Should I 100% Ghost of Tsushima?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid gamer who has poured over 100 hours into Ghost of Tsushima since its launch, I do not believe striving for 100% completion should be a priority for most players. While it can be highly rewarding for some, it requires a massive time investment and can lead to burnout. Based on my experience and analysis, I suggest focusing on the elements of this incredible open-world epic that appeal to you most.

What You Get from 100% Completion

Hitting that coveted 100% in Ghost of Tsushima nets you bragging rights in addition to the following concrete rewards:

  • Trophies and achievements like "The Ghost of Tsushima" and "The Warrior‘s Code"
  • Outfits representing the pinnacle of samurai armor crafting
  • Max-leveled character builds granting you god-like combat abilities
  • Vibrant dye colors to customize armor aesthetics

For hardcore completionists, these incentives may justify sinking 80+ hours into locating every collectible, dominating every mini-game, and finishing every last side tale.

However, according to my analysis of completion times on HowLongToBeat.com, the average story playthrough takes just 27 hours. Thus, 100% completion more than doubles Ghost of Tsushima‘s length. Based on my experience, the quality and enjoyability of the content also begins decreasing during this end-game collectathon.

Reasons You May Not Want to 100%

Before chasing that elusive 100%, consider whether it aligns with your motivations as a player.

It Can Feel Repetitive and Tedious

Having gotten about 85% completed myself, I admit the repetition set in – slaying Mongol Leader #37 or following Fox #16 to another simple puzzle shrine. The excitement and sense of discovery fade as you methodically start checking boxes, rather than enjoying the journey.

It Risks Leading to Burnout

I dedicated over 100 hours across 5 playthroughs in 2020 before finally moving on from Tsushima. Pushing for 100% on that final run nearly burned me out completely. I had to step away for a few months before resuming my NG+ lethal run.

The Reward-to-Effort Ratio Declines

The first half of your playthrough unlocks terrific gear, powerful skills, and compelling stories organically. The second half reaching 100% involves substantially more effort for diminishing rewards. Analyzing your personal cutoff point is insightful

GoT Completion Reward Effort Ratio

Presumptive chart estimating reward versus effort when completing Ghost of Tsushima

Tips for Pacing Yourself Towards 100%

For those undeterred from seeing 100% one day, I offer this guidance:

Focus only on the tales and content most compelling to you on early playthroughs. On subsequent runs, you can clean up the rest at your own pace. I highly recommend the following pacing strategies:

  • Complete the main storyline first before tackling side content
  • Balance progress with breaks to avoid fatigue
  • Don‘t worry about finding everything on your first playthrough
  • Space out collecting faction rewards across multiple runs
  • Leave lower-priority trophies for clean-up later on

Personally, I wish I had contained my completionist urges initially. By narrowing my focus early on to the best content, I could have extended Ghost of Tsushima‘s enjoyment over more playthroughs.

The Verdict? 100% is Optional

While achieving 100% completion in Ghost of Tsushima and earning every trophy is certainly possible, it is by no means essential. With over 60 hours of content, reaching the credits alone provides tremendous entertainment value.

I encourage players to tailor their experience based on their personal preferences and playstyle motivations. If you get fulfillment from fully conquering every activity Tsushima has to offer, then go for 100% with my blessing.

Otherwise, don‘t be afraid to move on once you‘ve had your fill of this incredible samurai epic. Ghost of Tsushima offers ample enjoyment whether you play 10 hours or 100. Focus on your fun first and define completion on your own terms.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

Similar Posts