Ghost of Tsushima

About

"Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut" is a PC game set in 13th century Tsushima Island, where the Mongol empire has invaded. Players control Jin Sakai, one of the last surviving samurai, who uses a combination of traditional and new tactics to protect his people and reclaim his home. This version includes early unlocks and additional content for a comprehensive experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 60,419 reviews

story9.2k positive mentions

stability492 negative mentions

The graphics of 'Ghost of Tsushima' are stunning, with breathtaking visuals and a vibrant, immersive world that enhances the storytelling experience.
The gameplay features fluid combat mechanics and engaging stealth options, creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of samurai culture.
The emotional depth of the story, combined with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, makes for a memorable experience that resonates long after gameplay.

Many players find the gameplay becomes repetitive over time, particularly in side quests and enemy encounters, leading to a sense of monotony.
The optimization and stability of the game are mixed, with reports of significant issues such as memory leaks, stuttering, and crashes on various systems.
Some players criticize the story for being predictable and lacking depth, with side quests feeling formulaic and less impactful.

story
17,789 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
44%
4%
The story of *Ghost of Tsushima* is widely praised for its emotional depth and engaging narrative, focusing on themes of honor, sacrifice, and the internal conflict faced by the protagonist, Jin Sakai, as he navigates the challenges of a Mongol invasion. While the main storyline is compelling and well-crafted, some players note that side quests can feel repetitive and less impactful, often following a similar formula. Overall, the game is celebrated for its stunning visuals, immersive world, and the way it intertwines personal character arcs with broader historical themes, making it a standout title in the action-adventure genre.
- “The story of Jin Sakai's transformation from a noble samurai to the vengeful 'ghost' is both emotionally gripping and thematically profound, exploring loyalty, sacrifice, and the clash between tradition and necessity.”
- “Ghost of Tsushima is a breathtaking masterpiece that combines stunning visuals, captivating scenes, and an emotionally engaging story.”
- “The story is powerful and emotional, filled with themes of honor, sacrifice, and personal growth, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.”
- “Unskippable cut scenes tied to a boring, dialogue-heavy story.”
- “The story is extremely mediocre and has no interesting conflict beyond 'expel the mongols' until the last 10%, where characters start having emotional conflict for the first time in a 30-hour story.”
- “The side quests are so boring that at one time I got sick of it and just wanted to finish them all for the achievement and just forget about everything.”
graphics
7,480 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
65%
34%
1%
The graphics of "Ghost of Tsushima" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visual quality and artistic design, often described as breathtaking and immersive. Players have praised the game's ability to create a vibrant and detailed world that feels alive, with many noting that the visuals enhance the overall storytelling experience. While some users have reported minor graphical glitches and performance issues, the majority agree that the game's graphics are among the best in the industry, making it a must-play for fans of visually rich gaming experiences.
- “The game's graphics are nothing short of spectacular, with lush landscapes, vibrant colors, and meticulously crafted details that immerse you in feudal Japan.”
- “Ghost of Tsushima is a breathtaking masterpiece that combines stunning visuals, captivating scenes, and an emotionally engaging story.”
- “The visuals are absolutely stunning—fields of swaying grass, golden sunsets, and serene Japanese temples create an atmosphere so immersive that it feels like stepping into a painting.”
- “Well above minimum spec and on lowest graphics quality, 15 fps max. Don't bother unless you have a NASA PC.”
- “The graphics look like they are from a 2015 game while still requiring 2022 PC components to run (50-60 fps on max settings with RTX Super 2070).”
- “I see people praising the graphics all over, but there aren't anything of real graphical depth or technical boundaries being pushed.”
gameplay
6,507 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
46%
4%
The gameplay of "Ghost of Tsushima" is widely praised for its fluid combat mechanics, engaging stealth options, and stunning visuals, creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of samurai culture. However, many players note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, particularly in side quests and enemy encounters, leading to a sense of monotony despite the initial excitement. Overall, while the game excels in presentation and offers a satisfying combat system, some players feel it lacks depth and innovation compared to other titles in the genre.
- “Amazing gameplay and story.”
- “The gameplay is fantastic and in moderation moreish, however the open-world aspect means side quests and collectables, which become boring and slightly repetitive, less so than a Ubisoft game but still something to keep in mind.”
- “The standoff mechanic is pure adrenaline, while the variety of stances ensures you're always strategizing in battle.”
- “The gameplay loop quickly becomes repetitive.”
- “The gameplay does get repetitive after a while.”
- “The standoff mechanic doesn't work 50% of the time causing you to just stand there and take a free attack.”
optimization
2,456 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
40%
13%
The optimization of "Ghost of Tsushima" has received mixed feedback from players. While many praise its overall performance, noting smooth gameplay and impressive graphics even on mid-tier systems, others report significant issues such as memory leaks, stuttering after extended play sessions, and crashes, particularly during cutscenes. The game is generally considered well-optimized for PC, but some users recommend waiting for further patches to address ongoing performance problems.
- “It's optimized very well.”
- “Very well optimized, never found a bug, never crashed and runs far beyond expectation on steam deck.”
- “The optimization is incredible, with load times rarely taking more than a few seconds.”
