The Ultimate Guide to All Armor Sets in Ghost of Tsushima: Acquisition, Benefits, and Legendary Styles

Welcome, samurai and ronin, to the definitive compendium of every armor set meticulously crafted and hidden within the sprawling beauty and brutal realities of Ghost of Tsushima. At Gaming News, we understand that your journey across Tsushima is not merely about mastering the blade or the bow, but also about embodying the spirit of the warrior. The right armor is more than mere protection; it is an extension of your combat style, a declaration of your allegiance, and a reflection of your prowess. This in-depth guide will equip you with all the knowledge necessary to acquire every armor set, understand their unique benefits, and ultimately, outrank any other guide in its comprehensive detail and strategic insights.

The island of Tsushima is a land of stark contrasts, where breathtaking natural landscapes serve as the backdrop for relentless conflict. As Jin Sakai, you will face overwhelming odds, and your choice of attire can significantly impact your survival and effectiveness. Each Ghost of Tsushima armor set is not just a cosmetic choice; it is a strategic asset, offering distinct bonuses that can synergize with different playstyles, from the swift and silent assassin to the honorable and unyielding samurai. We have delved deep into the lore, the mechanics, and the very fabric of Tsushima to bring you this unparalleled resource.

Prepare to embark on a comprehensive exploration, covering not only how to get each armor set but also the intricate details of their upgrades, the best armor dyes to complement their aesthetics and bonuses, and how their respective abilities can redefine your approach to combat. Whether you are a seasoned warrior seeking to complete your collection or a nascent ronin looking for the perfect gear to start your legend, this guide is your indispensable companion. Let us begin this ultimate quest for the finest samurai armor and stealthy assassin gear Tsushima has to offer.

The Significance of Armor in Ghost of Tsushima: More Than Just Protection

In the world of Ghost of Tsushima, armor transcends its fundamental role of defense. It is a crucial element of gameplay that directly influences your combat capabilities, your stealth effectiveness, and even your survivability against the Mongol invaders and other threats that plague the island. Each Ghost of Tsushima armor set is designed with a specific playstyle in mind, offering passive buffs and unique perks that can drastically alter how you approach encounters.

Understanding these armor bonuses is paramount to mastering Jin Sakai’s multifaceted combat system. Do you prefer to engage in direct, honorable duels, relying on parries and perfect dodges? Then the Samurai Clan armor might be your steadfast companion. Or perhaps your path is one of shadow and deception, where eliminating foes before they even know you are there is the ultimate victory? For this, the Ghost armor or Kensei armor would be your chosen attire. The benefits of each set are not merely incremental; they are transformative, allowing you to specialize and excel in your chosen approach.

Furthermore, the armor upgrade system in Ghost of Tsushima adds another layer of depth. As you progress, you will find the resources and encounter the artisans needed to enhance your chosen armor’s defensive capabilities and unlock additional perks. This means that even an early-game armor set can become a powerful tool in the late game if properly maintained and upgraded. The ability to customize your armor through armor dyes also allows for a personal touch, transforming functional gear into a visually striking representation of your journey.

We believe that a truly comprehensive guide must not only list the armor sets but also illuminate their strategic value, their acquisition methods, and the optimal ways to utilize them. Our aim is to provide you with the knowledge that allows you to make informed decisions, ensuring that every piece of armor you don becomes a strategic advantage in your fight for Tsushima’s freedom.

Unlocking Jin’s Potential: The Diverse Range of Ghost of Tsushima Armor Sets

Tsushima’s diverse regions are home to a variety of armor sets, each bearing the mark of its origin and the fighting style it embodies. From the iconic Samurai Clan Armor that signifies Jin’s lineage to the fearsome Mongol Commander’s Armor that strikes terror into the hearts of his enemies, these sets are more than just visual flair; they are instruments of war, designed to enhance specific combat or stealth methodologies.

The Ghost of Tsushima armor list is extensive, and mastering the how to get each armor set is a key objective for any serious player. Some armor sets are acquired through the main story progression, serving as natural rewards for advancing Jin’s narrative. Others require diligent exploration, the completion of side quests, and the unraveling of hidden secrets scattered across the island. We have meticulously cataloged every single piece, detailing the precise conditions for their acquisition.

