How To Defeat Mongol Axe-Wielders In Ghost Of Tsushima A Comprehensive Guide
Facing the brutal Mongol invaders in Ghost of Tsushima is no easy feat, and among the diverse enemy types, the Mongol soldiers wielding massive axes pose a significant threat. Initially, they might seem similar to spear-wielding enemies, but their attack patterns and heavy blows demand a unique approach. This guide will delve into effective strategies and techniques to conquer these formidable foes, ensuring your journey as Jin Sakai is one of triumph, not frustration. To effectively combat these axe-wielding brutes, you need to understand their attack patterns, exploit their weaknesses, and master specific combat techniques.
Understanding Mongol Axe-Wielder Tactics
Recognizing Attack Patterns
Axe-wielding Mongols in Ghost of Tsushima are characterized by their slow but devastatingly powerful attacks. Unlike swordsmen who rely on speed and agility, these enemies favor heavy, sweeping blows that can stagger Jin and leave him vulnerable. Their attacks often come in the form of overhead chops, wide swings, and unblockable red attacks that require precise dodging or parrying. Recognizing these patterns is the first step in formulating a winning strategy. Pay close attention to their animations; the wind-up before an attack will give you crucial milliseconds to react. The overhead chops, for instance, have a distinct telegraph, allowing you to prepare for a perfect parry or a well-timed dodge. Similarly, the wide swings, while covering a larger area, are relatively slow, giving you an opportunity to roll away and reposition yourself for a counter-attack. Understanding the timing and range of these attacks is paramount to surviving encounters with axe-wielding Mongols.
Identifying Vulnerabilities
Despite their imposing strength, Mongol axe-wielders have vulnerabilities that skilled players can exploit. Their heavy attacks leave them open for counter-attacks, and their slow movements make them susceptible to quicker strikes and strategic positioning. Furthermore, they are less agile than other enemy types, making them vulnerable to dodging and rolling maneuvers. One of the primary vulnerabilities lies in their recovery time after an attack. Once they've committed to a swing, there's a brief window where they are defenseless. This is the ideal time to launch your own offensive, whether it's a quick series of strikes or a more powerful, stance-based attack. Another vulnerability is their susceptibility to crowd control tactics. Techniques like the kunai throw or the Wind Stance's quick strikes can disrupt their attacks and stagger them, creating openings for further assaults. Moreover, strategic use of Ghost Weapons, such as sticky bombs or black powder bombs, can inflict significant damage and disrupt their formations. By identifying and capitalizing on these vulnerabilities, you can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Effective Combat Strategies Against Axe-Wielders
Mastering Parrying and Dodging
Parrying and dodging are crucial skills for any encounter in Ghost of Tsushima, but they are particularly essential when facing axe-wielding Mongols. A perfect parry not only negates the damage from their powerful blows but also staggers them, creating an opening for a counter-attack. Mastering the timing of the parry is key; press the block button just as the enemy's weapon is about to strike. This requires practice and precision but is well worth the effort. Dodging, on the other hand, allows you to evade unblockable attacks (indicated by a red glint) and reposition yourself for a more advantageous angle of attack. A well-timed dodge can also create distance, giving you space to heal or use Ghost Weapons. The key to effective dodging is understanding the range and trajectory of the enemy's attacks. Sidestepping or rolling away from the attack path will not only keep you safe but also allow you to follow up with a quick counter-attack as the enemy recovers. Practicing these defensive maneuvers will significantly increase your survivability against axe-wielding Mongols.
