Best Armor Sets In Ghost Of Tsushima (& How To Get Them)

Armor is a key feature in Ghost of Tsushima. It’s the most visible way to customize Jin, and you’ll probably collect around 10 different sets during your playthrough. Each armor set looks unique and provides combat bonuses, so choosing the right armor can really enhance how you play the game and tailor Jin to your preferred style.

Certain armor pieces significantly increase your health, while others boost your attack power or make you more vulnerable to damage. The most intriguing sets offer unique benefits beyond simple stat improvements. So, let’s explore which armor is worth seeking out, identify the top choices, and explain how to get them.

How Important Are Armor Sets And Upgrades In Ghost of Tsushima?

Ghost of Tsushima isn’t a very challenging game, largely because it provides players with a lot of options for handling different situations. Throughout the game, you’ll unlock various armor sets, each with unique benefits that cater to different playstyles – whether you prefer sneaking around or fighting head-on. What’s great is that the game encourages you to switch between armor sets depending on the situation, so don’t hesitate to try different combinations and find what works best for you.

Upgrading armor can be tricky, especially figuring out what’s worth the investment. Focus on upgrading your katana first – it’s your most reliable weapon throughout the game. The Director’s Cut and New Game+ add 15 armor sets, and most can be upgraded four times. In the early part of the game (Act 1), don’t spend too many resources on armor upgrades; the basic versions should be sufficient. This gives you time to figure out your preferred playstyle before committing to specific armor builds. Later in the game (Act 3) and in New Game+, aim to fully upgrade about two or three armor sets.

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14. Deadly Rival’s Attire

Dress Like A Gruff Antagonist

Special Effects
  • Massive Health Increase
  • Major Melee Damage Increase
  • +30% Ghost Weapon Damage
Best Charms to Use
  • Charm of Inari
  • Charm of Versatile Skills
  • Charm of Silence
  • Charm of Terrifying Aim
  • Charm of Fortune I
  • Charm of Fortune II

Unlike Jin Sakai’s polished Ghost armor and traditional samurai gear, his opponent Ryuzo favored a rougher, more intimidating look, even hiding most of his face under a hat. Players who have older versions of the game can recreate this style with the Deadly Rival’s Attire. Wearing this armor improves gameplay by increasing Health, melee damage, and damage with Ghost weapons in Ghost of Tsushima.

This armor was first available in New Game Plus by trading 50 Ghost Flowers to Baku. With the 2.04 patch for the Director’s Cut, it was changed into a dye for the Kensei Armor. However, the Deadly Rival’s Attire is best suited for players further into the game, so newcomers won’t be able to use it right away. While New Game+ is a bit more challenging than the original game, the armor’s benefits aren’t essential, as most fully upgraded gear works well enough.

13. Archery Master’s Attire

Brag About That Accuracy

Special Effects
  • +45% Nocking and Reload Speed
  • +3 Seconds Total Concentration
  • +50% Concentration on Headshots
Best Charms to Use
  • Charm of Izanagi
  • Charm of Azumi-no-Isora
  • Charm of Efficiency
  • Charm of Concentration
  • Charm of Fortune I
  • Charm of Fortune II

Available only after completing the game once, Jin Sakai can purchase the Archery Master’s Attire from Baku the Voiceless for 25 Ghost Flowers. When equipped, this attire provides benefits in Ghost of Tsushima while using the Longbow or Half Bow: faster aiming and reloading, increased Concentration, and quicker Concentration recovery after landing headshots.

As a big fan, I absolutely love this outfit! It’s classic archery gear, and the cool detail is that the lower part looks like it’s been through some rough terrain – all muddy and worn. What’s even better is that it’s the exact same outfit Sensei Ishikawa wears! It’s a bit complicated, though. Originally, an update took the outfit off characters and turned it into a color scheme for Tadayori’s Armor. But if you played on Steam, you could get it as a reward just for linking your PlayStation account! It’s a really neat little bonus for those of us who play on both platforms.

