As Jin prepares to retake Castle Shimura in Ghost of Tsushima's second act, he will look to bring any possible ally to his cause. Just as he did for the entirety of Act 1, Jin is forced to convince a reluctant ally to join the fight against a seemingly indestructible enemy. However, while the samurai that Jin was attempting to convince in Act 1 had long been allies, Act 2 finds Jin trying to persuade long-standing enemies that they must stick together to defeat Khotun Khan.
"The Walls of Yarikawa" force Jin to enter the territory of Clan Yarikawa, former rebels who were defeated by Lord Shimura and Jin's father, long before the events of Ghost of Tsushima. The Yarikawa have little love for Jin, marking him guilty by association before giving him a chance to prove otherwise. However, Yuna is from Yarikawa, and it will be up to her to bridge the divide between nobility and rebel, creating an alliance that can withstand the Mongol invaders.
How to Start 'The Walls of Yarikawa' in Ghost of Tsushima
After completing "A New Horizon," which acts as a segue between Act 1 and Act 2, Jin will have three missions to choose from:
- "Ghosts from the Past"
- "A Message In Fire"
- "The Walls of Yarikawa"
While this walkthrough recommends "Ghosts from the Past" be completed first, which leaves a string of fast-travel points unlocked all along Toyotama, it is perfectly fine to do them in any order.
"The Walls of Yarikawa" begins almost halfway up the eastern coast of Toyotama, near the clearly marked 'Ruins of Old Yarikawa' area. There is a survivor camp just outside the ruins where Yuna and Taka will be waiting.
It appears the Mongols have the entire town surrounded, and Jin is reluctant to help his former enemies without assurances - assurances he can't get from outside the town. Yuna knows of a secret way into the town, and convinces Jin to follow her in.
Infiltrate Yarikawa with Yuna and Taka
Objectives:
- Follow Yuna and Taka to Yarikawa
Jin will follow on horseback as they head through the hills of Old Yarikawa. There will be some passing Mongols, but Jin will not be required to fight. Simply ride up the hill until a cutscene takes over.
- Figure out how to reach the stronghold
- Don't alert the Mongols to your presence
Once the cutscene is over, Jin will survey the area, looking for the secret entrance. Yuna points out that they must reach the canal that winds around the town walls.
How to Cross the Mongol Camp:
The camp that the trio must cross is crawling with Mongol enemies. There are a few of Ghost of Tsushima's techniques and tactics that can help make it much easier:
- Obviously, the first thing to avoid is straight up fighting. If the camp is alerted, Jin will automatically fail. It is smart to avoid assassinations as well. Mongols are very quick to notice dead bodies, and will call out when one is found.
- Use focused hearing, including its upgrades. With stealth hearing unlocked, Jin hardly has to leave the focused hearing state at all.
- Use objects and pampas grass to stay invisible. While there is no 'line of sight' display, try and focus on what is look like when a Mongol is looking, and when its back is turned. In focused hearing, this can sometimes be difficult. Never assume a Mongol will remain stationary, many have patrol paths. Be patient.
It's not an incredibly difficult task to accomplish, but if players rush, it can become fairly frustrating. Focus on moving past the enemies slowly, then hurry into the canal and down make a right. Jin must follow Taka through the waterfall to locate the secret entrance.
- Follow Taka through the waterfall
- Enter Yarikawa
Convince the Yarikawa Rebels to Join the Fight
Once inside the Yarikawa Stronghold, Jin will be taken to Ujimasa, the stronghold's steward.
- Follow the guard to the steward
- Reach Yarikawa Stronghold's main gate
As the group is heading in to mean Ujimasa, horns will start to blow, announcing the arrival of Mongols at the gate. Jin will rush over to hear what the Mongols have to say. Out front is General Temuge, demanding that the gate be opened for he and his men.
When Jin and Ujimasa speak, it is clear that the steward has already heard of the Ghost and their exploits. He is surprised to learn that Lord Sakai is responsible. Ujimasa, at first, says no to Jin and Yuna, but Yuna tries to convince Jin that Ujimasa is simply scared.
- Find Taka at the swordsmith's shop
After finding Taka at the Swordsmith's shop, the three will discuss their next move. They know they must make a statement that convinces Ujimasa to join the fight. "The Walls of Yarikawa" ends here, allowing Jin to prepare before the massive fight with the Mongols.
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is available now on PS5. The base version, Ghost of Tsushima, is available now for PS4.