Iki Island offers a deeply personal and challenging extension to the Ghost of Tsushima experience, taking players on a journey through emotional trials, new threats, and the haunting past of Jin Sakai. Liberating Iki Island is not just about clearing enemy outposts; it’s about confronting trauma, forging alliances, and uncovering mysteries that expand the lore of the game. Whether you’re playing on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, understanding how to liberate Iki Island requires strategic thinking, exploration, and mastery of new mechanics introduced in the expansion. This guide breaks down the key steps and strategies to fully liberate Iki Island and unlock its secrets.
How to Access Iki Island
Before you can begin the process of liberating Iki Island, you’ll need to meet the requirements to unlock the expansion. Iki Island is part of the Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut and becomes available after reaching a certain point in the main game.
Unlocking Requirements
- Progress to Act II in the main Ghost of Tsushima story.
- Speak to the NPC who appears in the Toyotama region with news of Mongol activity on Iki Island.
- Accept the mission titled Journey into the Past.
After completing the initial boat sequence and surviving the first encounter with the Eagle, Jin washes ashore on Iki Island, and your journey toward liberation begins.
Main Threats on Iki Island
The primary antagonist on Iki Island is the Eagle, a shaman who uses mind-altering poisons and psychological manipulation to control her followers. Unlike Tsushima, the threat on Iki is more mystical and emotionally driven, with hallucinations and inner conflict playing a major role.
Besides the Eagle, Mongol forces led by her warlords occupy various strongholds, camps, and regions. Fully liberating Iki Island means removing all traces of this invading force.
Objectives to Liberate Iki Island
There are multiple objectives across the island that contribute to its liberation. These tasks not only advance the story but also affect how much of the map you can control.
Key Objectives
- Complete the main story quests involving the Eagle.
- Clear enemy camps and strongholds.
- Liberate occupied farms and villages.
- Destroy Mongol shipyards and supply caches.
Tracking Progress
You can view your liberation progress through the in-game map. Liberated areas will be marked clearly, and remaining Mongol-held regions will display enemy icons. Completing each objective will reduce the Eagle’s influence on the island.
Strategies for Clearing Mongol Camps
Mongol camps on Iki Island vary in size and difficulty. Each camp presents a unique challenge, including new enemy types and the shaman mechanic. Shamans can boost the morale and combat abilities of nearby enemies, so it’s vital to prioritize them during encounters.
Effective Combat Tips
- Use stealth to thin out enemy numbers before going loud.
- Focus on taking out shamans first to weaken enemy forces.
- Leverage new abilities like Horse Charge to break through lines of defense.
- Upgrade your gear and use charms that improve stealth and resolve gain.
Main Story Missions to Complete
Several main story missions on Iki Island are tied directly to the liberation process. These include both combat-heavy missions and those focused on Jin’s emotional journey and connection to his father.
Important Quests
- A Lost Friend Reunite with allies and prepare to resist the Eagle.
- The Lightning in the Storm Face illusions and the Eagle’s poison in a test of strength and mind.
- Massacre of the Kikuchi Farm Revisit a painful moment from Jin’s past and reclaim the area.
- Epilogue: The Return The final push to remove the Eagle’s presence from Iki Island.
Completing these story missions is essential to weakening the Eagle’s grip and progressing toward full liberation.
Side Quests and Mythic Tales
While the main quests are essential, Iki Island also features side quests and mythic tales that contribute to overall liberation. These quests often reveal the history and culture of Iki, adding depth to the story and rewarding players with gear or experience points.
Must-Play Side Content
- Mythic Tale: The Legacy of Kazumasa Sakai Uncover the truth about Jin’s father and the impact he left on the island.
- Tales of Iki Smaller stories from local residents that build the emotional landscape of the expansion.
- Animal sanctuaries and haiku spots Optional activities that restore beauty to the island.
Removing All Mongol Influence
To completely liberate Iki Island, you must eliminate all Mongol-occupied locations. This includes:
- Every outpost and fort marked on the map.
- Shipwreck sites and watchtowers controlled by the enemy.
- Shaman-led camps and poison production areas.
Some camps require multiple objectives to be completed, such as defeating a leader, destroying supplies, and rescuing hostages. Be thorough when exploring each area to ensure all tasks are done before leaving.
Unlockable Rewards for Full Liberation
Liberating Iki Island isn’t just for the sake of completion it comes with meaningful rewards. As you drive out the Mongol presence, you’ll unlock the following:
Notable Rewards
- New armor sets, including the Sakai Horse Armor.
- Charm upgrades and unique Iki-only charms.
- Cosmetics like dyes, headbands, and saddles.
- Increased legend rank and new abilities.
Post-Liberation Exploration
After the final mission is complete and the Eagle is defeated, you can still roam Iki Island to finish any remaining side content, shrines, and collectibles. The island remains a beautiful and dangerous place to explore, offering more than just combat.
Activities to Finish
- Archery challenges and obstacle courses.
- Bamboo strikes to upgrade your resolve.
- Hot springs and meditation areas for stat boosts.
Tips for Efficient Iki Island Liberation
If you’re looking to liberate the island quickly and effectively, keep these tips in mind:
- Upgrade your gear before taking on large enemy camps.
- Mark objectives on your map to avoid missing any locations.
- Focus on enemy camps first before exploring optional content.
- Return to cleared areas to find hidden collectibles or lore items.
Liberating Iki Island in Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is more than a combat challenge it’s an emotional and cultural journey through Jin Sakai’s past and the history of the island. By completing main quests, side missions, and clearing enemy camps, players can fully reclaim the land from the Eagle’s influence. With careful planning, exploration, and combat strategy, you’ll not only free Iki Island but also uncover the deep scars and resilience that define its people.