If side quests aren’t necessary for progressing in the main storyline, it is natural to want to skip those. Not with the Ghost of Tsushima though.
When I first started playing it, I thought I’d focus only on the main story. The combat is tight, the world is stunning, and I just wanted to see how Jin’s journey unfolded.
But then I did some of the side quests and realized skipping them meant missing out on some of the most rewarding parts of the game. The side quests offer deep stories, powerful rewards, and memorable gameplay moments. That’s something you won’t want to miss.
But there are 65+ side quests in the game (61 Tales of Tsushima (marked in white) and 7 Mythic Tales (marked in blue).
Should you go after every one of them? Well, not necessarily. But here are three side quests I genuinely think you shouldn’t skip. Buy Ghost of Tsushima for the cheapest prices on the official PlayStation Store
Read on.
3 Unmissable Side Quests in Ghost of Tsushima
1. Lady Masako’s Tale
Lady Masako’s story was the first side quest that really hit me emotionally. It starts early in the game and spans nine missions across the story.
The nine-mission arc starts with a main quest at the Adachi Estate and then continues as side quests.
Masako is the last surviving member of the Adachi clan, and her entire family has been brutally murdered. She asks Jin for help in tracking down those responsible.
What begins as a simple revenge story turns into something deeper. Each mission reveals more about her grief, her loyalty, and the cost of vengeance.
With compelling writing and a poignant finale, it probes honor, justice, and where to draw the line.
The gameplay is simple with a mix of combat and investigation, but nothing too difficult. What makes this questline important, however, is how much it deepens your understanding of overall storyline.
2. Sensei Ishikawa’s Tale
This is another multi-part quest that runs through much of the game. The first quest is part of the main story, while the rest are side missions.
Sensei Ishikawa is Jin’s former archery instructor. When you first meet him, he’s trying to track down his runaway student, Tomoe, who is now working with the Mongols.
At first, I wasn’t sure I liked Ishikawa. He’s gruff, proud, and keeps a lot to himself. But the more I played through his missions, the more I appreciated the complexity of his character.
You follow a trail of clues across the island, uncovering how Tomoe is training Mongol archers in Japanese techniques. The missions vary with some focused on stealth, others on long-range combat, and a few on duels or ambushes.
The real strength of this questline, however, is how well it explores flawed mentorship and moral gray areas.
On the gameplay side, these quests are perfect if you enjoy using the bow. You learn how to make the most of ranged combat, and you unlock important upgrades along the way. I recommend doing this side quest gradually, alongside the main story. It builds over time and ends with a satisfying resolution that feels earned.
3. The Undying Flame
Unlike the first two side quests, I mentioned, The Undying Flame is a single quest. It’s a Mythic Tale you unlock later in the game.
The Mythic Tale is all about earning a new combat technique called the Way of the Flame. To start the quest, you head up to the icy peak of Mount Jogaku and the climb is what makes this one special. There’s no combat until the very end. You have to manage your stamina and watch your surroundings as you make your way up the freezing mountain.
The atmosphere is tense with falling snow, howling wind, and isolated feelings. This quiet, contemplative experience stands out in a game full of sword fights.
When you reach the top, you face a duel that rewards you with the fire blade technique. It’s a dramatic finish and a great tool for tough fights later in the game.
If you are a new player, this quest is a good way to test your traversal and timing skills. It’s not overly long, but it’s beautifully designed and feels like a reward in itself.
Make the Most of Your Ghost of Tsushima Experience
Ghost of Tsushima is a game built on atmosphere, combat, and storytelling. While the main story is strong, these three side quests show just how much more there is to discover.
Lady Masako’s quest brings heartbreak and honor. Ishikawa’s story dives into flawed relationships. And The Undying Flame offers a unique, atmospheric journey with a great payoff.
If you want to make the most of your time in Tsushima, don’t skip these. They’re more than just side content, they’re some of the game’s best moments.
So take your time and let these stories unfold alongside Jin’s own. You won’t regret it.