Ghost of Tsushima’s Iki Island DLC Is a Must-Play Before Yotei

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The action game named “Ghost of Tsushima” was incredibly successful, selling over 13 million copies on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC by September 2024. About 35-40% of players completed the game, which can take many hours to finish. However, only about half of these players finished the “Iki Island” expansion DLC. While some DLC might not be great, the expansion for “Ghost of Tsushima” is outstanding and a must-play before the upcoming release of “Ghost of Yotei.

In essence, you can expect only minor connections between Yotei and Iki Island in the games, perhaps a fleeting mention in an optional item or dialogue line. Given that these islands are about 870 miles apart and the stories take place over 300 years from one another, significant crossover is unlikely. However, the storytelling in Iki Island exhibits a richer level of depth and character development compared to the main Tsushima campaign, which is noteworthy, and we hope this trend continues with Yotei.

Ghost of Tsushima‘s Iki Island DLC’s Story Is Wonderfully Told

On Iki Island, it’s not enough for Khotan Khan to send one of his top lieutenants against Jin. Instead, the primary adversary, The Eagle, is a mystical shaman who uses a hallucinogenic concoction to brainwash the island’s residents. However, she is not just another brute force to be defeated. Her capability of inflicting harm with both an army and a deadly poison makes her a formidable foe. This combination of physical and psychological danger poses a significant threat. Yet, it turns out that this harmful brew presents as much of a mental challenge as it does a physical one.

Following a big swallow of it, Jin is plagued by memories of his troubled past and self-doubts, which manifest as sudden inner dialogues where the Eagle criticizes him, focusing on his vulnerabilities to weaken him. These intermittent flashbacks occur randomly throughout gameplay and react to the player’s actions, whether hiding in an enemy camp or sprinting across a field. They give the Eagle a more omnipresent feel compared to Khotan Khan, making her a complex adversary that tests Jin in two distinct ways.

In simpler terms, this expansion, known as Iki Island, delves deep into Jin’s past and sheds light on why it is such an amazing addition to the game. It expands upon a brief scene from the main game where Jin’s father was killed. Interestingly, this tragic event took place on Iki Island, and additional context is provided throughout both the main missions and side quests. In the past, Jin’s father was known as the Butcher of Iki for his brutal actions against the island’s residents. As a result, when Clan Sakai is seen by the natives, they feel anger rather than fear like the Mongolians do when they see Jin, the Ghost of Tsushima, due to their opposing histories with each faction.

Kazumasa’s desire for dominance has brought harm to the land and caused the locals to doubt Jin, despite his honorable goal to thwart the Eagle. However, Jin harbors some animosity towards Iki’s people due to their actions, right or wrong, that led to his father’s death. This complex situation in the game explores themes such as the sins of the past, forgiveness, and the process of healing and rebuilding after a catastrophe.

During the main missions, these themes are portrayed directly, creating compelling drama and tension. However, these concepts are also subtly addressed in the side missions. For instance, the optional “A Helping Hand” quest sees Jin providing materials to a hopeful Iki villager aiming to rebuild his home after it was destroyed by Mongols. This mission might seem straightforward, but it subtly explores how Jin’s guilt can be transformed into making amends for individuals. Similarly, handing in Sakai banner collectibles provides additional background about the Sakai invasion from a victim’s perspective, allowing Jin to remove an offensive symbol and aid in the healing process simultaneously. Many missions approach this disaster from various angles, and this framing gives ordinary tasks a more profound meaning.

Ghost of Tsushima‘s Iki Island DLC Is the Best Part of the Game

As a gamer immersed in Jin’s epic saga on Iki Island, my personal connection deepens as the storyline delves into family matters, making Kazumasa’s brutal nature a harsh reality I struggle to accept. Navigating through this emotional maze compels me to confront buried traumas, shedding light on how the rigid samurai order can corrupt even the strongest souls, a theme mirrored in the main game.

The island’s flashbacks poignantly depict Kazumasa’s failures as a father and subtly hint at the insidious corruption that ensnares those caught within the samurai order. This intricate weave of events serves to enrich the narrative of the base game.

Jin’s bond with his mother unfolds through serene, harmonious interactions in the sanctuary for animals, providing valuable insights into the woman who nurtured Jin’s compassionate side. These quiet moments also offer a more profound understanding of his father’s actions and complete this surprisingly heartwarming family tale embedded within Iki Island.

There are a few odd, seemingly out-of-place lines that hint at edited dialogue, but overall, the narrative presents a remarkably complex exploration of a complicated subject matter.

Iki Island stands out as a must-have expansion for Ghost of Tsushima, enhancing an already engaging story with added depth and complexity. While the main game’s narrative was captivating, immersive, and skillfully blended with its distinctive style, it did lean towards predictability. However, Iki Island‘s storytelling is more nuanced. It introduces a formidable antagonist who not only poses a physical threat but also compels Jin to grapple with his internal conflicts steeped in familial strife. This family-centric drama is subtly woven into the setting and connected to the base game, creating a seamless, cohesive narrative tapestry. Furthermore, Iki Island‘s breathtaking landscapes and best armor set are mere icing on the cake. Yet it’s the extraordinary way it weaves such an engrossing, multilayered tale that makes it a remarkable addition to an outstanding game, and one of the finest DLC offerings ever produced.

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2025-09-05 20:13