Is Ghost of Tsushima Based on a Real Story?

If you’ve been asking is Ghost of Tsushima based on a real story, here’s the truth. The game is rooted in historical events but weaves a fictional tale around them. While the setting and events are inspired by real history, the characters and story are completely created for entertainment.

The Historical Setting of Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima takes place in 1274 on Japan’s Tsushima Island, and in the Director’s Cut expansion, Iki Island. These islands were part of the Mongol Empire’s attempts to conquer Japan. In reality, both islands were captured during the first Mongol invasion, although the events in the game differ from historical accounts.

The game establishes the invasion as the main event, but in history, the Mongol invasions lasted from 1274 to 1281, with outcomes shaped more by natural events than by individual heroes.

Why Ghost of Tsushima is Fictional

The protagonist, Jin Sakai, and the main antagonist, Khotun Khan, are fictional. Khotun Khan is portrayed as a cousin of Kublai Khan and a grandson of Genghis Khan, but he never existed. There are no real historical NPCs in the game. Even the samurai armor and sword design of Jin Sakai is from a later period, closer to the Sengoku era, not the 13th century.

The gameplay, quests, and battles are designed purely for entertainment and are not historically accurate. The developers deliberately avoided including real historical figures to respect history while creating a compelling narrative.

The True Mongol Invasion of Japan

During the 1274 invasion, Tsushima and Iki fell to the Mongol forces despite resistance from local samurai led by Governor So Sukekuni on Tsushima and Governor Taira no Kagetaka on Iki Island. The Mongol fleet, sent from Korea, numbered 500 to 900 ships, vastly outmatching the Japanese defenders.

The Mongols returned in 1281, but a powerful typhoon struck Hakata Bay, destroying much of their fleet. This event, called the kamikaze or “divine wind,” prevented the Mongols from establishing a permanent foothold in Japan.

How the Game Represents History

Ghost of Tsushima interprets the kamikaze metaphorically. Jin Sakai’s guiding wind system and his starter sword kit, “The Storm of Clan Sakai,” echo the idea of a divine wind saving the islands. In this way, the game blends historical inspiration with poetic storytelling.

The Iki Island expansion focuses on a fictional faction called the Eagle Tribe, inspired by Mongolian eagle hunters. This shows how the game mixes real historical ideas with imaginative creations to create an immersive experience.

Final Answer: Is Ghost of Tsushima Based on a Real Story?

Yes and no. The historical Mongol invasion of Tsushima and Iki Islands in 1274 inspired the setting and events of the game. But the characters, battles, and story arcs, including Jin Sakai and Khotun Khan, are entirely fictional. Ghost of Tsushima uses history as a backdrop while crafting a poetic and dramatic narrative for players.

For anyone wondering is Ghost of Tsushima based on a real story, it captures the essence of history while giving players a beautifully fictional journey through 13th-century Japan.