Jin Sakai has a decently sized arsenal with which to slay enemies in Ghost of Tsushima. It does not work the same way as other action-adventure games, however. For example, players do not have a whole slew of swords to choose from. Instead, they earn different tools for Jin to use other than swords.
The following guide details how to earn all of them. Many of them are earned throughout the story while others are a little off the beaten path. The variety of tools shows just what makes the combat in Ghost of Tsushima so fun, unique, and accessible.
Weapons Earned During The Story
The weapons below are all collected during the campaign, so don't worry about not yet having them. Because of their utility, players may want to get these before taking on certain side quests and duels. Most of these are must-haves before heading to Iki Island, the expansion added to the game for Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut.
Storm of Clan Sakai
This sword is with Jin from the very beginning and is the only main weapon he carries throughout the whole journey. While there are sword kits to collect, they are purely aesthetic and have no bearing on the weapon's abilities.
The sword is upgradable through swordsmiths in town after doing the "Hammer and Forge" main quest. Even though the sword does not change throughout the game, players do unlock a variety of techniques and skills to spice up the combat. Many of the Mythic Tales in particular reward players with useful tactics.
Sakai Tonto
Similar to his katana, the Sakai Tanto is always with Jin. It does not become useful to the player until the story mission "Warrior's Code" where Jin starts silently assassinating enemies. It can also be upgraded at swordsmiths. Additionally, you can upgrade the assassination ability to kill up to three enemies at once in stealth.
Half Bow
The Half Bow is the first ranged weapon players obtain during Jin's quest to free the island from the invading Mongolian forces. It is earned during the main story quest "The Tale of Sensei Ishikawa" relatively early in the first act. Players eventually gain access to the Longbow but the Half Bow still remains useful even after getting the bigger projectile.
The Half Bow is weaker but fires faster and has more ammunition. Upgrading it requires Supplies, Bamboo, Yew Wood, and later on Wax Wood is also required for the last two levels. Upgrading the ammo supply requires Predator Hides and goes up to 20. Jin earns flaming arrows after completing the "The Way of the Bow," a side quest that becomes available shortly after earning the Half Bow. Flaming Arrows' ammo capacity needs to be upgraded separately also using Predator Hides.
Blowgun
The Blowgun is earned during the second act after completing the quest "Ghosts from the Past." There are two types of darts for the weapon: poison and hallucination darts.
While poison darts come with the weapon, hallucination darts do not become available until the side quest "The Proud do not Endure" is completed, which becomes accessible shortly following "Ghosts from the Past." At first, Jin only has two darts available for each, but upgrading the capacity using Predator Hides can increase that number to five.
Optional Weapons
The weapons below are all optional. They are either earned through certain side quests or by upgrading Jin's abilities in the skill trees. Even though these are not mandatory, it is recommended to get all of these. Ultimately, they do not take that much effort to obtain.
Longbow
The Longbow controls the same way as the Half Bow, but it differs greatly in several areas. This weapon carries less ammunition and takes longer to fire, but it is more powerful and has a significantly longer range.
To unlock the Longbow, complete "The Curse of Uchitsune" Mythic Tale. This can be found in the Hiyoshi Springs in the first act after completing the three main quests "The Tale of Lady Masako," "The Tale of Ryuzo," and "The Tale of Sensei Ishikawa." The power and the ammo capacity can be upgraded using the same supplies that upgrade the Half Bow.
Kunai
Kunai are extremely helpful when surrounded by multiple enemies. When equipped, just pressing a button unleashes them and momentarily distracts several enemies at once, leaving each open to an attack. To unlock it, simply go to the Ghost Weapons section on the upgrade tree and spend a Technique Point. Further upgrades on the skill tree add an additional knife to the throw and make it more powerful. The trapper can upgrade the Kunai's capacity all the way to six by spending Predator Hides.
Black Powder Bomb
The Black Powder Bomb is also unlocked in the Ghost Weapon area of the skill tree. The explosive is designed to break up big groups of enemies. Further upgrades add to the blast radius and even knock down the enemy. Upgrade the capacity with Predator Hides.
Smoke Bomb
Smoke Bombs are used to help Jin run away once he has been spotted. It is also good for getting a free hit on enemies. Upgrades make the smoke last longer and even let it heal Jin Sakai. With this in mind, it is good for both stealthy players and those who like to go in guns, or swords, blazing. Buy it with a Technique Point on the skill tree.
Sticky Bomb
Even though Sticky Bombs are unlocked by buying the upgrade under the Ghost Weapon tab, Sticky Bombs are more useful when in action than in stealth. There's nothing more satisfying than throwing one on an enemy and watching the sparks light up before it explodes. At first, the explosions hurt Jin if he is close, but a quick upgrade removes any accidental damage to the player.