Ghost Of Tsushima: Starting A New Game - What You Need To Know

Hey guys! So you're diving back into the breathtaking world of Ghost of Tsushima or maybe getting ready to experience it for the very first time? Awesome choice! It's a game packed with samurai action, stealth, and a whole lot of beauty. One question that often pops up is: "How exactly do I start a new game in Ghost of Tsushima?" Let's break it down and get you slashing Mongols in no time. You might be wondering if starting a new game will overwrite your current progress. That's a valid concern, especially if you've put a ton of hours into crafting the perfect Jin Sakai. We'll cover how to manage your saves and ensure you don't lose anything precious. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of initiating a fresh playthrough. Whether you're on the original PS4 version or the Director's Cut on PS5, the method is pretty straightforward. Let's not forget about Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, the cooperative multiplayer mode. While it's a separate experience from the main story, knowing how new game options work across the board is always helpful, and we'll also address the new game plus mode. Let's get started!

Starting a New Game: The Basics

Starting a new game in Ghost of Tsushima is actually super simple. From the main menu, you'll see a few options: "New Game," "Continue," "Load Game," and "Options." To begin a fresh adventure, just select "New Game". Once you select “New Game,” the game will prompt you to choose your difficulty level. You can pick from Easy, Medium, or Hard, tailoring the challenge to your liking. Don't worry too much about this choice initially; you can change the difficulty later in the game if you find it too easy or too challenging. After setting the difficulty, you will watch the opening cinematic. This cutscene sets the stage for Jin Sakai's journey, showing the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island. Pay attention; it's a great way to immerse yourself in the story. Once the cutscene ends, you'll find yourself at the beginning of the game, ready to start Jin's transformation from a noble samurai to the Ghost. You'll begin with the initial tutorial missions, which guide you through the basic combat mechanics, stealth techniques, and exploration aspects of the game. These early missions are crucial for understanding the core gameplay loop, so take your time and get comfortable with the controls. Ghost of Tsushima is known for its stunning visuals, and even from the very beginning, you'll be treated to breathtaking landscapes and detailed environments. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Tsushima Island as you embark on your adventure. So, to recap, starting a new game involves navigating to the main menu, selecting "New Game," choosing your preferred difficulty, and enjoying the opening cinematic. From there, you're all set to dive into the world and begin your epic journey as Jin Sakai.

Managing Your Save Files

Now, here's a crucial bit: managing your save files in Ghost of Tsushima. Nobody wants to accidentally overwrite hours of hard-earned progress! The game offers multiple save slots, which is fantastic. Make sure to use them wisely. Before starting a new game, it's a good idea to manually save your current progress. This ensures you have a backup in case anything goes wrong. To manually save, pause the game, go to the "Options" menu, and select "Save Game". Choose an empty slot or overwrite an older save that you no longer need. When you start a new game, the game will automatically create a new save file for your new playthrough. This new save will be separate from your previous saves, preventing any accidental overwrites. However, it's always a good practice to double-check which save file you're loading, especially if you have multiple playthroughs going on simultaneously. The game provides clear descriptions for each save file, including the date, time, and location in the game world. Pay attention to these details to ensure you're loading the correct save. Ghost of Tsushima also has an autosave feature, which periodically saves your progress as you play. While autosaves are convenient, they shouldn't be your only method of saving. Relying solely on autosaves can be risky, as they can sometimes be overwritten or corrupted. Always supplement autosaves with manual saves to protect your progress. If you're planning to start multiple new games, consider creating a separate folder or naming convention for your save files. This can help you stay organized and easily identify the save file you need. For example, you could name your saves based on the difficulty level or the character build you're using. By following these save management tips, you can avoid the frustration of losing your progress and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in Ghost of Tsushima. Always remember: save early, save often, and use multiple save slots.

New Game Plus: What to Expect

Once you've completed Ghost of Tsushima, you unlock the New Game Plus (NG+) mode. This mode allows you to replay the game with all your previously acquired gear, skills, and upgrades. It’s a fantastic way to experience the story again, especially if you want to try different choices or play on a higher difficulty. To start a New Game Plus playthrough, select "New Game Plus" from the main menu. The game will then create a new save file that carries over your progress from your completed game. In New Game Plus, you'll have access to all your weapons, armor, charms, techniques, and exploration progress from your previous playthrough. This gives you a significant advantage, especially in the early stages of the game. However, the game also introduces new challenges to keep things interesting. Enemies are tougher, and there are new difficulty options available, allowing you to test your skills to the limit. New Game Plus also adds new cosmetic items and upgrades that you can only obtain in this mode. These rewards provide additional incentives to replay the game and further enhance your character's abilities and appearance. Ghost of Tsushima's New Game Plus mode includes exclusive Ghost Flowers, which can be exchanged for new armor dyes and vanity gear. These unique customizations allow you to personalize Jin Sakai even further. Some players love using New Game Plus to try out different playstyles or moral choices. For example, you might choose to focus on stealth tactics in one playthrough and then go all-in on direct combat in another. The possibilities are endless! Starting a New Game Plus playthrough is an excellent way to extend your enjoyment of Ghost of Tsushima. It allows you to revisit the world, refine your skills, and unlock new content, all while carrying over your hard-earned progress. So, if you've finished the game and are looking for a fresh challenge, New Game Plus is definitely worth exploring.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before you jump into a new game of Ghost of Tsushima, here are a few extra things to keep in mind to make your experience even better. First off, consider your difficulty level. Ghost of Tsushima offers a range of difficulty options, from Easy to Hard. If you're new to the game or just want a more relaxed experience, Easy or Medium are good choices. If you're a seasoned gamer looking for a challenge, Hard might be more your style. Remember, you can always change the difficulty later if you find it's not quite right for you. Take advantage of the game's exploration. Ghost of Tsushima is set in a beautiful open world, and there's a ton to discover. Don't just rush through the main story; take your time to explore the landscapes, find hidden shrines, and complete side quests. You'll be rewarded with valuable resources, new gear, and a deeper understanding of the game's world. The combat system in Ghost of Tsushima is deep and rewarding. Experiment with different stances, weapons, and techniques to find a playstyle that suits you. Don't be afraid to try new things and adapt your approach based on the situation. Mastering the combat is essential for surviving the challenges that lie ahead. Pay attention to the story and characters. Ghost of Tsushima has a compelling narrative and memorable characters. Immerse yourself in the story, listen to the dialogue, and learn about the history and culture of Tsushima Island. The more invested you are in the story, the more you'll enjoy the game. If you're playing the Director's Cut, be sure to check out the Iki Island expansion. This expansion adds a new area to explore, new quests to complete, and new characters to meet. It's a fantastic addition to the game and offers even more content to enjoy. Ghost of Tsushima is a game that rewards patience and attention to detail. Take your time, explore the world, master the combat, and immerse yourself in the story. By keeping these things in mind, you'll have an unforgettable experience in this incredible game.

So, whether you're a returning samurai or a fresh-faced warrior ready to unsheathe your katana for the first time, starting a new game in Ghost of Tsushima is a breeze. Just remember to manage your saves wisely, consider exploring New Game Plus after your initial playthrough, and keep those extra tips in mind for the best possible experience. Now go forth and liberate Tsushima! You got this!