost tools complement Jin’s sword techniques and archery skills. They work best when combined with other combat abilities. A well-timed smoke bomb followed by a chain assassination can eliminate entire groups of enemies. The game rewards players who experiment with different tool combinations.
Every Ghost Tool and How to Unlock Them
Ghost of Tsushima features five primary Ghost tools. Each one unlocks at specific story points and requires different upgrade paths to maximize effectiveness.
Kunai
Kunai are throwing knives that deal quick damage to enemies. Jin unlocks these early in Act 1 during the “The Warrior’s Code” tale. They’re perfect for interrupting enemy attacks or finishing off weakened foes.
Players start with a capacity of three kunai. Upgrades increase both carrying capacity and damage output. At maximum level, kunai can kill unarmored enemies with a single hit. They’re especially useful against archers positioned on rooftops or platforms.
Black Powder Bombs
Black powder bombs create explosions that damage and stagger multiple enemies. Jin obtains this Ghost tool during the tale “The Tale of Sensei Ishikawa” in Act 1. These bombs excel at breaking enemy formations and dealing with groups.
The explosion radius expands with upgrades. Higher-level black powder bombs also inflict burning damage over time. Players should aim for clusters of enemies to maximize each throw.
Sticky Bombs
Sticky bombs attach to surfaces or enemies before detonating. Players unlock them during Act 2 through story progression. These bombs offer more precision than standard black powder bombs.
The delayed explosion creates tactical opportunities. Players can attach sticky bombs to unaware enemies, then retreat to safety before detonation. Upgrades increase damage and allow players to carry more.
Wind Chimes
Wind chimes serve as distraction devices. Jin acquires them in Act 1, making them one of the earliest Ghost tools available. Throwing a wind chime attracts nearby enemies to investigate the sound.
This tool proves invaluable for stealth approaches. Players can lure guards away from their posts, creating openings for infiltration. Wind chimes also work well for setting up ambushes or separating enemies from groups. Upgrades increase the attraction radius and carrying capacity.
Smoke Bombs
Smoke bombs create a concealing cloud that breaks enemy line of sight. Jin unlocks this essential Ghost tool during the main story in Act 1. The smoke provides cover for escapes, repositioning, or surprise attacks.
Within the smoke cloud, Jin can perform chain assassinations on multiple enemies. This makes smoke bombs incredibly powerful for aggressive stealth play. Upgrades extend the smoke duration and allow for additional effects like healing or terrifying enemies.
Best Strategies for Using Ghost Tools in Combat
Effective use of Ghost tools requires understanding when and how to deploy each one. Here are proven strategies that work across different combat scenarios.
Opening with Impact: Start encounters by throwing black powder bombs into enemy groups. The initial chaos creates opportunities for follow-up attacks. Staggered enemies can’t block or counterattack effectively.
Smoke and Strike: Deploy smoke bombs when surrounded by multiple enemies. Enter the cloud immediately and execute chain assassinations. This technique can eliminate three or four enemies in seconds.
Kunai Interrupts: Use kunai to interrupt enemy special attacks. The red glint warning gives players enough time to throw a kunai and cancel the incoming strike. This works particularly well against spearmen and brutes.
Distraction Tactics: Throw wind chimes to isolate targets for stealth kills. Guards who investigate alone become easy prey. This approach conserves resources and maintains stealth status longer.
Combo Setups: Combine Ghost tools with Ghost stance for devastating results. Sticky bombs attached to a leader can trigger fear in nearby troops, making them vulnerable to Ghost stance instant kills.
Players should adapt their Ghost tool selection based on the mission. Stealth-focused objectives benefit from wind chimes and smoke bombs. Direct combat encounters favor kunai and explosive options. The best players switch tools frequently based on changing battlefield conditions.
Upgrading Your Ghost Tools
Upgrading Ghost tools significantly increases their effectiveness. The game provides several methods for improving Jin’s arsenal.
Technique Points: Players earn technique points by completing tales and liberating occupied areas. The Ghost weapon skill tree contains upgrades for each tool. Prioritize upgrades based on preferred playstyle. Stealth players should focus on smoke bomb and wind chime improvements first.
Trappers and Merchants: Special vendors called trappers sell Ghost tool upgrades in exchange for supplies, predator hides, and flowers. Finding these merchants requires exploration. Each trapper offers different upgrade tiers for various tools.
Resource Gathering: Upgrades require specific materials. Bamboo, yew wood, and iron are common requirements. Players should gather resources during travel between objectives. Mongol supply carts often contain valuable upgrade materials.
Recommended Upgrade Order: New players should prioritize kunai capacity first, these tools provide consistent value throughout the game. Smoke bomb duration upgrades come next, as longer smoke windows create more assassination opportunities. Black powder bomb upgrades offer the best value for players who prefer direct combat.
Fully upgraded Ghost tools transform Jin into an incredibly versatile fighter. A maxed-out arsenal provides solutions for any combat situation. Players who invest in upgrades early gain significant advantages in later acts when enemies become more numerous and aggressive.