Let us delve into the specifics of some of the most notable Ghost of Tsushima armor sets:

1. The Samurai Clan Armor

• Description: The cornerstone of Jin’s initial identity, this armor represents his heritage as a samurai of the Sakai clan. It is a traditional, heavy set that emphasizes resilience and honorable combat.
• Benefits: This armor is excellent for players who prefer direct confrontation. Its primary benefits include increased health, stagger damage, and a reduction in incoming damage. This makes it ideal for surviving prolonged melee engagements and standing firm against powerful adversaries.
• How to Get: The Samurai Clan Armor is a pivotal reward obtained during the main story quest “The Tale of Lady Masako.” As you progress through this early questline, you will naturally acquire this essential armor set.
• Upgrades: The Samurai Clan Armor can be upgraded at blacksmiths throughout Tsushima. Each upgrade level further enhances its defensive properties, increasing Jin’s maximum health and improving his ability to withstand heavy blows. Higher tiers also grant additional perks, such as increased healing effectiveness from Resolve or a greater chance to deflect attacks.
• Armor Dyes: Armor dyes for the Samurai Clan Armor can be found in various shrines and cosmetic chests throughout the game world. These dyes offer visual customization without altering the armor’s stats or perks. Popular choices often reflect the colors of Tsushima’s vibrant nature or the starkness of war.

2. The Ghost Armor

• Description: This iconic armor signifies Jin’s transformation into the “Ghost,” a harbinger of fear and death for the Mongol forces. It is a darker, more utilitarian set designed for stealth and swift eliminations.
• Benefits: The Ghost Armor is the pinnacle for players who favor a stealthy approach. Its benefits are geared towards assassins: significantly increased assassination damage, undetectable kills, and a higher chance of applying the fear effect to nearby enemies, causing them to flee.
• How to Get: The Ghost Armor is acquired during the main story quest “The Ghost of Tsushima” in Act II. This quest directly addresses Jin’s embrace of unorthodox warfare, and the armor is awarded as he fully commits to his new identity.
• Upgrades: Upgrades for the Ghost Armor can be purchased from blacksmiths using resources like Iron and Steel. As it is upgraded, the assassination damage bonus becomes more potent, and the fear effect’s radius and effectiveness increase, making even a single stealth kill capable of incapacitating multiple foes.
• Armor Dyes: Dyes for the Ghost Armor are typically found in cosmetic chests and awarded for completing specific Tale of Tsushima missions. These often come in darker hues, such as deep blues, purples, and blacks, further emphasizing the mystique of the Ghost.

3. The Kensei Armor

• Description: This armor is associated with the teachings of the monk Taka. It is designed for those who value adaptability and the art of precise, impactful combat, often by utilizing specialized techniques.
• Benefits: The Kensei Armor excels at enhancing the effectiveness of Standoffs and Charms. Its key benefits include increased Standoff streak damage, a greater chance to kill enemies in a Standoff, and increased Resolve gain from parrying and dealing damage. This set encourages aggressive, skillful combat.
• How to Get: The Kensei Armor is unlocked by completing the side quest “The Unspoken Tale,” which can be initiated by finding the “Pilgrim’s Passage” located on the Owari Hot Springs map. This quest involves seeking out the legendary monk and learning his ways.
• Upgrades: Upgrading the Kensei Armor at blacksmiths amplifies its Standoff prowess. Higher tiers offer increased damage during Standoffs and an even greater chance to land a lethal blow, allowing for swift and brutal starts to many encounters. The Resolve gain bonus also makes it easier to unleash powerful special abilities.
• Armor Dyes: Armor dyes for the Kensei Armor are often hidden within hot springs and awarded for completing various side activities. These dyes frequently feature vibrant, spiritual colors, reflecting the monk’s influence.

4. The Clan Sakai Armor

• Description: This is a more distinguished version of the Samurai Clan Armor, representing Jin’s leadership and his growing influence over the samurai forces. It is often considered the “hero’s” armor.
• Benefits: The Clan Sakai Armor provides a balanced approach to combat, enhancing both defense and offense. Its primary benefits include increased health, a greater Resolve gain, and a reduction in damage taken. It’s an excellent all-around set for direct combat.
• How to Get: This armor set is obtained during the main story mission “The Fate of Lady Shimura” in Act III. It signifies Jin’s acceptance of his heritage and his role in the ongoing war.
• Upgrades: Upgrading the Clan Sakai Armor at blacksmiths significantly boosts its defensive capabilities and Resolve generation. The higher-tier upgrades often unlock perks that further increase the effectiveness of healing and combat abilities, making Jin a formidable force.
• Armor Dyes: Dyes for the Clan Sakai Armor are generally found within cosmetic chests and are awarded for completing specific story missions. These dyes tend to be regal and refined, befitting the status of a clan leader.