- “However, there seems to be a memory leak issue, and I cannot go for more than one hour before my game starts stuttering and I need to reset my PC to play the game.”
- “Absolutely atrocious performance on a system well above recommended, with microstutters galore regardless of settings changed.”
- “The game suffers from constant severe stuttering which will never be fixed since the devs refuse to admit it's happening in the first place despite the overwhelming amount of evidence online.”
music
1,454 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
43%
1%
The music in "Ghost of Tsushima" has been widely praised for its haunting beauty and ability to enhance the game's emotional depth, with a soundtrack that seamlessly blends traditional Japanese instruments and orchestral arrangements. Players appreciate how the music complements both serene exploration and intense combat, creating an immersive atmosphere that captures the essence of feudal Japan. However, some users noted occasional audio bugs that disrupt the experience, leading to moments where sound effects are muted while music continues to play. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the game's standout features, contributing significantly to its storytelling and emotional impact.
- “Very compelling music, from soft Japanese flute during horse rides to a heart-wrenching symphony during big boss fights.”
- “Coupled with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack and a cinematic presentation, Ghost of Tsushima delivers a truly unforgettable gaming experience.”
- “The soundtrack perfectly complements every moment, heightening the emotional weight of the story and the serenity of exploration.”
- “Its soundtrack is no Assassin's Creed: Black Flag/Revelations, Gris, or God of War to name a few examples, but it's pretty good.”
- “This could easily have been game of the year, but its story, soundtrack, and polish just weren't quite there.”
- “The music is completely underrated... so close to perfect that it doesn't matter.”
emotional
924 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
"Ghost of Tsushima" is widely praised for its emotionally engaging narrative, which follows the protagonist Jin Sakai's transformation from a noble samurai to a vengeful ghost amidst the Mongol invasion. Players report being deeply moved by the story's exploration of themes such as honor, sacrifice, and personal growth, often shedding tears during pivotal moments. The game's stunning visuals and haunting soundtrack further enhance its emotional impact, making it a memorable experience that resonates long after gameplay.
- “The story of Jin Sakai's transformation from a noble samurai to the vengeful 'ghost' is both emotionally gripping and thematically profound, exploring loyalty, sacrifice, and the clash between tradition and necessity.”
- “The emotional depth of the story is palpable, as it delves into Jin’s personal growth, his inner conflict, and the toll that war takes on both the body and soul.”
- “The soundtrack perfectly complements every moment, heightening the emotional weight of the story and the serenity of exploration.”
- “Boring story like oh the bad guy has taken over your home and you got to take it back, like this has not been done a 1000 times over.”
- “Art direction/setting is doing a lot of lifting for a boring story, world, and combat system.”
- “It's a boring game with a boring story covered up by good graphics and visuals.”
stability
908 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
3%
54%
The stability of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While many report a smooth experience with minimal bugs and good performance across various hardware setups, others have encountered frequent freezes, stutters, and crashes, particularly during cutscenes or combat. Overall, the game appears well-optimized for some, but significant issues persist for others, suggesting that stability may vary widely depending on individual systems and configurations.
- “The game runs well, almost no glitches (visual or game-breaking).”
- “There are no issues with performance, no bugs, and no glitches—just a smooth, seamless experience that lets you fully immerse yourself in the game.”
- “The game looks beautiful, runs smoothly, and I've had no glitches or bugs after 20 hours.”
- “40 minutes in, I started getting micro-freezes and stutters that would just linger on my system—even after the game was closed.”
- “Well over the minimum specs, the game runs well but freezes the entire desktop every 10-20 minutes, forcing a hard restart.”
- “The game is a buggy mess for the PC version and frequently has issues with cutscenes, which makes progression impossible.”
atmosphere
764 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
32%
1%
The atmosphere of "Ghost of Tsushima" is widely praised for its breathtaking visuals, immersive sound design, and dynamic weather effects, which together create a rich and captivating experience reflective of feudal Japan. Players feel deeply engaged in the world, often stopping to appreciate the stunning landscapes and cultural details, while the atmospheric soundtrack enhances emotional moments throughout the gameplay. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered one of its standout features, making it a must-play for fans of immersive open-world adventures.
- “The visuals are absolutely stunning—fields of swaying grass, golden sunsets, and serene Japanese temples create an atmosphere so immersive that it feels like stepping into a painting.”
- “The atmosphere pulls you right in, making you feel like a true samurai exploring a world that’s alive and breathtaking.”
- “The dynamic weather system and day-night cycle add to the immersion, with moments like sunsets or storms elevating the atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere (despite all the recycled resources and copy-paste environments) is breathtaking.”
- “The gameplay might get a little boring in the long run (at the 70 to 80 hours mark), that is true, but the story, beauty, and atmosphere of the game is unchallenged.”
- “This game feels just like an Assassin's Creed wannabe game with all its repetitive gameplay and boring world...and for that I think it's very overrated. The only good thing about this game is how it looks and the atmosphere...but that's not enough or rather not the most important thing in a game.”
grinding
490 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
29%
69%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding certain tasks and side missions to be tedious and repetitive, particularly when aiming for 100% completion. While some enjoy the grind for upgrades and collectibles, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, leading to a sense of monotony. Overall, the game offers a balance of enjoyable content and grindy elements, but players should be prepared for some repetitive tasks along the way.
