You’re standing on a jagged cliffside. The wind is howling, but it's not the usual Tsushima wind. It feels heavier. Saltier. To your left, a field of purple wisteria is glowing in the late afternoon sun, and to your right, a Mongol warship is splintering against the rocks. This is Iki. If you've spent dozens of hours clearing the mainland, you might think you know what to expect when you open the Iki Island Ghost of Tsushima map for the first time. You don't. It’s smaller, sure, but it’s dense. It’s packed with a verticality that makes the original map look like a flat piece of paper. Honestly, the way Sucker Punch designed this expansion feels less like a "DLC area" and more like a refined laboratory where they fixed everything people found slightly repetitive about the base game.
Iki isn't just more of the same. It's a jagged, lawless rock.
The first thing you’ll notice when you wash up on the shores of Bandit’s Inlet is that the fog of war is thick. Very thick. Unlike the three acts of the main story, Iki Island is one singular landmass, but it’s divided by some of the most aggressive terrain in the game. You can’t just ride Kage or Nobu in a straight line here. You’ll hit ravines. You’ll hit Monkey Canyon. You’ll find yourself staring at a cliff face wondering how the hell a horse is supposed to get up there. It forces you to actually look at the environment instead of just following a waypoint.
Navigating the Iki Island Ghost of Tsushima Map Without Losing Your Mind
Most players make the mistake of trying to "beeline" the story. Don't do that. The map is designed to be peeled back like an onion. If you look at the geography, the island is roughly shaped like a crescent or a distorted skull. The center is dominated by Mount Takenotsuji, a massive peak that offers the best view of the entire expansion. If you can get up there early, do it. It helps orient you.
The Iki Island Ghost of Tsushima map is roughly 1/3 the size of the bottom region of the mainland (Izuhara). But it’s vertical. You’ll spend as much time climbing as you do sprinting. The map is littered with "Wind Whispers," which are essentially your collectible trackers. If you’re hunting for those sneaky Animal Sanctuaries—cats, deer, and monkeys—you need to invest your technique points into the Wind of Harmony. It’s a lifesaver. Without it, you’ll be wandering around the Saruiwa (Monkey Crag) for hours, hearing monkeys chirping but seeing nothing but rocks and moss.
Speaking of Saruiwa, that’s the southern tip of the map. It’s a platforming nightmare in the best possible way. To fully "complete" that specific sub-section of the map, you have to perform specific emotes at hidden shrines. It’s not marked. The map won't tell you. You just have to be observant.
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What the Map Doesn't Tell You About the Eagle’s Territory
The Mongol presence on Iki is different. You’ve got Shamans now. These guys chant, and it buffs every enemy in the vicinity. On your map, you’ll see Mongol Territories marked with the usual red icons, but the density of these camps is much higher in the north, near Kidafure Battleground and Fort Sakai.
Fort Sakai is a bitter pill for Jin. It’s his family’s old stomping ground, and the map layout reflects that trauma. It’s fortified, claustrophobic, and filled with memories. When you’re looking at the map, notice the "Memories of the Father" icons. These aren't just collectibles. They are playable flashbacks that actually change how Jin comments on the world around him. There are five of them scattered from the northern coastline down to the Senjo Gorge.
Wait, Senjo Gorge. Let's talk about that. If you want the "Pinterest" version of this game, go there. It’s a massive forest of purple trees. On the Iki Island Ghost of Tsushima map, it looks like a simple valley. In reality, it’s a multi-layered death trap where Mongols love to ambush you from the ridges. It’s also where you find the Woodblock Cat Sanctuary. If you miss that, you’re missing the best part of the expansion. Seriously.
Hidden Gems and Easter Eggs You'll Miss
There are spots on this map that simply do not show up until you are standing directly on top of them. Sucker Punch went heavy on the fan service here.
- The Blood-Stained Shrine: Located on the southwestern coast. It’s a nod to Bloodborne.
- The Shrine in Shadow: Found near the southern cliffs. This one is for the Shadow of the Colossus fans.
- Shrine of Ash: This is tucked away in the eastern woods, paying homage to God of War.
To trigger these, you have to read the scrolls at the base of the statues and then perform a specific action while wearing a specific set of armor. For example, at the God of War shrine, you need the Sakai Clan Armor. You have to draw your sword. The map won't give you a checklist. You have to be a bit of a detective. It’s a refreshing break from the "Ubisoft-style" map clutter that plagues most open-world games these days.
