When Should You Go to Iki Island in Ghost of Tsushima?

You should head to Iki Island whenever you feel ready. “Ready” can mean different things for different players—whether it’s after you’ve acquired the Charm of Fortune, unlocked the Gosaku Armor, or simply feel confident in your combat skills. The beauty of Iki Island is that it’s designed to complement your journey through Tsushima, offering powerful charms, armor, and abilities that can enhance your experience in the main game.

That said, it’s best not to wait until after finishing the main story to visit Iki Island. If you delay your trip, you’ll miss out on the opportunity to use the island’s rewards—like its unique charms and armor—during the main campaign. These items can significantly improve your gameplay, making battles more dynamic and exploration more rewarding. By the time you complete the main story, these upgrades might feel wasted, as you won’t have much left to use them on.

Before heading to Iki Island, it’s highly recommended that you at least unlock the Wind Stance. This stance is incredibly effective against spear-wielding enemies, who are prevalent on Iki. Having Wind Stance in your arsenal will make combat much more manageable and allow you to fully enjoy the challenges the island has to offer.

My recommendation? Go to Iki Island as soon as you feel prepared. Not only will you gain access to powerful tools and abilities, but you’ll also get to enjoy them throughout the rest of your adventure in Tsushima. This way, you can make the most of what the expansion has to offer while still immersed in the main game.