Embarking on a second journey through the stunning open world of Tsushima allows players to experience Jin Sakai's legendary saga with all their previously earned abilities intact. The New Game Plus mode in Ghost of Tsushima introduces enhanced gameplay mechanics, new cosmetics, and fresh challenges designed for veteran Samurai. Understanding how to access this mode and what new features await will help you make the most of your return to the island.
How to Unlock New Game Plus Mode
Unlocking New Game Plus requires players to complete the main storyline of Ghost of Tsushima at least once on any difficulty setting. Once the credits roll and Jin's main quest concludes, a system message will confirm that the expanded campaign option is now available from the main menu. Selecting this option creates a separate save file, preserving your original endgame progress while launching a brand new playthrough.
When starting the new run, you skip the opening prologue and begin directly in the open world shortly after Jin gains access to his horse. All earned techniques, vanity items, armors, weapons, and stance upgrades carry over immediately into the new campaign. This allows players to jump straight into action with a fully developed arsenal of skills and Ghost weapons.
Exclusive Features and New Content
One of the major additions in New Game Plus is Baku the Voiceless, a unique merchant who exclusively trades in Ghost Flowers. This special currency is awarded whenever you complete tales, side quests, or open-world activities that you already finished in your first playthrough. You can exchange Ghost Flowers with Baku for brand new armor dyes, vanity gear, and powerful Charms that alter combat mechanics.
In addition to cosmetics, players can upgrade their weapons and armor sets one tier further beyond the maximum limit available in the base game. This additional upgrade path requires rare crafting materials but grants significant stat boosts needed to face tougher adversaries. Furthermore, new horse dyes and specialized vanity sets are exclusive to this second journey across the island.
Increased Difficulty and Lethal Plus
To keep the gameplay engaging for experienced players, New Game Plus automatically scales enemy health and aggression across all difficulty levels. Enemies react faster in duels, coordinate attacks more effectively, and inflict higher damage than in a standard playthrough. This ensures that even with endgame gear, combat remains challenging and rewards tactical mastery of stances and parries.
For those seeking the ultimate test of skill, the game introduces higher difficulty options such as Lethal Plus. In this mode, combat becomes razor-sharp, where a single mistake or poorly timed dodge often results in instant death. Mastering stealth tactics and quick reflexes becomes essential for survival against relentless Mongol patrols.
Tips for Preparing Your New Playthrough
Before launching your new campaign, it is beneficial to collect remaining health hot springs, bamboo strikes, and Inari shrines in your original save file. Maxing out Jin's base health pool and resolve meters gives you a strong foundation when facing scaled enemies early on. Gathering extra crafting resources like steel, silk, and leather beforehand also helps fund early armor upgrades.
Finally, experiment with different Charm builds purchased from Baku to create fresh playstyles during your second adventure. Combining unique curses or combat-altering charms can transform standard skirmishes into exciting new combat scenarios. Taking time to customize your build ensures a rewarding and dynamic experience from start to finish.
