When Ghost of Tsushima introduced its New Game Plus mode alongside the Legends multiplayer update, players discovered a wealth of new content waiting for them. The mode allows veterans to revisit Tsushima with all their hard-earned gear, techniques, and cosmetic items intact, but it also introduced exclusive rewards that fundamentally change the early game experience.
One of the most striking additions is the special jet-black horse with a fiery red-orange mane that Jin rides from the very beginning. This magnificent steed isn't available during a standard playthrough, where players typically choose from more conventional horse colors. The unique appearance immediately signals that this isn't an ordinary replay—it's an enhanced journey through Tsushima with premium customization options.
However, this exclusive horse comes with an emotional catch that veteran players quickly discovered. Despite its special status, the animal meets the same tragic fate as Jin's original horse during the story's pivotal escape sequence. The scene remains heartbreaking, perhaps even more so for players who had grown attached to their distinctive companion. The real disappointment emerges when players attempt to replace their fallen steed, only to find the special horse variant permanently unavailable from the selection menu.
This creates an interesting paradox within Ghost of Tsushima's New Game Plus system. While the mode generously provides:
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All previously acquired gear and upgrades
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New cosmetic items through additional vendors
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Exclusive armor dyes and appearance options
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Continued flower collection for further customization
It curiously withdraws one of its most visually distinctive rewards after the opening hours. The horse situation stands in contrast to other aspects of New Game Plus that maintain their benefits throughout the entire experience. Players can continue upgrading their weapons at Pillar of Honor locations and acquire new sword kits that carry over permanently, making the temporary nature of the special horse particularly noticeable.
The implementation differs from other games' New Game Plus approaches. For instance, Ratchet & Clank's Omega weapon upgrades persist throughout subsequent playthroughs, while the Demon's Souls remake encourages multiple runs to collect every item permanently. Ghost of Tsushima generally follows this pattern of permanent rewards, which makes the horse exception noteworthy.
From a design perspective, the temporary horse may have been intended to maintain narrative consistency while still offering a premium early-game experience. The developers at Sucker Punch might have wanted to preserve the emotional impact of the horse's death scene without undermining it by providing an identical replacement. However, players have expressed that having the option to reclaim the special horse color would have been a welcome quality-of-life improvement.
Despite this singular limitation, Ghost of Tsushima's New Game Plus remains a robust feature that significantly enhances replayability. The mode demonstrates careful attention to player progression while introducing meaningful new content that rewards dedication. The temporary special horse, while controversial, represents just one aspect of an otherwise comprehensive post-game experience that continues to engage players years after the game's initial release.
The horse mystery ultimately becomes part of Ghost of Tsushima's charm—a conversation point among dedicated fans who appreciate both the game's lavish rewards and its commitment to maintaining emotional storytelling integrity. As players continue to explore every corner of Tsushima in 2025, this unique New Game Plus feature remains a memorable part of the journey.
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