How to get and upgrade the Bow in Ghost of Tsushima

A Samurai’s combat options are dictated by his tools, so if you want to take the fight to your enemies from a distance, you will need to get a Bow. Bows can be fiercely effective in an ambush, allowing you to set enemies on fire by knocking burning coals on to them, send swarms of angry insects towards them, or the classic exploding barrel trick.

How to get a Bow

To get your first bow, you will need to find Sensei Ishikawa. You can find his Dojo to the east of the Jade Hills in Hiyoshi, the area you are in at the start of the game. Sensei Ishikawa is an important potential ally, and he will give you a bow and train you in its use as you play true his Tale.

How to get the Long Bow

The second bow that you can get is the more powerful Long Bow. This can be unlocked by playing the “Curse of Uchitsune” Mythic Tale. Mythic Tales can be found later in the game and will allow you to unlock powerful weapons and items if you complete them.

Upgrading your Bow

You can upgrade your Bow at any Bowyer, as long as you have the materials to do so. Bowyer can be found in assorted villages around the map, such as Hiyoshi Springs. You can check any town or village you find before you enter it by scrolling over the locations icon on the map, this will then tell you everything the town contains and list a Bowyer if one is present.

To upgrade your Bow, you will need Supplies, Bamboo, Yew Wood, and Wax Wood for the higher tier upgrades.