Summary
With the release ofGhost of Tsushimaon PC, many people who had been kept on the sidelines can now enjoy this exceptional game in all its glory. With its challenging combat system, thrilling story, and dreamlike world design, this title has been a fan favorite for several years now. To complete Jin Sakai’s story, players will have to learn the ropes and hone their abilities to defeat groups of enemy mongols who only get stronger as the game progresses.
While combat skills are handy, havingarmorwith helpful perksthat can withstand even the heaviest blows is key to survival. Here arethe best early-game armor setsinGhost of Tsushimato wear while prevailing over the Mongols.
Updated on Jun 28, 2025, by Gerardo Molina:It’s critical to mention that, while having strong armor is key to survival, there’s no better protection than never getting hit. Granted, that’s extremely difficult, especially when dozens of Mongols are attacking Jin at the same time. If players can minimize the amount of times they’re hit in combat, they should focus on armor with the best perks rather than just the best physical protection.
If players combine their skills with the right perks and armor, no Mongol will be a match for them, and freeing the island of Tsushima will be considerably easier. Players who are just getting started shouldn’t get discouraged, as even in the early stages of the game, there are great options for armor.
6Hero Of Tsushima
A Special Edition Armor Set
Players who bought the Special Editions ofGhost of Tsushimaknow that theHero of Tsushimaarmor set is not only beautiful to look at, but also quite useful. Since it’s downloadable content that comes prepackaged into the game, it’s the first armor set that can be obtained by Jin Sakai (aside from the Broken Armor set, of course).
The Hero of Tsushima armor set grants a considerable Health increase and damage reduction perks that players will find extremely useful, especially if they’re playing onHard or Lethal difficulty. Originally worn by no other than Harunobu Adachi, hailed as the best swordsman on the island of Tsushima, this armor can be upgraded in NG+, helping reinforce its already great capabilities, and further contributing to making players stronger.
5
Nocking and reloading is 45% faster
Concentration time is increased by 3 seconds
4
Headshots restore the concentration meter by 50%
2
250
10
3
500
20
750
30
6
1000
40
8
N/A
The island of Tsushima is full of invading Mongols to battle, breathtaking views to take it, and Mythic Tales to experience. The Legend of Tadayori is one of said Mythic Tales in Act 1 that must be completed to obtainTadayori’s Armor. While it’s not the most aesthetic armor set in the game, it does provide outstanding perks that can turn Jin into a master archer to be feared by all.
When maxed out, Tadayori’s Armor provides lightning-fast reloading and arrow nocking, as well as increased concentration time.With the right charms and upgrades, this armor set will allow players to take down entire enemy camps with a bow and a few arrows. Some of the armor dyes available for this set include the Noble Talon (default), Hunter at Dusk, Autumn Victory, Flowers of War, Relentless Hawk, Summer Ocean, Archery Master’s Attire, and the Seeker’s Attire. Every one of these armor dyes can either be bought from Izuhara, the Black Dye Merchant, Baku the Voiceless, or by completing the Forbidden Shrine.
4Fundoshi Armor
Quiet As a Mouse
Not everyone has the patience and determination to explore an entire island looking for hot springs, but for those players hellbent on completingGhost of Tsushimato the fullest extent, theFundoshi Armorwill be their reward for finding all 18 of Hot Springs. This armor allows Jin to run and sprint freely throughout the fields of Tsushima while remaining undetected; a dream come true for players who prefer stealth to brute force.
If that wasn’t enough, detection speed is also reduced by 40%, so even when players are standing in plain view in front of an enemy, there will be plenty of time to hide again. Since all hot springs are available from the beginning of Act 1, players can get this armor extremely early on if they so wish. Unfortunately, like the Hero of Tsushima armor set, the Fundoshi armor can’t be upgraded.
Some players have reported that after installing the Iki Island DLC, their Fundoshi sets disappeared, leaving them confused and frustrated. A few forum dwellers have stated that reloading an older save or visiting the two additional Hot Springs that come with the DLC might do the trick and unlock the valuable outfit once more.
Enemy detection speed is reduced by 30%
Massive Melee damage increase
For players who want a neat-looking armor set that also offers a large variety of perks in combat, theRonin Attireis the way to go. Not only does this armor set have a design that will instill fear in even the bravest of enemies, but it also provides a massive melee damage increase that can come in very handy in the early stages of the game when Jin’s katana isn’t fully upgraded yet. The Ronin Attire is given to Jin by Ryuzo during theBlood on the Grass missionin Act 1, so players will have to complete it if they want this armor set.
Additionally, the Ronin Attire armor set reduces enemy detection speed by 30%. While that is lower than what the Fundoshi Armor offers, does that really matter when Mongols are dropping like flies after a few swings of Jin’s katana? One of the greatest things about the Ronin Attire (other than its amazing perks and stats) is how the straw hat evolves with every upgrade, going from a simple, head-worn decoration, to an extremely intimidating, massive fashion statement.
Major amount of damage reduction
Massive increase in Health
Taking damage grants 30% resolve
Colossal increase in Health. Taking damage grants 45% resolve
Obtained duringthe Tale of Lady Masakoin Act 1, theSamurai Clan armor setis one of the most overpowered elements players can get early on in the game. This armor set is great from the get-go and also has one of the most complex and complete upgrade paths.
When maxed out, the Samurai Clan armor set is a tank, as it offers a colossal increase in Health, major damage reduction, and strong Resolve regeneration upon taking damage, which can help Jin survive longer and provide him with multiple windows for healing. Originally belonging to Shigesato Adachi, Masako Adachi’s eldest son, this armor is a way to honor the fallen, especially those as brave as Shigesato. Some of the Dyes players can use on this set are the Spring Lion, the Immaculate Warrior, the Warrior’s Darkness, the Endless Wrath, and the Raw Courage. Many of these dies can be purchased in exchange for 10 flowers or by completing different side quests.
Colossal increase in Health
Massive stagger damage increase
20% Health restoration when killing a staggered enemy
Gosaku’s Armorcan’t be obtained as early in the game as the rest of the armor sets on this list, but it’s worth the wait. Players can obtain this armor set after completing The Unbreakable Gosaku Mythic Tale in Act 2. When maxed out, Gosaku’s Armor provides a colossal increase in Health, a massive stagger damage increase, and a whopping 20% Health restoration every time Jin kills a staggered enemy.
Similar to the rest of the armor sets on this list, several items will be needed to upgrade Gosaku’s Armor to the maximum possible level, but with enough patience anda few supply farming techniques, it’s achievable, and absolutely worthwhile. This set’s backstory is fascinating and inspiring, as it revolves around a farmer named Gosaku, who, after taking the armor from a dead samurai, wore it to protect his village from the Red Hand bandits of Akashima. Without a doubt, a true tale of heroism.
