Several times throughout Ghost of Tsushima, Jin is forced to abandon the samurai code with which he has been raised since childhood. As the stakes continue to increase, so too do the consequences of those decisions, ultimately leading him down a path from which Lord Shimura believes there is no return. This all culminates dramatically during the game’s final moments, so here’s Ghost of Tsushima’s ending choice explained for those who can’t make up their minds.
Spoiler warning: This should go without saying, but just in case you’ve clicked on the wrong page then beware of major story spoilers ahead!
Ghost of Tsushima Ending Choice Explained
After meeting at Omi Village, Lord Shimura explains to Jin that the shogunate has demanded he answer for his dishonorable behavior. In other words, Jin is to be executed for his crimes and Lord Shimura is going to standby and watch it happen despite everything they’ve been through together.
It’s a poignant moment, but things get even more emotional as Jin defeats Lord Shimura in a duel and is then faced with a tough choice: kill Lord Shimura and end his life honorably or choose not to and deny him the end that he seeks.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer here, and neither outcome really affects how Ghost of Tsushima plays after the conclusion of the main story. Whatever option you choose, Jin will still be able to roam free around the island and finish whatever quests and activities there are left.
But from a moral standpoint, which is the better choice to make?
Arguably, giving Lord Shimura the death he seeks is the honorable way to go. This is how he expects to be treated as a samurai lord, and it would be the appropriate action according to the samurai code that he holds so dearly.
However, throughout the story, Jin has increasingly begun to question the moral code of the samurai, and his appreciation that not everything he has been taught is necessarily correct is a key theme. Jin clearly wants to avoid needless violence, and he doesn’t approve of blindly obeying to the shogunate’s instructions if it results in further casualties, either.
Therefore, we would suggest that letting Lord Shimura live is probably the better call. If you do so, Shimura will explain that Jin will be hunted for the rest of his life, to which Jin replies that he understands and is prepared to accept the consequences. Following the credits, you’ll resume the action from Jin’s new hideout near Omi Village.
Hopefully this Ghost of Tsushima’s ending choice explained article helped guide your choice. For more useful tips and information on the game, check out Twinfinite’s detailed wiki page.
