The Cost of Iron

Overview

A standalone Tale of Tsushima in the Izuhara region, told by the people living under the occupation rather than by anyone commanding it.

The Cost of Iron is a standalone Tale of Tsushima in Izuhara — not attached to an ally questline, and told from inside the occupation rather than above it.

The side tales are where the game shows what the invasion costs people who were never going to be defended by eighty samurai on a beach. They are short, and collectively they are most of the game’s texture.

In the game’s own framing: More Mongol patrols than usual around Kuta Farmstead, and rumours of merchants who travel the area safely.

What to bring

What this tale expects you to have on you.

• RecommendedFlaming ArrowsThe steps use fire on grass, barrels or enemies.

Objectives

1. Investigate the home
2. Search for the merchant cart
3. Investigate the area
4. Investigate the cart
5. Defeat the Mongols
6. Return to the wounded men
7. Search for tracks
8. Track the Mongols
9. Clear the area
10. Free the merchant
11. Speak with him

Full walkthroughSpoilers

1. 01
   Investigate the home

   Injured peasants describe a merchant working with the Mongols, and want his iron mark.

2. 02
   Search for the merchant cart

   At the waypoint.

3. 03
   Investigate the area

   The bodies around what was a massacre.

4. 04
   Investigate the cart

   The merchant’s own.

5. 05
   Defeat the Mongols

   Fire arrows come down and the fight starts.

6. 06
   Return to the wounded men

   Back to the house, quickly.

7. 07
   Search for tracks

   Outside, for the trail.

8. 08
   Track the Mongols

   To the dwelling where they are holding the merchant.

9. 09
   Clear the area

   Before you go for him.

10. 10
    Free the merchant

    From his bindings.

11. 11
    Speak with him

    He was blackmailed into it, and his brother died anyway.

    Checkpoint

Rewards

• Minor Legend Increase
  A smaller step toward the next Legend rank — the size a side tale, a liberated settlement or a cleared encounter gives.
• Minor Melee Charm
  A silver charm. Minor charms are weaker than major ones and go in the minor slots — you start with two major slots and unlock up to four minor ones by honouring Inari Shrines, for six equipped at once.
• +4 Leather
  Upgrade material. Silk, linen and leather are what armourers and swordsmiths charge to improve your gear.

Sources

• Ghost of Tsushima Walkthrough — PowerPyx
• Ghost of Tsushima Walkthrough — All Tales — PowerPyx