How to Beat Sao in Ghost of Tsushima? A Complete Guide

ghost of tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure masterpiece that took the gaming world by storm in 2020. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game immerses players in the captivating story of Jin Sakai, the samurai responsible for defending Tsushima Island during the ruthless Mongol invasion of Japan.

Throughout the game, Jin faces moral dilemmas, torn between adhering to traditional warrior code and employing cunning and dishonorable tactics to thwart the Mongols with minimal loss of life.

The heart of Ghost of Tsushima lies in its vast open world, giving players the freedom to explore carefully designed landscapes on foot or on horseback. As players travel across the island, they will encounter a variety of challenges, from powerful enemies to stunning scenery that captures the essence of feudal Japan.

The combat mechanics in Ghost of Tsushima are very engaging, allowing players to use Jin’s katana to engage in direct, visceral combat with enemies. Alternatively, players can take a more stealthy approach and embrace the character of the Ghost. As the Ghost, Jin became a feared and legendary warrior, employing cunning stealth tactics to silently assassinate and strike fear into the hearts of his foes.

After its successful release, the game received widespread acclaim from critics and players. It received critical acclaim for its fluid melee combat, rich narrative, carefully developed characters, captivating performances, and hauntingly beautiful musical score, which further enhanced the story’s emotional impact.

Despite its critical acclaim, Ghost of Tsushima did receive some constructive criticism, particularly regarding certain aspects of its implementation of stealth gameplay and its open-world structure. Still, these minor criticisms don’t overshadow the game’s overall excellence.

In August 2021, an expanded version of the game titled “Director’s Cut” was released on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, featuring the Iki Island expansion, adding new content and adventures for players to experience.

The game was a huge commercial success, selling over 9.73 million copies as of July 2022, and quickly became one of Sony’s fastest-selling original games. Its outstanding response has led to it being nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2020 Game Awards and the 24th Annual DICE Awards.

Ghost of Tsushima has captured the hearts of gamers around the world with its gripping story, engaging characters, and stunning visuals, making it a true gem in the realm of video game storytelling. As of 2022, the game’s popularity has expanded beyond the gaming community, with a film adaptation currently in development, further proving the lasting impact of this epic samurai tale.

How to defeat Sao in Ghost of Tsushima?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to defeat Sao in Ghost of Tsushima:

  • Unlock Sao: Before challenging Sao, you must defeat Kai, Take, and Owan. Once you defeat them, Sao will approach you and mention that Jin reminds him of his son. Find Sao near where Owen fights and challenge him.
  • Be prepared for a tough fight: Note that Sao is the toughest opponent of the four, so fight with caution and focus.
  • Utilize perfect parries and dodges: Unlike Owen, Sao cannot avoid counterattacks. Take advantage of this and use Perfect Parry and Dodge as viable tactics against him.
  • Watch out for his sweeping punch: Sao often starts fights with a sweeping slam across the ground. To avoid getting hit, roll away to the left.
  • Use Dodge Slash: After Sao’s second sweeping hit, he becomes vulnerable to quick attacks. If you purchased this technique, press the O button to dodge the attack, then tap the square to perform a dodge slash. This deals damage and earns you points.
  • Dealing with Sake Can Throwing: Sao may throw sake cans at you during combat. While challenging, you can attempt a perfect parry for a quick counterattack. Be careful, as some of these attacks can be overwhelming.
  • Guard against his quick spin moves: Sao may follow up a sweeping punch with a quick spin move. While it’s difficult, you can attempt a perfect parry to effectively fight him.
  • Observe Distance Running Attack: Sao may use Take’s running attack, even from a distance. This attack has a long range, but with practice, you can parry it perfectly and launch a powerful counterattack.
  • Adapt and be patient: Sao likes to change his approach mid-fight, so be prepared to adjust your strategy accordingly. Stay patient and focused as victory may take multiple attempts.
  • Learn from your mistakes: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed in defeating Sao on your first try. Analyze your mistakes and learn from them to improve your combat skills and ultimately achieve victory.

By following these strategies and practicing your timing and reactions, you’ll have a better chance of conquering Sao in Ghost of Tsushima’s “SAO” mode. Remember, the path of the warrior is one of perseverance and self-improvement. May your katana truly shine and your spirit remain steadfast on this challenging journey!

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Red fisherman’s sexy start

When players face Sao, they must be prepared for his diverse strategies and quick follow-up. After opening with a sweeping slam, he may try to exploit openings with quick strikes, challenging the player to react quickly to block or parry for a chance to counterattack.

Additionally, Sao demonstrates his skills as a Crimson Fisherman by throwing sake bottles in an attempt to knock Jin out. This attack can be dodged with a well-timed rolling dodge, allowing players to stay focused and ready for the quick attack that follows.

