Ghost of Tsushima arrived on PlayStation 5 this year, in a bundle that included the brand new Iki Island Expansion. The DLC add-on sees Jin leave Tsushima to pursue his vendetta against the Mongols on neighboring Iki Island. He also finds the time for some of Ghost of Tsushima's most interesting side-quests, including the challenging Hidden Cove Tournament.
The Hidden Cove Tournament can be found at Fune's Refuge, but is only available after players have completed the mission Jin From Yarikawa. The Tournament itself is divided into four different fights. Once players have defeated the first three challengers, they'll get a chance to fight the toughest opponent, Sao the Crimson Fisherman.
Sao the Crimson Fisherman's Opening Moves
As the fourth and final opponent in Ghost of Tsushima's Hidden Cove Tournament, Sao is a little more tricky to defeat than his colleagues. This is mostly due to his wide-ranging moveset, which incorporates several altered versions of attacks that players will already have faced in the Tournament. Despite this, Sao can still be a fairly predictable fighter if players pay attention to his movements, and is most easily defeated by parries and counterattacks.
Sao likes to open each engagement with a classic Ghost of Tsushima Heavy Attack that sweeps low to the ground before flicking up dirt into the player's face. This move is heavily telegraphed, and can be avoided with a quick tap of the dodge button. After his opener, Sao might go for a quick follow-up, which can be blocked or parried for a return hit. Alternatively, the Crimson Fisherman will attempt to stun Jin by throwing a bottle of sake, which can be avoided with a rolling dodge. Sao will once again attempt to follow-up with a quick attack that can be blocked or parried.
How to Defeat Sao in Ghost of Tsushima
Once players have learned Sao's skills in Ghost of Tsushima's Hidden Cove Tournament, they're ready to defeat him. Although his moveset is predictable, he will change it up after the first few hits by adding an unblockable strike after his Heavy Attack opener. Players will have to dodge to avoid this attack, and wait for an opportunity to strike back.
If players dodge back too far on any of these moves, Sao has a running attack that he will use to close the distance. He'll dart from foot to foot as he approaches, but the move can be parried, allowing players to set up a counterattack. Once players have defeated Sao, they'll receive the unique rewards of the Hidden Cove Tournament, including a moderate Iki Island Legend increase, 3 Silk, The Hidden Heart sword set, and the Crimson Dye Merchant.
Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut is available now on PS4 and PS5.
