The Iki Island expansion in Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut introduces players to a rugged new landscape filled with unique threats and powerful rewards. Venturing into this territory allows Jin Sakai to discover formidable gear designed to alter his combat dynamics significantly. Finding these specialized armor sets requires exploring hidden corners of the island and completing detailed mythical quests.
The Cursed Sarugami Armor Set
The Sarugami Armor stands out as one of the most drastic gameplay-altering additions found within the expansion. To acquire this mythical gear, players must seek out a storyteller who details the legend of a cursed pirate crew. This journey leads to an intense duel against the legendary Black Hand Riku in a secluded, glowing cavern. Defeating this formidable opponent rewards you with a set that rewards high-risk, high-reward defensive maneuvers.
When worn, this outfit completely removes the ability to perform standard parries, replacing them with devastating counters upon achieving a perfect parry. Furthermore, players who successfully execute a perfect dodge will trigger a blinding swirl that temporarily disorients nearby foes. Investing resources to upgrade this set at a local armorer makes it an absolute powerhouse for duel enthusiasts looking to conquer the game's toughest challenges.
Unlocking Special Collaborative Armor Easter Eggs
Aside from standard upgrades, Iki Island contains three mysterious wind shrines that pay homage to iconic PlayStation franchises. Solving the riddle at the Shrine in Shadow reveals the stunning Shadow of the Colossus themed variant for the Ghost Armor. Players must dawn the original stealth outfit and cast a smoke bomb directly before the central statue to trigger this unique aesthetic transformation.
Similarly, traveling to the Blood-Stained Shrine allows players to unlock a striking Bloodborne inspired coloration for the Kensei Armor. Solving this puzzle involves healing yourself while standing directly before the monument after taking structural fall damage nearby. These locations offer a fun diversion from the main narrative while delivering exceptional cosmetic combinations for dedicated collectors.
The Tadayori Armor Shrine Variant
Archery enthusiasts will find plenty of utility by seeking out the Forbidden Shrine located along the northern coastlines of the island. Equipping the ancestral Tadayori gear at this location prompts a unique interaction that reveals hidden weak points etched directly onto the stone structure. Rapidly striking these glowing targets with your half-bow opens up access to powerful charms that boost concentration regeneration rates.
This location highlights how the expansion beautifully weaves existing baseline equipment into new exploration mechanics. Taking the time to visit these hidden locations ensures that your version of Jin Sakai remains incredibly versatile during massive group engagements. Combining these structural rewards with the baseline gear found on the mainland creates an unstoppable combat loop.