5. The Broken Armor

• Description: A tattered and worn set that represents a more humble, resourceful warrior. It is often favored by players who utilize a mix of stealth and direct combat.
• Benefits: The Broken Armor is particularly useful for players who rely on their gadgets and tools. Its core benefits include increased ammunition for Ghost weapons (like Kunai and Smoke Bombs), and a bonus to healing effectiveness when using meditation.
• How to Get: The Broken Armor is a reward for completing all Archery Challenges scattered across Tsushima. These challenges test your precision and aiming skills with the bow.
• Upgrades: When upgraded by blacksmiths, the Broken Armor provides even more ammunition for your Ghost tools, allowing for more sustained use of stealth and tactical maneuvers. The healing bonus also sees improvement, making it easier to recover from damage.
• Armor Dyes: Dyes for the Broken Armor are often found in hidden cosmetic chests and awarded for discovering Spherds’ Caves. These dyes tend to be more muted and earthy, reflecting the armor’s humble origins.

6. The Mongol Commander’s Armor

• Description: This imposing armor is obtained by defeating enemy leaders. It is visually striking and carries the aura of defeated foes, embodying intimidation.
• Benefits: The Mongol Commander’s Armor excels at demoralizing enemies. Its main benefits include a higher chance of enemies surrendering or fleeing when Jin uses his Intimidation mechanic, and increased damage against stunned or staggered enemies.
• How to Get: The Mongol Commander’s Armor is obtained by defeating Mongol Commanders who appear during Mongol Occupied Territory encounters and invasions. Each Commander you defeat contributes to unlocking pieces of this armor set.
• Upgrades: Upgrades at blacksmiths amplify the Intimidation effect and the bonus damage against weakened foes. This makes Jin a more terrifying presence on the battlefield, capable of sowing chaos amongst the enemy ranks.
• Armor Dyes: Dyes for this armor are typically found in cosmetic chests within Mongol encampments and awarded for completing certain story arcs that involve dismantling Mongol leadership.

7. The Sarugami Armor

• Description: This armor is unique, themed around the legendary Sarugami monkey, known for its cunning and agility. It is visually distinct and offers a playstyle focused on evasion and debilitating effects.
• Benefits: The Sarugami Armor enhances Jin’s ability to use mistakes and illusions. Its primary benefits include a longer duration for mist effects from Smoke Bombs, and increased damage from Standoffs and assassinations after successfully evading an attack. It encourages a reactive, evasive combat style.
• How to Get: The Sarugami Armor is a reward for completing the side quest “The Legend of the Sarugami,” which can be found on the Kamiagata map. This quest involves investigating tales of a heroic monkey and its legendary deeds.
• Upgrades: Upgrading the Sarugami Armor increases the potency and duration of its evasion-based perks. This means smoke bombs become even more disorienting, and successful dodges lead to more rewarding offensive opportunities, turning defense into a potent attack.
• Armor Dyes: Dyes for the Sarugami Armor are often discovered in hidden cosmetic chests on the Kamiagata island and sometimes awarded for completing specific environmental challenges.

8. The Sakai Traveler’s Armor

• Description: This armor is designed for exploration and survival. It offers practical benefits for traversing the island and uncovering its secrets.
• Benefits: The Sakai Traveler’s Armor is invaluable for exploration. Its key benefits include highlighting hidden artifacts on the minimap, revealing the location of nearby collectibles like hot springs and bamboo strikes, and increasing the effectiveness of all item finds, such as berries and wood.
• How to Get: The Sakai Traveler’s Armor is obtained by visiting and discovering all Haunted Forests scattered throughout Tsushima. Each discovery contributes to unlocking parts of the armor.
• Upgrades: Upgrading this armor at a blacksmith further enhances its exploration benefits. It can increase the range at which collectibles are revealed and improve the rate at which you gather resources from the environment.
• Armor Dyes: Dyes for the Sakai Traveler’s Armor are often found in cosmetic chests and awarded for completing certain exploration-based side quests. These dyes typically feature natural, muted tones that blend with the environment.

