As you explore the quest-filled map in Ghost of Tsushima, you’ll need to engage in sword fights with various enemies. The basic combat mechanics are simple to grasp, but some opponents won’t be easy to defeat with just your beginner sword stance.
As you advance through the game, you’ll encounter new foes who use more than just swords. To defeat them, you’ll have to learn and use new sword stances.
In this Ghost of Tsushima guide, we’ll show you How to Unlock Stances in Ghost of Tsushima and gain new abilities for each one.
How to Unlock Stances in Ghost of Tsushima?
At the start of Ghost of Tsushima, you only have access to the Stone stance. To unlock the other three stances, you’ll need to progress through the game by observing and eliminating enemy leaders.
These leaders are often found in locations that can be liberated from the Mongols or in areas with large groups of enemies.
Steps to Unlock New Stances in Ghost of Tsushima:
- Find Enemy Leaders: Look for Mongolian leaders in Mongol-occupied areas or other locations with many enemies.
- Observe the Leader: To observe a leader, sneak into their location and hide. Once hidden, hold the R2 button to watch them. This earns you a progress point towards unlocking new stances.
- Eliminate the Leader: You can kill leaders in any manner you prefer. Since leaders are tough and dangerous, it’s a good strategy to weaken them first with a stealth attack. You can do this by sneaking up from behind or jumping on them from a nearby roof. After a stealth attack, a few regular attacks should finish them off.
- Gain Maximum Points: If possible, try to observe the leader before killing them. Observing first and then eliminating them gives you two points from a single encounter.
Each point you earn from observing or killing leaders gets you closer to unlocking a new stance.
The game will notify you of your progress and how many points you still need to unlock the next stance. The stances are unlocked in a fixed order, so keep observing and defeating leaders to access all the stances.
How to Change stances in Ghost of Tsushima?
In Ghost of Tsushima, Jin can use four different stances, each providing an advantage in specific combat situations.
For example, the Water Stance is perfect for dealing with shielded enemies. Having access to these stances allows you to adapt your strategy for various encounters.
Unlocking Stances in Ghost of Tsushima
You won’t start with all four stances. Instead, you’ll unlock them gradually by progressing through the game, completing story missions, side quests, and clearing Mongol camps.
A key method for unlocking stances is by defeating Mongol leaders found in these camps.
- Find and Defeat Mongol Leaders: Look for leaders in Mongol-occupied areas. Observing and defeating these leaders is crucial for unlocking new stances.
- Progress Through the Game: Continue advancing through the story and missions to encounter more leaders and earn points toward unlocking stances.
Upgrading Stances in Ghost of Tsushima
Each stance can be upgraded using Technique Points, with four upgrades available per stance. These upgrades enhance your combat effectiveness against specific enemy types.
- Stone Stance (R2 + X): Effective against swordsmen.
- Water Stance (R2 + O): Effective against shielded enemies.
- Wind Stance (R2 + Triangle): Effective against spearmen.
- Moon Stance (R2 + Square): Effective against brutes.
Switching Between Stances in Ghost of Tsushima
To switch between stances during combat, press R2 and the corresponding button for the stance you need:
- Stone Stance: R2 + X
- Water Stance: R2 + O
- Wind Stance: R2 + Triangle
- Moon Stance: R2 + Square
Combat Strategy in Ghost of Tsushima
Using the right stance can make battles much easier. Here’s how you can effectively switch and use stances:
- Start with the Water Stance to take down shielded enemies.
- Switch to the Stone Stance for fighting swordsmen.
- Use the Wind Stance against spearmen.
- Switch to the Moon Stance to handle brutes.
The more you practice, the quicker and more efficient you’ll become at switching stances during fights. If you find certain enemy types particularly challenging, prioritize upgrading the stance that counters them.
Unlocking and mastering all four stances is essential for maximizing your combat effectiveness in Ghost of Tsushima.
What are the stances in Ghost of Tsushima?
Stances in Ghost of Tsushima are different combat styles you can use with your katana. Each stance offers unique attacks, especially powerful ones triggered by pressing or holding the Triangle button.
These stances are specialized for making it easier to stun or defeat certain types of enemies.
Stone Stance
The Stone Stance is ideal for fighting opponents who use swords and katanas. You’ll encounter many of these enemies right from the beginning of the game, so mastering this stance early on will be beneficial.
Water Stance
The Water Stance is perfect for battling shielded enemies. This stance helps you stun these foes, making them vulnerable to further attacks. Switching to the Water Stance will make it much easier to break through their defenses.
Wind Stance
The Wind Stance is best for dealing with enemies wielding spears. Remember to use dodges to avoid their red and blue attacks. This stance gives you the upper hand in close combat against spear-wielding foes.
Moon Stance
The Moon Stance is the most effective against larger and stronger enemies known as Brutes. These tougher opponents become more common as you progress through the game, so having the Moon Stance ready will help you take them down more efficiently.
By learning and switching between these stances, you’ll be able to handle a variety of enemies with ease and adapt your combat style to any situation.
