Ghost of Tsushima: All Duels, Ranked

As a seasoned traveler and connoisseur of all things samurai, I must say that my journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Ghost of Tsushima was nothing short of enchanting. The duels in this game were not just combat sequences, but rather, they were moments of cinematic brilliance that transported me to the era of the samurai.

In the sprawling world of Ghost of Tsushima, I find myself immersed in a myriad of activities, each one enriching Jin Sakai in its unique way. Soaking in an onsen boosts my health, while uncovering charms at shinto shrines broadens my arsenal. The possibilities are almost endless!

A standout characteristic that echoes the grandiose style of Akira Kurosawa’s filmmaking, particularly his iconic battle scenes: Epic clashes or confrontations.

25 duels are featured in the game, many of which are essential because they contribute to the main storyline, individual narratives, and serve as final battles for specific Mongol territories. Finishing all these encounters grants players the “There Can Only Be One” achievement.

In the sprawling Toyotama Region, you’ll find just five duel locations within the open world. Completing these duels is part of the Mythic Tale, known as “The Six Blades of Kojiro”. Successfully finishing this tale grants players the coveted Kensei Armor. This tale sees Jin battling five distinct Straw Hat Ronin before engaging with Kojiro himself, a truly exhilarating experience that many agree is the most enjoyable Mythic Tale in the entire game.

Among all the duels I’ve encountered in this vast open world, some truly stand out as unforgettable. Whether it’s the stunning visuals, the intriguing adversary, or a perfect blend of both, these duels are simply the cream of the crop.

6 Yasumasa

Duel in the Drowning Marsh

Location Old Kanazawa Marsh

In the historic Old Kanazawa Marsh, situated on the northwestern outskirts of Akashima Village along the coastline, there lies an intense battle known as the “Duel in the Drowning Marsh.” The adversary here is none other than Yasumasa, a formidable foe that gamers would eagerly seek to defeat.

Yasumasa abducts a boy as bait to lure Jin out, fortunately freeing the child once they meet. He exhibits a haughty demeanor, boasting that samurai are hypocrites who steal the limelight from genuine warriors such as himself. Throughout their confrontation, he maintains this disrespectful attitude, attempting to provoke and annoy Jin by insinuating his ignorance, having spent his entire life in a castle.

In response, Jin undermines his own self-assurance by remarking that it’s not him who is out of breath. This, in turn, weakens him significantly, leading to his demise, thus breaking his vow to Kojiro.

At the right moment under the perfect lighting, the atmosphere truly shines, transforming the marsh into a captivating scene. On its own, it might not be appealing, but when the sun kisses it just so or the moon casts its silvery glow, it’s a sight to behold. The dirt and mud that permeate the space add authenticity to the struggle, making each fight feel visceral and real.

The fight scene is skillfully executed and coordinated, yet it seems somewhat predictable compared to the challenges Jin has encountered previously with other adversaries.

5 Kanetomo

Duel Under Autumn Leaves

Location Yamabushi Peak

The “Duel Under Autumn Leaves” can be found to the east of Castle Shimura, nestled next to Yamabushi Peak. For this confrontation, it’s none other than Kanetomo, a man far more cruel and on the edge of madness compared to most others.

Growing restless as they waited for Jin’s arrival for their duel, he found himself growing bored and resorted to a horrifying act – the senseless killing of several innocent peasants. Shocked and outraged by his own actions, Jin entered the duel with an intensity and hostility far greater than before.

That bloodthirst is eagerly met in return, with aggressive combat and unpredictable movements.

In this meeting, the vibrant display of fiery red foliage creates an intense atmosphere, as if fueling the fierce and passionate clash between the combatants. It’s a blend of melancholy beauty and raw emotion, as if every classic autumn scene in a samurai movie is brought to life.

Compared to some of the other adversaries that Jin has faced and defeated, Kanetomo stands out as somewhat less dynamic in terms of his character. Many of the game’s antagonists are malevolent by nature, with little depth, but fortunately, the game’s settings often provide a rich backdrop that compensates for this lack of substance.

4 Hirotsune

Duel Among the Spider Lilies

Location Field of the Equinox Flower

In simpler terms, “The Duel Among the Spider Lilies” is located to the west of the “Duel in the Drowning Marsh,” specifically on the northern edge of the “Field of the Equinox Flower.” Here, Jin will be squaring off against a man named Hirotsune. He’s a refreshing change of pace (with a subtle hint of a floral aroma).