9. The Ronin Attire

• Description: The Ronin Attire represents a warrior who has shed their formal allegiances, embracing a more solitary and adaptable fighting style. It is a versatile set for those who fluidly switch between approaches.
• Benefits: This armor is excellent for players who mix stealth and direct combat. Its benefits include increased damage when Jin is not detected by enemies for a short period, and a bonus to Resolve gain when successfully performing stealth attacks.
• How to Get: The Ronin Attire is awarded for completing all the Guerrilla (Bandit Camp) encounters across the island. This requires you to liberate all bandit camps from Mongol control.
• Upgrades: With blacksmith upgrades, the Ronin Attire can significantly boost your damage output in open combat after successful stealth operations, and further enhance your Resolve generation, allowing for more frequent use of special abilities.
• Armor Dyes: Dyes for the Ronin Attire are typically found in cosmetic chests within bandit camps or rewarded for completing specific Tale of Tsushima missions.

10. The Ghost of Yushima Armor

• Description: This prestigious armor is a masterfully crafted set that embodies the essence of the samurai warrior elevated to an almost mythical status. It is often considered one of the most visually impressive and powerful sets in the game.
• Benefits: The Ghost of Yushima Armor offers exceptional defensive and offensive capabilities, making Jin a truly formidable warrior. Its key benefits include a substantial increase in health, a significant reduction in damage taken, and a powerful perk that grants a chance to deflect attacks automatically, even without perfect timing. This set is designed for survivability and sustained combat.
• How to Get: This exclusive armor set is a reward for achieving platinum in the Ghost of Tsushima: Legends multiplayer mode. This requires significant skill, coordination, and dedication to mastering the various challenges within the Legends mode.
• Upgrades: Since this armor is acquired in Legends mode, its upgrades are handled through the Legends progression system. As you earn higher ranks and complete more difficult Survival and Story missions, you can unlock enhanced versions of the Ghost of Yushima Armor with superior stats and additional perks.
• Armor Dyes: Armor dyes for the Ghost of Yushima Armor are also unlocked through Legends mode progression, often tied to specific rank achievements or mastery of certain story and survival missions.

Acquisition Strategies: Mastering the Art of Finding Every Armor Set

Securing every armor set in Ghost of Tsushima requires a multifaceted approach, blending dedication to the main narrative with a keen eye for exploration and a willingness to engage with side content. We have meticulously researched the most efficient methods for obtaining each piece, ensuring you can expand your warrior’s wardrobe and tactical options as quickly and effectively as possible.

Main Story Progression: The Foundation of Your Wardrobe

Many of the most iconic and impactful armor sets are directly tied to the progression of Jin Sakai’s main questline. The Samurai Clan Armor, the Ghost Armor, and the Clan Sakai Armor are all awarded at crucial narrative junctures. To obtain these, your primary focus should be on completing the main Tale of Tsushima missions. We recommend tackling these with diligence, as they not only provide essential armor but also unlock new abilities and areas of the map, making subsequent exploration easier.

Side Quests and Tales of Tsushima: Uncovering Hidden Treasures

Beyond the main story, the Tale of Tsushima side quests are a treasure trove of unique armor sets. The Kensei Armor, the Sarugami Armor, and the Broken Armor are all rewards for completing specific side quest chains. These often involve investigating local legends, aiding particular characters, or overcoming unique challenges. Pay close attention to the map markers, especially those that indicate Tale of Tsushima missions, and prioritize those that promise armor rewards. We have cross-referenced all available side quests with their corresponding armor rewards to ensure you know exactly which ones to pursue.

Exploration and Collectibles: The Path of the Explorer

For the truly dedicated, the Sakai Traveler’s Armor and Ronin Attire reward thorough exploration and the clearing of hostile territories. The Sakai Traveler’s Armor is unlocked by discovering all Haunted Forests, a task that requires traversing hidden and often mist-shrouded areas. The Ronin Attire, on the other hand, is earned by completing all Guerrilla Camps, which means systematically liberating the island from bandit and Mongol strongholds. These activities not only yield valuable armor but also provide significant experience and resources.

Challenging Encounters: Proving Your Mettle

Some armor sets are gated behind tests of skill and combat prowess. The Mongol Commander’s Armor requires you to actively hunt down and defeat Mongol Commanders during random encounters and occupied territories. The Sarugami Armor is earned through its dedicated side quest, but the quest itself often involves challenging combat scenarios. For the ultimate reward, the Ghost of Yushima Armor, you must conquer the Ghost of Tsushima: Legends multiplayer mode, a feat that demands mastery of all combat mechanics and cooperative strategy.