It’s worth noting that Sao’s moveset is reminiscent of the moves his opponents used in the Hidden Bay tournament, making him somewhat predictable if players continue to follow his patterns. By watching his movements and anticipating his attacks, players can gain a tactical advantage and use openings to successfully parry and counterattack.

While Sao may have a variety of moves at his disposal, players should remember that unlike some other opponents, he cannot avoid counterattacks. Perfect blocks and dodges can be viable strategies to gain the upper hand in this challenging battle. Staying calm and focused during combat is crucial, as patience and timing are crucial when trying to counter Sao’s various attacks.

Defeating Sao in the Hidden Bay Tournament requires a keen eye, sharp reflexes, and mastery of Jin’s fighting abilities. By honing their parrying and dodging skills, players can effectively neutralize Sao’s opening moves and set themselves up for victory. As the final opponent standing in the way of victory, Sao embodies the pinnacle of tournament challenge, and defeating him is a truly worthwhile achievement for those brave enough to take on the Crimson Fisherman’s test.

Hidden Bay Tournament Rewards

Here are the rewards you can earn from the Hidden Bay Tournament in Ghost of Tsushima:

  • Iki Island Legend Level Up: Completing the Hidden Bay Tournament will reward you with a modest Iki Island Legend Level Up. As you progress through the tournament and face each opponent, your legend status will increase, demonstrating your prowess as a fighter.
  • 3 Silk: Silk is a valuable crafting material that can be used to upgrade your armor. By winning the Hidden Bay Tournament, you will receive 3 pieces of silk, allowing you to improve the performance of your armor and enhance Jin’s protection in combat.
  • Hidden Heart Sword Set: One of the most unique rewards from the Hidden Bay Tournament is the Hidden Heart Sword Set. The set consists of wooden “Bokken” training swords that have a discreet appearance until unsheathed. Once drawn, these swords reveal their true nature, embodying the essence of the tournament challenge.
  • Crimson Dye Merchant: As a special reward, the Crimson Dye Merchant is available for players to visit. You can find this merchant’s location in a house on the north shore of Tianti Lake. The Crimson Dye Merchant offers unique and rare dye options that allow you to customize Jin’s outfit to truly make him stand out as a legendary warrior.

These rewards are exclusive to the Hidden Bay Tournament, making it a must-attend event for those seeking to further their legend, upgrade their gear, and unlock unique cosmetic options. Get ready for the challenges ahead and prove your mettle in Iki Island’s Hidden Bay Tournament to claim your well-earned rewards!

Ghost of Tsushima gameplay

Ghost of Tsushima offers an engaging gameplay experience from a third-person perspective, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the role of samurai protagonist Jin Sakai. As players progress through the game, they are faced with different goals and are free to choose different methods to achieve them.

One of the main combat mechanics in Ghost of Tsushima is the Standoff feature. When facing an enemy, players can choose to engage in a confrontation, where Jin faces multiple enemies and has a brief period of preemptive strike. A successful standoff can deliver a series of fatal blows to multiple enemies, giving players an advantage in combat.

Jin’s combat abilities are further enhanced by using different fighting stances against specific types of enemies. Players can use Stone Moves against swordsmen, Water Moves against shielded enemies, Wind Moves against spearmen, and Moon Moves against barbarians. This strategic element adds depth to the gameplay, as players must adjust their fighting style based on their enemy’s strengths and weaknesses.

As the game progresses, players will unlock the powerful “Ghost Stance”, a state that makes Jin temporarily invulnerable and able to eliminate enemies with one strike. To activate Ghost Stance, players must meet certain conditions, such as killing a certain number of enemies without taking damage or assassinating a Mongol leader. This ability is a powerful tool in turning the tide of a difficult battle in Jin’s favor.

In addition to melee combat, players can also use a bow and fire different types of arrows, providing versatility when dealing with enemies from a distance. This further complements the gameplay, allowing players to tackle encounters through a combination of ranged and close combat.

Throughout the game, players will encounter challenging boss battles against non-player characters (NPCs) with unique offensive strategies and attack animations. These duels require clever timing, precise movements, and strategic thinking to achieve victory.

For those looking for a more challenging experience, Ghost of Tsushima offers a high difficulty mode where both player and enemies deal increased damage. This mode intensifies combat, with non-boss battles likely ending in just one or two successful attacks, requiring greater precision and skill from the player.

Ghost of Tsushima’s gameplay mechanics are a balanced blend of action, strategy, and skill, allowing players to embody the samurai spirit as they explore the exquisite world of feudal Japan. The game’s intricate combat and diverse gameplay options make it an engaging and rewarding experience for players looking for a rich and immersive adventure.

Disclaimer: The above information is for general information purposes only. All information on this website is provided in good faith, but we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on this website.

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