Utilizing Stances and Techniques
In Ghost of Tsushima, Jin's combat prowess is enhanced by various stances, each tailored to specific enemy types. When facing axe-wielding Mongols, the Stone Stance is particularly effective. This stance is designed for fighting swordsmen, but its quick, direct attacks can also disrupt the slow, heavy swings of axe-wielders. The Stone Stance's light attacks can interrupt their attack animations, preventing them from completing their powerful strikes. Additionally, the heavy attack in the Stone Stance is a thrust that can deal significant damage and stagger the enemy. However, stances are just one part of the equation. Mastering various combat techniques, such as the perfect dodge counter-attack or the deflect arrows skill, can further enhance your effectiveness. The perfect dodge allows you to slow down time after a successful dodge, giving you a window to unleash a devastating counter-attack. Deflecting arrows is crucial for dealing with archers who often accompany axe-wielding Mongols, ensuring you can focus on the primary threat without being peppered with arrows. By strategically combining stances and techniques, you can create a dynamic and effective combat style that will overcome even the most formidable axe-wielding Mongol.
Exploiting Environmental Advantages
The diverse environments of Tsushima offer numerous opportunities to gain an edge in combat. When fighting Mongol axe-wielders, utilizing the terrain to your advantage can be a game-changer. Narrow pathways, for example, can limit their movement and prevent them from surrounding you. This allows you to focus on one enemy at a time, reducing the risk of being overwhelmed. High ground can also provide a tactical advantage, allowing you to survey the battlefield and plan your attacks more effectively. You can use elevated positions to unleash ranged attacks or to perform stealth takedowns on unsuspecting enemies. Furthermore, explosive barrels and other environmental hazards can be used to inflict significant damage and disrupt enemy formations. A well-placed explosive can stagger multiple enemies, creating an opening for a follow-up attack. Additionally, objects like hanging lanterns or weak wooden structures can be manipulated to create traps or obstacles that impede the enemy's movements. By being mindful of your surroundings and creatively exploiting environmental advantages, you can significantly increase your chances of success against axe-wielding Mongols.
Mastering Specific Combat Maneuvers
The Power of Perfect Parries
A perfect parry is more than just a defensive maneuver; it’s an opportunity to turn the tide of battle. Against axe-wielding Mongols, mastering the perfect parry can be the difference between victory and defeat. A successful perfect parry will not only negate the enemy's attack but also stagger them, leaving them vulnerable to a counter-attack. The timing is crucial; you need to press the block button just as the enemy's weapon is about to make contact. This requires practice and a keen sense of timing, but the payoff is substantial. When executed correctly, a perfect parry will open a window for a devastating counter-attack, allowing you to unleash a flurry of strikes or a powerful stance-based attack. Furthermore, mastering the perfect parry allows you to conserve your resolve, which is a valuable resource used for healing and special attacks. By relying on perfect parries for defense, you can save your resolve for critical moments, such as healing during a fierce battle or unleashing a powerful Ghost Weapon attack. Practicing the perfect parry against axe-wielding Mongols will not only improve your defensive skills but also enhance your offensive capabilities, making you a more formidable warrior.
Utilizing Quick Strikes and Counter-Attacks
When facing axe-wielding Mongols, speed and precision are your allies. While their attacks are powerful, they are also relatively slow, creating opportunities for quick strikes and counter-attacks. Instead of trying to trade blows with them, focus on dodging or parrying their attacks and then unleashing a rapid series of strikes while they are recovering. The Stone Stance is particularly effective for this strategy, as its quick, direct attacks can interrupt the enemy's attack animations and prevent them from completing their powerful swings. Counter-attacks are especially potent after a successful perfect parry or dodge. When an enemy is staggered, take advantage of the opening to unleash a flurry of strikes or a heavy attack. The key is to be agile and adaptable, constantly moving and repositioning yourself to avoid their attacks and create openings for your own. Furthermore, incorporating Ghost Weapons into your attack patterns can add an extra layer of effectiveness. A well-timed kunai throw, for example, can stagger an enemy and create an opening for a follow-up attack. By mastering the art of quick strikes and counter-attacks, you can effectively dismantle axe-wielding Mongols and emerge victorious from even the most challenging encounters.