12. Fundoshi

Fresh From The Hot Springs

Special Effects
  • Running and Sprinting no longer cause noise
  • Lv2: -40% Enemy Detection Speed
Best Charms to Use
  • Charm of Hidden Blades
  • Charm of Hoori-no-Mikoto (Hunt)
  • Charm of Advantage
  • Charm of Shadows
  • Charm of Silence
  • Charm of Hidden Sight

Many action heroes have a moment where they’re caught looking effortlessly cool, even though they haven’t fully prepared. For Jin Sakai in Ghost of Tsushima, that moment comes with the Fundoshi. Players can unlock this traditional Japanese underwear by discovering all 18 Hot Springs, and then choose to simply wear that – embracing a minimalist, yet powerful, look.

Despite its revealing nature, this outfit has some surprising benefits. When Jin wears it, he makes no sound while running or sprinting. Plus, improving the outfit reduces how quickly enemies spot him by 40%. Interestingly, it’s reminiscent of Dante’s initial outfit in Devil May Cry, where he begins half-dressed as demons attack his trailer.

11. Hero of Tsushima Armor

Become A Myth, Not A Ghost

Special Effects
  • Major Health Increase
  • Moderate Damage Reduction
  • Lv2: Massive Health Increase
  • Lv2: Major Damage Reduction
Best Charms to Use
  • Charm of Versatile Skills
  • Charm of Amaterasu (Sun)
  • Charm of Resistance III
  • Charm of Ferocity
  • Charm of Precision
  • Charm of Resolve II

The Hero of Tsushima armor was first worn by Harunobu Adachi, considered the greatest swordsman on Tsushima Island. Jin Sakai will receive this complete armor set as he works to protect the island. The armor’s design and colors showcase the history of the Adachi Clan, from which Harunobu came, making it feel like a powerful enhancement to the Samurai Clan Armor.

Wearing this armor not only looks impressive, but also significantly boosts Jin’s health and reduces the damage he takes. These benefits become even greater if you upgrade the armor in New Game Plus. You can initially obtain the armor by purchasing the Digital Deluxe, Digital Deluxe Upgrade, Special Edition, or Collector’s Edition of Ghost of Tsushima. It’s also available as gear for the Samurai class in the Ghost of Tsushima: Legends multiplayer mode.

10. Traveler’s Attire

Uncover the Fog of War And Discover Secrets

Special Effects
  • Tracks artifacts with guiding wind
  • Clears 10% more fog of war from the map
  • The controller vibrates when Jin is within 30 meters of an artifact
Best Charms to Use
  • Charm of Inari
  • Charm of Versatile Skills
  • Charm of Silence
  • Charm of Terrifying Aim
  • Charm of Fortune I
  • Charm of Fortune II

This armor is ideal for players embarking on a lengthy adventure. It’s usually the first set you receive, simply by speaking to a merchant. Its design perfectly suits a traveling wanderer, and it provides bonuses that make it easier to find hidden artifacts.

This armor helps players find hidden artifacts by guiding them with a wind-like effect, revealing more of the game map as they explore, and even alerting them when an artifact is nearby with controller vibrations – almost like a spider-sense!

9. Tadayori’s Armor

Become An Expert Archer

Special Effects
  • Increases nocking and reload speed by 15%
  • Increases concentration time by 1 second
  • Headshots restore 25% of the concentration meter
Best Charms to Use
  • Charm of Izanagi
  • Charm of Azumi-no-Isora
  • Charm of Efficiency
  • Charm of Concentration
  • Charm of Fortune I
  • Charm of Fortune II

If you love playing Ghost of Tsushima with a bow and arrow, Tadayori’s Armor could be perfect for you. While the game doesn’t focus solely on ranged combat, this armor boosts your abilities with a bow. It gives you more time in concentration mode, speeds up how quickly you reload and draw arrows, and extends your concentration meter with every headshot.

