In Ghost of Tsushima, one of the most fulfilling accomplishments for players is to liberate all areas across the island. This open-world action-adventure game immerses you in a beautifully rendered version of feudal Japan, where the Mongol invasion has left the land divided and scarred. As Jin Sakai, your mission is not only to defeat the Mongol leaders but also to free the various territories and strongholds under enemy control. Fully liberating Tsushima rewards players with both gameplay advantages and a deep sense of narrative closure. If you’re aiming to unlock every corner of the map, this guide will walk you through how to liberate all areas in Ghost of Tsushima effectively.
Understanding Area Liberation
In the game, Tsushima Island is divided into three main regions: Izuhara (the southern part), Toyotama (central), and Kamiagata (the northern area). Each region is further broken down into smaller sections controlled by Mongol forces. These territories include outposts, farms, forts, and settlements. Liberating these locations involves defeating all Mongol forces in the area and sometimes completing specific objectives, such as destroying supplies or freeing prisoners.
When an area is liberated, it is marked on your map, and fast travel becomes available. Additionally, liberating zones often reveals hidden collectibles like records, banners, and hot springs. Completionists looking to uncover everything the game offers will find area liberation to be an essential task.
Why You Should Liberate Every Area
Aside from the sense of heroism and justice, liberating every zone in Ghost of Tsushima offers numerous benefits:
- Unlocks the A New Horizon trophy and contributes toward platinum completion
- Grants unique rewards like gear, charms, and cosmetic items
- Clears the fog of war, revealing the complete map
- Provides immersive storytelling by removing Mongol presence
- Offers gameplay variety with diverse objectives in each area
How Liberation Works in Each Region
The process of liberating territories varies slightly depending on the region. Each region increases in difficulty and complexity as you progress, so it’s helpful to understand what you’re up against before diving in.
Izuhara Liberation
Izuhara is the first region you explore in the game. It contains a variety of Mongol-occupied zones that serve as an introduction to area liberation. Most outposts here are straightforward and feature moderate enemy strength. Examples of liberation targets in Izuhara include:
- Logging Base
- Farmsteads
- Mongol Camps
- Coastal Encampments
Objectives might include eliminating all enemies, releasing hostages, or burning war banners. Liberating all of Izuhara also grants the player increased legend rank progression and opens up the region for exploration and resource gathering.
Toyotama Liberation
Toyotama raises the stakes with more complex strongholds and well-guarded encampments. Mongol forces here are tougher and sometimes use additional tactics, such as watchtowers or reinforcements. The region includes:
- Heavily fortified forts
- Large-scale farms under Mongol control
- Mines and lakeside outposts
Each liberated location also contributes toward making the region safer for travel and story progression. Some areas are unlocked only after completing key missions in the main story, so players are encouraged to mix main quests with exploration.
Kamiagata Liberation
Kamiagata, the final region in the game, is where the Mongol presence is strongest. This snowy, mountainous region contains some of the hardest liberation objectives in the game. You’ll encounter elite units, tighter patrols, and complex objectives. Territories include:
- Frozen forts with narrow access paths
- Strategically positioned hilltop camps
- Supply camps supporting enemy operations
Liberating Kamiagata requires a well-upgraded character and full use of your Ghost abilities. Tools like smoke bombs, hallucination darts, and chain assassinations become crucial in these high-risk areas.
Tracking Your Liberation Progress
You can track your progress by checking the map and liberation tracker for each region. Liberated areas will show a white check mark, and cleared objectives will update in your journal. Additionally, some settlements will have villagers return once the area is freed, providing a visual and emotional payoff for your actions.
To completely liberate all areas in Ghost of Tsushima, make sure to:
- Explore every point of interest marked with a red icon
- Listen to rumors from NPCs they often point to hidden outposts
- Use your Guiding Wind to locate unliberated Mongol territories
Helpful Tips for Successful Liberation
- Scout first: Use vantage points to tag enemies and plan your approach before charging in.
- Use Ghost Tools: Tools like wind chimes, smoke bombs, and kunai make stealth and crowd control easier.
- Upgrade gear: As you progress, ensure your armor and weapons are upgraded for efficiency.
- Switch tactics: Alternate between stealth and direct combat depending on the objective.
- Don’t rush: Some liberation targets are better tackled after leveling up or acquiring more tools.
Post-Liberation Rewards and Achievements
After liberating every Mongol territory across the three main regions, you’ll unlock the Hero of Tsushima trophy. Additionally, the game world becomes more peaceful, with fewer random enemy patrols. Merchants and travelers also begin to speak positively about your deeds, reinforcing your legacy as the Ghost.
Cosmetic rewards, including dyes and headbands, become available in areas once hostile, adding to your customization options. Liberated zones often become safe hubs for fast travel and NPC interactions, giving you easy access to resources, merchants, and side quests.
What Happens After All Areas Are Liberated?
Once all territories are freed, you can continue exploring for collectibles, tales of Tsushima, and additional challenges. While no new invasions occur after full liberation, the game world remains open for exploration. Many players use this phase to:
- Complete side tales and mythical quests
- Find all collectibles like records, sashimono banners, and vanity gear
- Master all combat stances and Ghost skills
- Experiment with different playstyles using New Game+
Clearing the entire map allows players to fully immerse themselves in Tsushima without the constant threat of Mongol interference, offering a sense of closure and freedom that reflects Jin’s journey from samurai to Ghost.
Freeing every area in Ghost of Tsushima is more than just a gameplay task it’s a reflection of Jin Sakai’s commitment to his people and his island. The liberation mechanic gives players a tangible sense of progress and impact in a world shaped by war and resistance. Whether you’re aiming for 100% completion or simply wish to bring peace to the land, liberating all regions stands as one of the game’s most rewarding accomplishments. Take your time, sharpen your blade, and become the true Ghost of Tsushima.