Ghost Of Tsushima: Best Early-Game Armor Sets

With the release of Ghost of Tsushima on PC, many people who had been kept on the sidelines can now enjoy this exceptional game in all its glory. With its challenging combat system, thrilling story, and dreamlike world design, this title has been a fan favorite for several years now. To complete Jin Sakai’s story, players will have to learn the ropes and hone their abilities to defeat groups of enemy mongols who only get stronger as the game progresses.

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While combat skills are handy, having armor with helpful perks that can withstand even the heaviest blows is key to survival. Here are the best early-game armor sets in Ghost of Tsushima to wear while prevailing over the Mongols.

Updated on October 22, 2024, by Gerardo Molina: It’s critical to mention that, while having strong armor is key to survival, there’s no better protection than never getting hit. Granted, that’s extremely difficult, especially when dozens of Mongols are attacking Jin at the same time. If players can minimize the amount of times they’re hit in combat, they should focus on armor with the best perks rather than just the best physical protection.

If players combine their skills with the right perks and armor, no Mongol will be a match for them, and freeing the island of Tsushima will be considerably easier. Players who are just getting started shouldn’t get discouraged, as even in the early stages of the game, there are great options for armor.

6 Hero Of Tsushima

A Special Edition Armor Set

• Massive increase in Health in NG+
• Moderate damage reduction in NG+

Players who bought the Special Editions of Ghost of Tsushima know that the Hero of Tsushima armor set is not only beautiful to look at, but also quite useful. Since it’s downloadable content that comes prepackaged into the game, it’s the first armor set that can be obtained by Jin Sakai (aside from the Broken Armor set, of course).

The Hero of Tsushima armor set grants a considerable Health increase and damage reduction perks that players will find extremely useful, especially if they’re playing on Hard or Lethal difficulty. Originally worn by no other than Harunobu Adachi, hailed as the best swordsman on the island of Tsushima, this armor can be upgraded in NG+, helping reinforce its already great capabilities, and further contributing to making players stronger.

5 Tadayori’s Armor

An Archer’s Dream

Upgrade Requirements

The island of Tsushima is full of invading Mongols to battle, breathtaking views to take it, and Mythic Tales to experience. The Legend of Tadayori is one of said Mythic Tales in Act 1 that must be completed to obtain Tadayori’s Armor. While it’s not the most aesthetic armor set in the game, it does provide outstanding perks that can turn Jin into a master archer to be feared by all.

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When maxed out, Tadayori’s Armor provides lightning-fast reloading and arrow nocking, as well as increased concentration time. With the right charms and upgrades, this armor set will allow players to take down entire enemy camps with a bow and a few arrows. Some of the armor dyes available for this set include the Noble Talon (default), Hunter at Dusk, Autumn Victory, Flowers of War, Relentless Hawk, Summer Ocean, Archery Master’s Attire, and the Seeker’s Attire. Every one of these armor dyes can either be bought from Izuhara, the Black Dye Merchant, Baku the Voiceless, or by completing the Forbidden Shrine.

4 Fundoshi Armor

Quiet As a Mouse

• Running and sprinting no longer makes noise
• Enemy detection speed is reduced by 40%

Not everyone has the patience and determination to explore an entire island looking for hot springs, but for those players hellbent on completing Ghost of Tsushima to the fullest extent, the Fundoshi Armor will be their reward for finding all 18 of Hot Springs. This armor allows Jin to run and sprint freely throughout the fields of Tsushima while remaining undetected; a dream come true for players who prefer stealth to brute force.

If that wasn’t enough, detection speed is also reduced by 40%, so even when players are standing in plain view in front of an enemy, there will be plenty of time to hide again. Since all hot springs are available from the beginning of Act 1, players can get this armor extremely early on if they so wish. Unfortunately, like the Hero of Tsushima armor set, the Fundoshi armor can’t be upgraded.

Some players have reported that after installing the Iki Island DLC, their Fundoshi sets disappeared, leaving them confused and frustrated. A few forum dwellers have stated that reloading an older save or visiting the two additional Hot Springs that come with the DLC might do the trick and unlock the valuable outfit once more.

3 Ronin Attire

Outstanding Melee Damage Boost

Upgrade Requirements

For players who want a neat-looking armor set that also offers a large variety of perks in combat, the Ronin Attire is the way to go. Not only does this armor set have a design that will instill fear in even the bravest of enemies, but it also provides a massive melee damage increase that can come in very handy in the early stages of the game when Jin’s katana isn’t fully upgraded yet. The Ronin Attire is given to Jin by Ryuzo during the Blood on the Grass mission in Act 1, so players will have to complete it if they want this armor set.

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Additionally, the Ronin Attire armor set reduces enemy detection speed by 30%. While that is lower than what the Fundoshi Armor offers, does that really matter when Mongols are dropping like flies after a few swings of Jin’s katana? One of the greatest things about the Ronin Attire (other than its amazing perks and stats) is how the straw hat evolves with every upgrade, going from a simple, head-worn decoration, to an extremely intimidating, massive fashion statement.

2 Samurai Clan Armor

Unlimited Resolve

Upgrade Requirements

Obtained during the Tale of Lady Masako in Act 1, the Samurai Clan armor set is one of the most overpowered elements players can get early on in the game. This armor set is great from the get-go and also has one of the most complex and complete upgrade paths.

When maxed out, the Samurai Clan armor set is a tank, as it offers a colossal increase in Health, major damage reduction, and strong Resolve regeneration upon taking damage, which can help Jin survive longer and provide him with multiple windows for healing. Originally belonging to Shigesato Adachi, Masako Adachi’s eldest son, this armor is a way to honor the fallen, especially those as brave as Shigesato. Some of the Dyes players can use on this set are the Spring Lion, the Immaculate Warrior, the Warrior’s Darkness, the Endless Wrath, and the Raw Courage. Many of these dies can be purchased in exchange for 10 flowers or by completing different side quests.

1 Gosaku’s Armor

A Powerhouse For Staggering Damage

Upgrade Requirements

Gosaku’s Armor can’t be obtained as early in the game as the rest of the armor sets on this list, but it’s worth the wait. Players can obtain this armor set after completing The Unbreakable Gosaku Mythic Tale in Act 2. When maxed out, Gosaku’s Armor provides a colossal increase in Health, a massive stagger damage increase, and a whopping 20% Health restoration every time Jin kills a staggered enemy.

Similar to the rest of the armor sets on this list, several items will be needed to upgrade Gosaku’s Armor to the maximum possible level, but with enough patience and a few supply farming techniques, it’s achievable, and absolutely worthwhile. This set’s backstory is fascinating and inspiring, as it revolves around a farmer named Gosaku, who, after taking the armor from a dead samurai, wore it to protect his village from the Red Hand bandits of Akashima. Without a doubt, a true tale of heroism.

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut

Action-Adventure

Open-World