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The Eagle's Influence and Map Hallucinations
Here is something weird. As you progress, the Eagle (the main antagonist) will drug you. This actually affects your UI and how you perceive the world. Sometimes the map markers will flicker. You’ll hear voices. You’ll see things that aren’t there. This isn't a bug; it’s a narrative mechanic. The Iki Island Ghost of Tsushima map becomes a reflection of Jin’s deteriorating mental state.
I remember specifically riding through the Lone Spirit Falls in the northeast. The map said I was in a safe zone, but the "hallucination" mechanic triggered a swarm of shadowy crows that made it impossible to see the path. It’s brilliant. It turns the map from a tool of certainty into a source of anxiety.
The Best Way to Clear the Fog
If you’re a completionist, you’re looking for that "all clear" trophy. To do this efficiently, stop fast-traveling. I know, it’s tempting. But Iki is so small that you can ride from the northernmost point at the Raider's Promontory to the southern tip of Saruiwa in about five minutes if you have a clear path. By riding, you trigger the "Encounters."
Encounters are random events—peasants being harassed, Mongol patrols, or even rogue Raiders. These Raiders are interesting. They aren't your friends, but they hate the Mongols as much as you do. The map features several "Raider Camps" like Fune’s Refuge. This is your "hub." Unlike the mainland where you have various temples, Fune’s Refuge is the only major friendly settlement. It’s built into a shipwreck. It’s vertical. It’s messy. It’s perfect.
The Actionable Strategy for Iki Exploration
If you just landed on the island, here is how you should handle the map layout to maximize your time and gear:
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- Unlock the Horse Charge immediately. You get this very early in the Iki storyline. It turns your horse into a tank. Given how narrow the paths are on the Iki map, being able to plow through a Mongol patrol without dismounting is a game-changer.
- Head East for the Saruami Armor. Go to the Monkey Crag. It’s a tough climb, and the duel at the end is one of the hardest in the game (the Black Hand Riku). But the armor you get? It turns your perfect parries into a three-hit combo. On the Iki map, look for the "Mythic Tale" blue icon near the coast.
- Clear the "Clouded" Areas by the Coast First. The interior of the island is mountainous and slow to traverse. The coastline is where you find the lighthouses and the Archery Challenges. Archery Challenges are new to Iki. They are timed trials. They’re frustratingly hard if you don't have the Tadayori Armor, so make sure you bring that from the mainland.
- Don't Ignore the Flute Mini-games. These are the Animal Sanctuaries. You have to tilt your controller to keep a ball within two lines while Jin plays the flute. It sounds gimmicky, but it’s how you upgrade your charms. Some of the best charms in the game—like the ones that let you recover arrows or health—are locked behind these cat and deer spots.
Final Map Observations
The Iki Island Ghost of Tsushima map is a masterclass in how to make a small space feel massive. It doesn't rely on empty fields. It relies on density. There’s a spot called the "Stairway to the Falls" where the water cascades down four or five levels. It’s not just a backdrop; you have to fight your way up it.
You’ll finish the main "Eagle" storyline in about 6 to 8 hours. But to actually finish the map? You’re looking at 15 to 20. And honestly, it’s some of the best 20 hours you can spend in a video game. The colors are more vibrant—think deep turquoises, neon purples, and blood reds.
When you finally clear the last Mongol camp and the fog lifts entirely, you’ll realize that Iki isn't just an extension of Tsushima. It’s the emotional heartbeat of Jin’s story. It’s where he deals with his father’s death and his own legacy. The map reflects that journey from the stormy, chaotic coast to the quiet, serene sanctuaries in the center.
Stop looking at the icons and start looking at the horizon. The wind will take you where you need to go. Just watch out for the monkeys at the southern crag—they’re a lot more aggressive than they look.
To get the most out of your map completion, ensure you have reached Act 2 in the main game, as that is the earliest you can access the Iki expansion. Once there, prioritize finding the "Wind of Harmony" to track the Animal Sanctuaries, as these provide the most significant gameplay buffs via charms. Finally, don't leave the island until you've explored the "Unwritten Tales"—hidden quests that don't appear on your map at all, but offer some of the best narrative payoffs in the entire Ghost of Tsushima experience.