In Ghost of Tsushima, stances play a crucial role in combat, allowing you to adapt your fighting style against various enemy types. You begin your journey with the Stone Stance, which forms the foundation of your combat experience. To unlock the remaining stances—Water, Wind, and Moon—you need to engage with Mongol leaders scattered throughout the game world.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to unlock and utilize the combat stances:

Combat Stances Overview

1. Stone Stance:
– This stance is available from the start of the game.
– It is effective against standard enemies.

2. Unlocking New Stances:
– Water Stance: Use the observation and kill mechanics.
– Wind Stance: Continue to observe or eliminate Mongol leaders after unlocking Water.
– Moon Stance: Follow the same process to acquire this stance last in the fixed order.
– As you explore enemy strongholds, camps, or embark on missions, look for Mongol leaders practicing their combat moves.

Observation and Elimination Mechanics

– Observation:
– Sneak up on Mongol leaders and observe them to unlock new combat techniques.
– If you manage to observe a leader before defeating them, you gain double the progress towards unlocking the related stance.

– Elimination:
– Killing Mongol leaders provides progress as well.
– Both actions (observing and killing) contribute to unlocking the stances in a predetermined order.

The Ghost Stance

– The Ghost Stance is a special combat maneuver that allows Jin to execute enemies in a single strike, providing a significant offensive advantage.
– You unlock this stance during the main story mission “The Ghost of Yarikawa.”
– After acquiring it, to use the Ghost Stance outside of story missions, you need to kill seven enemies without taking damage to fill the meter.
– You can activate it by pressing L3 and R3 simultaneously, turning the tide of battle in your favor.

Switching Stances

– To change stances during combat:
– Hold the R2 button and press one of the face buttons (X, Square, Triangle, or Circle) that corresponds to the stance you wish to use.
– The transition is instantaneous and does not deplete resolve, allowing you to seamlessly shift your approach based on the types of enemies you are facing.

Summary of Strategy to Unlock Stances

– Observe: Stay stealthy and watch the movements of Mongol leaders to gather knowledge.
– Eliminate: Take them out to generate progress towards unlocking new stances.
– Unlock in Order: Collect enough points to acquire Water, Wind, and Moon stances sequentially.
– Utilize the Ghost Stance: Defeat seven enemies without damage to unleash this formidable ability throughout your journey.

By effectively using these strategies, you will enhance your combat skills and adaptability, making you a formidable warrior against the Mongol invasion.