- “There are supplies and different resources you collect, but it's not tedious like creating new ammo and traps; it all adds to different upgrades.”
- “Most of the achievements require little to no grinding -- and the ones that require some form of grind demand incredibly little of it.”
- “No grinding; you can do the story if you want to, or explore side content and unlock cosmetics, but also items that enhance stats.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The biggest problem however is the boring and tedious side missions to collect talismans, increase your resolve, etc. These missions don't change in terms of the actions needed to complete them, so after the 20th time, it gets really old.”
- “The exploration feels tedious rather than thrilling, and the lack of meaningful interaction with the environment is disappointing.”
character development
218 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
46%
1%
Character development in "Ghost of Tsushima" is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, particularly through the protagonist Jin Sakai's journey from a traditional samurai to a more complex figure embodying stealth and ruthlessness. Players appreciate the well-crafted relationships and evolving dynamics with supporting characters, although some feel that certain side characters lack depth. Overall, the game is noted for its immersive storytelling, rich character arcs, and the ability to evoke strong emotional responses, making it a standout in the genre.
- “The character development is profound, and the emotional weight of the story stays with you long after you've put down the controller.”
- “Jin’s evolution from a traditional samurai to the feared ghost is compelling, driven by well-written dialogue and strong character development.”
- “The character development is exceptional, the narrative strikes a perfect balance between personal conflict and broader themes of sacrifice and duty.”
- “The narrative is predictable, and character development is shallow.”
- “There is not much character development to warrant sympathy for any significant characters.”
- “Yet another modern game that checks the box of lecturing the gamer on modern gender and social economic politics, and does it in such a blatant unbelievable way along with poorly written side stories and non-existent character development.”
humor
150 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
97%
3%
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with players appreciating the comedic elements found in side quests and character interactions, particularly praising the character Kenji for his humor. While some moments are genuinely funny, others stem from glitches or absurdities within the game, leading to a lighthearted experience despite the serious overarching narrative. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm, making the game enjoyable and memorable for many players.
- “Kenji is hilarious, but also concerning.”
- “Story also intense and rewarding, and even well-placed witty humor (Kenji has my solid vote for 12th century award-winning stand-up comedian).”
- “I love the game; you can kick people off the map, it's funny, so I will give it a 10/10.”
- “It's not funny anymore.”
- “I am loving the game so far, but playing for 40 minutes and then crashing is not funny.”
replayability
138 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
60%
4%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players praising its engaging story, beautiful graphics, and the addition of cooperative multiplayer modes that enhance replay value. While some reviews highlight a lack of significant choices affecting the narrative, others appreciate the variety of gameplay styles and challenges that encourage multiple playthroughs. Overall, the game offers substantial replayability, particularly through its Legends mode and customization options, though some players feel it could benefit from more diverse content.
- “The story is beautiful and emotional, with tons of replay value.”
- “Well over 100 hours of content and plenty of replayability.”
- “The game's dual nature, allowing players to embrace the traditional samurai path or the stealthy ghost approach, adds depth and replayability.”
- “I would not say there is much replayability since the story is linear and I can't think of any story-impacting decisions that get made along the way - but it is definitely worth buying and playing through once.”
- “The legends mode is good but severely limited in content and the raids are a nightmare of bad game design with no incentive on replayability if the player is able to complete them.”
- “This kills replayability as some of us, for whatever reason, will be playing on a fresh new game instead of new game plus despite already beating the game.”
monetization
48 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
58%
29%
The game is praised for its lack of microtransactions, allowing players to enjoy the experience without the pressure of in-game purchases or additional monetization strategies. Reviewers appreciate the focus on gameplay, story, and content, contrasting it with other titles that rely heavily on DLC and microtransactions. Overall, it is seen as a refreshing departure from the typical cash grab model prevalent in modern gaming.
- “Overall it is absolutely worth its price, we sorely need more games like this, a well-written emotional story with plenty of side content, even if a bit repetitive after a while, gorgeous graphics and an epic soundtrack, with a lot of cosmetic options you get from exploring and playing with absolutely no monetization, and even a story expansion with a new area and more content, what more can we ask for nowadays.”
- “I have forgotten that games can be fun, complete, and not bombard the player with microtransactions.”
- “Wow, a game that feels like it's meant to be played for fun instead of monetization!”
- “Sony just after a quick cash grab and a lot went for it.”
- “I tried to play more but the more I go the more it's apparent that this was in development in 2015, released before the pandemic, and just does not resonate in 2024. It's a total Sony cash grab for expiring merch, sad.”
- “Pure cash grab in spite of the PC community.”

87%Critics’ scoreBased on 112 critic reviews

Buy Ghost of Tsushima

16h Median play time

32h Average play time

25h Main story

62h Completionist

5-50h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 298 analyzed playthroughs

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