The Art of Evasion: Dodging and Rolling
Dodging and rolling are essential techniques for evading the powerful attacks of axe-wielding Mongols. Their slow but devastating swings can easily stagger Jin, leaving him vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Mastering the art of evasion is crucial for survival. Dodging allows you to quickly sidestep an attack, repositioning yourself for a counter-attack or creating space to heal. Rolling, on the other hand, provides a more significant distance from the enemy, allowing you to escape a dangerous situation or reposition yourself strategically. The key to effective dodging and rolling is timing. You need to anticipate the enemy's attacks and execute your evasive maneuver just before they strike. This requires practice and a keen understanding of the enemy's attack patterns. When dodging or rolling, pay attention to the direction of your movement. Sidestepping can help you maintain your position and prepare for a counter-attack, while rolling can create more distance and allow you to reassess the situation. Additionally, mastering the perfect dodge, which is executed by dodging at the last possible moment, can trigger a time-slowing effect, giving you a valuable window to unleash a powerful counter-attack. By honing your dodging and rolling skills, you can effectively evade the attacks of axe-wielding Mongols and turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Leveraging Ghost Weapons and Tools
Utilizing Kunai and Smoke Bombs
Ghost Weapons are invaluable tools in Ghost of Tsushima, and two particularly effective options against axe-wielding Mongols are kunai and smoke bombs. Kunai are thrown daggers that can stagger enemies, interrupting their attacks and creating openings for follow-up strikes. When facing an axe-wielder, a well-timed kunai throw can disrupt their slow, heavy swings, preventing them from completing their attacks and giving you a window to unleash your own. Smoke bombs, on the other hand, create a cloud of smoke that obscures vision, allowing you to reposition yourself, heal, or perform stealth takedowns. In the chaos of battle, a smoke bomb can disorient multiple enemies, making them vulnerable to your attacks. When facing a group of axe-wielders, a smoke bomb can provide a much-needed reprieve, allowing you to focus on one enemy at a time or escape a dangerous situation. Furthermore, the smoke can also conceal your movements, allowing you to flank enemies or set up traps. By strategically utilizing kunai and smoke bombs, you can control the flow of battle and gain a significant advantage against axe-wielding Mongols.
The Strategic Use of Sticky Bombs and Black Powder Bombs
For dealing significant damage and disrupting enemy formations, sticky bombs and black powder bombs are indispensable Ghost Weapons in Ghost of Tsushima. Sticky bombs can be attached to enemies, dealing a large burst of damage after a short delay. This makes them particularly effective against slow-moving targets like axe-wielding Mongols. A well-placed sticky bomb can stagger an enemy, leaving them vulnerable to further attacks, or even outright kill them. Black powder bombs, on the other hand, are area-of-effect weapons that deal damage to all enemies within their blast radius. These bombs are perfect for disrupting groups of enemies, scattering their formations and creating openings for attack. When facing multiple axe-wielders, a black powder bomb can significantly reduce their numbers and make the encounter more manageable. The strategic use of these bombs can turn a challenging encounter into a decisive victory. Furthermore, combining these bombs with other tactics, such as dodging or parrying, can maximize their effectiveness. For example, you can dodge an enemy's attack, throw a sticky bomb, and then follow up with a series of strikes while they are staggered. By mastering the strategic use of sticky bombs and black powder bombs, you can become a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
Conclusion: Mastering the Fight Against Mongol Axe-Wielders
In conclusion, defeating Mongol axe-wielders in Ghost of Tsushima requires a combination of skill, strategy, and adaptability. Understanding their attack patterns, exploiting their vulnerabilities, and mastering specific combat maneuvers are all crucial to success. By utilizing stances, perfect parries, quick strikes, dodges, and Ghost Weapons effectively, you can overcome these formidable foes and continue your journey to liberate Tsushima. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you engage with these enemies, the better you will become at anticipating their attacks and executing your counter-strategies. Embrace the challenge, hone your skills, and you will emerge victorious against the Mongol onslaught.