In the midst of his training session, Hirotsune encounters Jin who is honing his fighting skills with enthusiasm. Since Ryuzo had spoken about Jin’s exceptional combat abilities, Hirotsune firmly believes that only Jin can match up to him in a fight. Despite Jin’s attempts to persuade him otherwise, Hirotsune remains obstinate and disregards his advice.

Throughout the intense flower showdown, he repeatedly praises Jin for his swordsmanship, remarking that Ryuzo’s tales don’t fully capture his abilities. His compliments are genuine and heartfelt, adding a note of wistfulness to the atmosphere of their battle.

Indeed, he ultimately meets his demise, while Jin emerges triumphant, with blood staining the blossoms beneath – a striking parallel. Notably, the spider lilies that bloom there carry great significance in Japanese culture; they’re commonly used in funeral ceremonies as they symbolize death.

3 Kiyochika

Duel Under Falling Water

Location Musashi Coast Waterfall

The Duel Under Falling Water is located north of the Musashi Coast, underneath the waterfall that leads into the ocean, leaving a light, misty fog throughout the dueling ground. The opponent for this is Kiyochika, who reassures Jin that it’s nothing personal.

Players discover him deep in meditation near the water, and on their arrival, he voices a hint of remorse about their predicament, implying that it’s just part of his profession. Essentially, it seems as though he’s encouraging Jin to compete or overcome the situation.

Surrounding waters create a dynamic soundtrack for the Duel, combining the growl of a lion and a chorus in its noise. The foggy terrain adds a dramatic chill to the ambiance, making it feel as if players could almost taste the dampness in the air.

Unfortunately, it turned out regrettable that Jin was forced to eliminate Kiyochika, given the evidence suggesting he could have proven invaluable as a partner instead.

2 Kojiro

Duel on the Mirror of Sacred Light

Location Omi Monastery

In the game, you can only engage in the final duel, titled “Duel on the Mirror of Sacred Light,” after successfully completing the first five duels. This climactic battle pits Jin against the main character’s ronin counterpart, Kojiro. This duel is secretly located within the stunning Omi Monastery, one of the most visually appealing areas in the entire game.

In this case, the setting is a hidden cave illuminated by numerous floating lanterns hovering above a thin sheet of water. The sight is captivating, a mesmerizing blend of light and darkness that remains invitingly warm.

As the climactic moment approached between me and Kojiro, who boasted about Jin finally tasting the honor of his blade, I couldn’t help but feel otherwise. Sadly for him and his armored facade, he was mistaken. In truth, I felt no pity for this self-proclaimed slayer. Instead, I reminded him that he should have remained a myth.

This duel is both awe-inspiring and visually captivating. The intricate use of darkness subtly intensifies the difficulty, as it becomes more challenging to anticipate Kojiro’s subsequent actions during this intense battle.

The ending is exceptionally movie-like and unforgettable, making it a fantastic wrap-up for the entire Mythic Story.

1 Tomotsugu

Duel of Crashing Waves

Location Shorees of Cloud Ridge Shrine

The Duel of Crashing Waves is the best Duel in the entire game, no question.

Nestled beside Cloud Ridge Shrine, overlooking the shimmering coastline, I found myself engrossed in a duel that left me spellbound by its stunning visuals and electrifying drama. And let me tell you, the adversary for this battle, Tomotsugu, stood out as the most captivating opponent yet. Unlike his fellow warriors who were known for their ruthless and bloodthirsty nature, Tomotsugu was a shining exception – an embodiment of honor and courtesy.

In a logical response, Jin attempts to dissuade him, but Tomotsugu insists, explaining that he made an oath and must fulfill it. As Jin begins to gain control of the situation, he proposes again, an offer which Tomotsugu graciously accepts but gently refuses, choosing instead to uphold his commitment.

When Tomotsugu loses in battle, Jin gently offers a prayer that he may discover genuine respect in his future existence. This is rather sad in light of this, serving as a powerful hint at Jin’s ultimate destiny.

The cinematography for this Duel is perfection, with waves crashing up in the background under constant heavy rain. It’s the exact kind of visuals that Kurosawa would orchestrate, and it’s an incredible love letter to the genre (and the game as a whole).

It’s great news! Once you finish the Jin’s Journey Story and conquer the game, you have the option to replay those exciting Duel encounters. In fact, these Duels are so engaging that many players find themselves wanting to experience them multiple times.

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2024-12-02 18:39