Jin Sakai stands at the edge of Tsushima, the sea breeze whispering tales of a mysterious new land. Iki Island beckons with the promise of ten to twelve hours of fresh content, a whole new Mongol tribe to investigate, and enough challenges to make even a seasoned ghost think twice. But when should our stoic samurai actually board that boat? The game gives players the freedom to visit anytime after Act 2 begins, but that freedom comes with a hefty dose of "are you sure about this?"
Let's be real, the expansion practically screams 'post-game content.' The characters you meet on Iki Island will chat with Jin as if he's already wrapped up the main story on Tsushima. Showing up fresh out of Act 2 might lead to some seriously awkward conversations—like showing up to a costume party in your pajamas. The narrative just flows better when Jin's personal journey on Tsushima is complete. You'll appreciate the man he's become so much more.
And oh boy, the difficulty. Iki Island isn't a tropical vacation; it's a boot camp run by the Mongols. The game itself will warn you—these are some of the toughest challenges in Ghost of Tsushima. The regular enemies hit harder and are trickier than their Tsushima cousins, and the bosses... well, let's just say they didn't get the memo about playing nice.
So, what's the verdict? Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Time to Go | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Early (Act 2) | - Access to powerful new gear & armor sets - New activities & skills |
- Major narrative dissonance - Extreme difficulty spike - Might feel overwhelming |
| After Main Game | - Story makes perfect sense - Jin is at his full power - A satisfying, challenging epilogue |
- You have to wait! |
Ultimately, the choice is yours, ghost. But for the most cohesive and rewarding experience, letting Jin finish his business on Tsushima first is the way to go. Iki Island is a fantastic victory lap, a true test of everything you've learned. Just make sure you've packed your best armor and sharpest blade.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some Mongols to politely send back to the mainland.
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