This article is part of a directory: Ghost of Tsushima: Complete Guide and Walkthrough
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Ghost of Tsushima features a robust combat system that primarily focuses on providing a certain amount of realism. While some action-adventure games take pride in going overboard with their combat experience, it is well-known that Sucker Punch, the developers of Ghost of Tsushima, wanted their combat to feel extremely deadly, like it could come down to a single sword stroke. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the game's Lethal difficulty mode.

Lethal and Lethal+ are a unique difficulty mode in Ghost of Tsushima. Though it is the final option in the list of difficulties, there are certain aspects of Lethal mode that can make it easier in some regards, and more challenging in others. This guide will explore the nature of GoT's Lethal mode, revealing how it works, and defining whether it truly is the most difficult way to experience Ghost of Tsushima.

jin sakai and ghost techniques
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Ghost of Tsushima Lethal Mode Explained

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Ghost of Tsushima has four difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, Hard, and Lethal. In New Game Plus, these difficulties become slightly harder versions of the base difficulties. For some players, Lethal and Lethal+ modes are the hardest difficulties. However, there are certain factors about the Lethal difficulty mode that can make it seem easier to those players who have mastered the game's dueling mechanics. To understand the reasons behind this, it will first be beneficial to understand exactly what Lethal mode is.

What is Ghost of Tsushima's Lethal Mode?

Lethal mode is meant to make combat feel as deadly as possible. The following mechanics are how this is achieved:

  • 'Death is always close at hand. A single sword strike is lethal.' This is how Ghost of Tsushima describes Lethal and Lethal+ modes.
  • Both Jin and his foes deal considerably more damage. When starting a new game in Lethal mode, Jin can be killed by a single sword stroke or with a well-placed arrow. It's not much better later in the game, as Jin can be taken out with two or three hits under the best conditions. This means that Lethal mode will likely feel like the most difficult mode for players just starting out, but once you get your bearings, it will usually start to click.
  • This doesn't only benefit the Mongols, as Jin's blade becomes just as deadly. You will notice that enemies that once took multiple rounds of attacks, such as the larger Brutes, can also be killed in about three strikes. Basic enemies will usually take two strikes, and many archers will die in one.
  • Ultimately, this means that Lethal mode greatly benefits high-skill players, who will feel rewarded for mastering GoT's dueling mechanics. Many players even feel that Lethal mode is the definitive Ghost of Tsushima experience.

Ghost of Tsushima Lethal Mode: Tips and Tricks

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If you are one of the many players that struggle with Lethal mode, there are multiple tips that can help make it feel easier, but offensively and defensively. Consider using the following strategies to overcome Lethal mode:

  • Outfit: Some outfits will greatly benefit players who are trying to get through Lethal mode. While it is great to do more damage and have more starting health, the area that truly benefits this mode is Resolve. Resolve is the basis for two of the most helpful mechanics in Lethal mode: Recover Health/Iron Will and Mythic combat arts. For this, and many other reasons, GoT's Kensi Armor is one of the best for Lethal mode.
  • Charms: There are several Charms that can help with Lethal mode. Charm of Mizu-no-Kami increases the window for parries, perfect parries, and perfect dodges. This can be incredibly helpful for those struggling on the defensive side of GoT combat. The Charm of Amaterasu restores a moderate amount of health after a kill. With minor charms, look for things like the Charm of Broken Barriers, which grants 15% of Resolve for breaking an enemy's defense, and the Charm of Perfect Landing, which grants two full Resolve for performing a Safe Landing. New players can add minor charms that increase health, damage, and defense. For players who are in the late-game, Iki Island, or in New Game Plus, consider using Iki Island's Charm of Versatile Skills. Finally, visiting all the Fox Dens/Inari shrines will reward you with the fully upgraded Charm of Silence and Charm of Inari's Might, two of the best for Lethal mode.
  • Upgrades: Fully upgrade Jin's weapons and armor. The difference will not be as pronounced as it is in the lower difficulties, but it is still worth doing in Lethal mode. It can often mean the difference between one final sliver of health, or killing an enemy one stroke faster.
  • Versatility: While there is no doubt that taking on hoards of Mongols with nothing but Jin's sword can feel incredibly rewarding, don't forget that he has an entire arsenal at his fingertips. If you are struggling to take on large crowds, make sure you are using everything at your disposal. Kensei Armor also increases Ghost Weapon damage by 40% when fully upgraded. Mythic combat arts do a huge amount of damage, not only against basic enemies, but in boss duels as well. Stealth and Archer builds are perfectly viable as well. However, there is no denying that, when you have mastered dueling with a sword, Lethal mode feels as if it is the way Ghost of Tsushima was meant to be experienced.
Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR’S CUT
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut

Platform(s)
PC , PS5 , PS4
Released
August 20, 2021
Developer(s)
Sucker Punch
Publisher(s)
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre(s)
Action-Adventure , Open-World