Ghost of Tsushima Combat Guide: Parrying, Dodging, Stances & Resolve
Ghost of Tsushima combat guide covering blocking, parrying, dodging, Stone, Water, Wind and Moon stances, Resolve, archers, Technique Points, armor and reading enemy attack patterns.
Ghost of Tsushima Combat Guide: Parrying, Dodging, Stances & Resolve
Ghost of Tsushima Combat Guide: Parrying, Dodging, Stances & Resolve
Ghost of Tsushima combat rewards timing and enemy recognition. PlayStation's official beginner guide emphasizes blocking, dodging, parrying and using the correct stance against different enemy types.
Learn Enemy Attacks Before Attacking Constantly
Early enemies can defeat Jin quickly if you ignore defensive timing.
Watch for:
- Weapon wind-ups.
- Attack rhythm.
- Enemy type.
- Audio warnings.
Blocking
Blocking is the safest way to begin learning enemy attack patterns.
Use it while figuring out when an enemy's strike actually lands.
Parrying
A correctly timed parry knocks an enemy attack aside and creates a counterattack opening.
Do not mash the defensive input. Watch the animation and time the response.
Dodging
Dodging is essential when an attack cannot be safely met with a normal block or when repositioning is the better answer.
Stances
One of Ghost of Tsushima's most important systems is changing stance according to the enemy.
Stone Stance
Stone Stance is particularly effective against swordsmen.
Water Stance
Water Stance is designed to help break through shield users.
Wind Stance
Wind Stance is particularly useful against spear enemies.
Moon Stance
Moon Stance becomes useful against large, heavy opponents.
Change Stance During the Fight
Do not stay in Stone Stance simply because it was your first option.
Mixed enemy groups require you to change stance as your current target changes.
Observe Mongol Leaders
PlayStation's official guide confirms that observing or defeating Mongol leaders contributes toward unlocking additional stances.
When infiltrating an occupied camp, observing the leader before eliminating them can accelerate stance progress.
Resolve
Resolve is a central combat resource.
It supports important combat actions and recovery systems.
Do not spend all Resolve unnecessarily during an easy fight if a harder encounter is immediately ahead.
Bamboo Strikes
Bamboo Strikes provide permanent increases to Jin's Resolve capacity.
Explore enough to find them instead of focusing only on story missions.
Archers
PlayStation's official guide notes that enemy archers call out before firing.
Listen for the warning rather than keeping all visual attention on the melee enemy directly in front of Jin.
Prioritize Ranged Threats
If an archer has a clear line into the battle, remove or disrupt them before becoming trapped in a melee exchange.
Armor
Armor sets are not cosmetic only.
PlayStation confirms that different armor provides different stats and advantages, and armor can be upgraded.
Choose attire according to the activity.
Technique Points
Increasing Jin's Legend provides Technique Points for new abilities.
Invest according to your actual problems.
If defense is difficult, prioritize defensive options before purchasing techniques you rarely use.
Perfect Defensive Techniques
More advanced defensive upgrades can make well-timed parries and dodges increasingly rewarding.
Master ordinary timing first rather than depending entirely on upgraded abilities.
Use the Bow
Ranged combat can thin enemy groups before melee begins.
Use arrows against:
- Archers.
- Isolated guards.
- Enemies positioned away from the main group.
Do Not Let Enemies Surround You
When several enemies attack:
- Move toward open space.
- Keep multiple threats visible.
- Remove weaker targets.
- Change stance according to your immediate opponent.
Combat Routine
- Identify enemy types.
- Use the correct stance.
- Block while learning new attack patterns.
- Parry predictable strikes.
- Dodge attacks that require movement.
- Listen for archers.
- Preserve Resolve for important moments.
Common Combat Mistakes
- Using one stance against every enemy.
- Attacking constantly instead of defending.
- Ignoring archers.
- Using Resolve carelessly.
- Staying surrounded.
- Ignoring armor advantages and upgrades.
Bottom Line
Ghost of Tsushima combat becomes much easier once you stop treating every opponent the same. Recognize the enemy, select the correct stance, learn parry and dodge timing, manage Resolve and listen for threats outside your immediate field of view.