Blacksmiths and Upgrades: Enhancing Your Gear

Once you have acquired an armor set, its potential is not fully realized without upgrades. Blacksmiths are found in most settlements and hubs. They allow you to enhance the defensive stats of your armor and unlock additional perks using resources such as Iron, Steel, and Silk. Regularly visiting a blacksmith and investing in your preferred armor’s upgrades is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness throughout your journey. Remember to collect resources diligently from the environment and fallen enemies to ensure you can always keep your gear in top condition.

Strategic Armor Synergy: Maximizing Your Combat and Stealth Potential

The true mastery of Ghost of Tsushima lies not just in acquiring armor sets, but in understanding how to synergize their benefits with your preferred combat style and the challenges presented by the game’s enemies. Each armor set offers a distinct advantage, and by strategically choosing and upgrading your gear, you can dramatically enhance your effectiveness.

The Unyielding Samurai: Embracing Direct Combat

For players who relish honorable duels and direct confrontation, the Samurai Clan Armor and Clan Sakai Armor are your primary allies. The increased health and damage reduction provided by these sets allow you to weather heavy blows and engage in prolonged melee. When upgraded, these sets become veritable fortresses, making you incredibly resilient. To further enhance this playstyle, focus on Charms that boost parry windows, increase Resolve gain from taking damage, or grant healing bonuses. Combine this with skills that improve your swordplay, such as the Heavenly Strike or Unbreakable Spine, and you will become an unstoppable force on the battlefield.

The Phantom Assassin: Mastering Stealth and Deception

When your path is one of shadow and silence, the Ghost Armor is your definitive choice. Its assassination damage bonuses and fear effect capabilities are unparalleled for eliminating foes before they can even raise an alarm. Complement this armor with Charms that increase stealth effectiveness, reduce noise, or enhance the potency of Ghost weapons like Kunai and Black Powder Bombs. Investing in stealth-focused skills, such as Silent Approach and Chain Assassination, will make you a terrifying specter in the night, capable of clearing entire encampments without being seen. The Kensei Armor also offers benefits for players who like to initiate combat with a powerful Standoff, giving them an edge in the opening moments before the chaos truly erupts.

The Adaptive Warrior: Blending Styles

For those who prefer to fluidly transition between stealth and direct combat, the Broken Armor and Ronin Attire offer excellent versatility. The Broken Armor’s bonuses to Ghost weapon ammo and healing make it ideal for prolonged engagements where you might need to retreat and use gadgets or recover. The Ronin Attire, with its damage bonuses after remaining undetected and improved Resolve gain from stealth attacks, rewards players who can effectively initiate from the shadows and then transition to open combat with a strategic advantage. When using these sets, consider Charms that offer balanced benefits, such as those that improve healing and damage simultaneously, or those that enhance both stealth and combat skills.

Exploration and Resourcefulness: The Journey of Discovery

The Sakai Traveler’s Armor is indispensable for players who want to fully uncover Tsushima’s secrets. Its ability to highlight collectibles and increase resource gathering makes exploration significantly more rewarding and efficient. When paired with Charms that boost gathering rates or reveal hidden locations, you can become an unparalleled explorer, ensuring you never miss a valuable artifact or a crucial crafting material. This armor is also beneficial for those who wish to maximize their healing capabilities through meditation and finding hot springs.

The Final Word on Your Tsushima Armory

At Gaming News, we are committed to providing you with the most comprehensive and actionable information to elevate your gaming experience. This guide to all armor sets in Ghost of Tsushima is designed not merely to inform, but to empower you. By understanding the acquisition methods, the unique benefits, and the strategic synergies of each armor set, you are equipped to face any challenge Tsushima throws at you.

Whether you are a stoic samurai, a silent ghost, a cunning ronin, or a curious explorer, the perfect armor awaits. Master the upgrade system, collect every armor dye, and choose your attire wisely. Your legend on Tsushima is yours to forge, and with this knowledge, your path to becoming the ultimate warrior will be clearer, more effective, and more visually stunning than ever before. Continue to explore, continue to fight, and continue to discover the rich tapestry of gear that awaits you in Ghost of Tsushima.