Be aware that this armor doesn’t make you tougher – it won’t increase your health or defense, so you’ll still be vulnerable. If you’re still interested in this great archer’s armor, you can earn it by finishing the “Legend of Tadayori” mythic tale.

8. Ronin Attire

The Classic Samurai Outfit

Special Effects
  • Reduces enemy detection speed by 10%
  • Moderate increase to melee damage
  • After leaving pampas grass, enemies take longer to detect Jin
Best Charms to Use
  • Charm of Takemikazuchi (Sword)
  • Charm of Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto (Sky)
  • Charm of Inari’s Might
  • Charm of Dual Destruction II
  • Charm of Ferocity
  • Charm of Hachiman’s Favor

If you’re aiming for that traditional samurai look, the Ronin Attire is a great choice. It’s ideal for players who enjoy both direct combat and stealth, offering benefits to both melee attacks and sneaking.

Plus, this armor makes enemies slower to detect you when you’re hiding in tall grass. So, if you’re discovered while sneaking through Mongol lands – and you likely will be – you’ll have a better chance of fighting your way out. You can earn this armor set by completing the “Blood on the Grass” mission, which becomes available during the first part of the game.

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7. Samurai Clan Armor

Best Armor for Pure Defense

Special Effects
  • Reduces all damage by a moderate amount
  • Moderate increase to health
  • Taking damage grants 15% resolve
Best Charms to Use
  • Charm of Versatile Skills
  • Charm of Amaterasu (Sun)
  • Charm of Resistance III
  • Charm of Ferocity
  • Charm of Precision
  • Charm of Resolve II

The Samurai Clan Armor is a great choice for players who find parrying difficult and often get hit. Whenever you take damage, it restores some of your health and also reduces the amount of damage you receive, effectively boosting your overall survivability. It’s obvious the developers anticipated some players would struggle against the Mongols and designed this armor to help.

Lady Masako gives the player this armor early in the game, after they finish her first mission.

6. Sakai Clan Armor

Massive Increase to Standoff Streaks

Special Effects
  • Moderate increase to melee damage
  • Moderate increase to health
  • Increases standoff streak by 1 and gives a 10% chance to terrify enemies when winning a standoff
Best Charms to Use
  • Charm of Amaterasu (Sun)
  • Charm of Inari
  • Charm of Hachiman’s Favor
  • Charm of Inari’s Might
  • Charm of Ferocity
  • Charm of Resolve II

There’s a thrill all gamers recognize – the moment you face an enemy, anticipate their attack, and defeat them with a swift, decisive strike. This classic technique, often seen in samurai movies, is wonderfully recreated in the game Ghost of Tsushima.

Okay, so if you’re like me and love a good backstory with your armor – especially if it involves a complicated relationship with your dad – you need the Sakai Clan Armor. It’s seriously awesome! Once you fully upgrade it, you can keep your standoff streak going up to five times, which is a huge advantage in fights. Plus, it gives you a boost to both your health and damage. You get it during the story mission ‘Ghosts from the Past,’ so keep an eye out for that!

5. Kensei Armor

Increases the Effectiveness of Ghost Weapons

Special Effects
  • 30% increase to resolve gains
  • Ghost weapons deal more damage
  • Hitting an enemy with a ghost weapon makes them take more damage and deal less damage
Best Charms to Use
  • Charm of Hidden Blades
  • Charm of Hoori-no-Mikoto (Hunt)
  • Charm of Advantage
  • Charm of Shadows
  • Charm of Silence
  • Charm of Hidden Sight

This armor looks similar to the Ronin Attire, but it’s a bit more powerful and specifically designed for players who prefer ghost weapons. Its biggest strength is a significant damage reduction applied to enemies hit with those weapons.

This armor not only boosts your own abilities, but also weakens enemy defenses. It also improves how quickly you gain resolve and significantly increases the damage of all ghost weapons. Plus, sticky bombs are now much more effective against a wider range of enemies. You can earn this armor by finishing the Six Blades of Kojiro mythic tale in Act Two.

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2026-03-30 22:10