Ghost of Tsushima Iki Island All Unwritten Tales Locations

Last Updated on August 28, 2024 by “Richard McLachlan”

Overview of Unwritten Tales

What Are Unwritten Tales?

In Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island, Unwritten Tales are distinct from the usual quests—they’re embedded within the environment and designed to be discovered through exploration. These tales are unmarked, compelling you to pick up on subtle environmental clues and engage more deeply with the game’s world. This design encourages a closer connection with the setting, making every discovery a rewarding experience.

Why Complete These Tales?

Completing Unwritten Tales unlocks the “Common Courtesy” trophy, rewarding thorough explorers. More than just achievements, these tales enrich the overall game experience by adding depth to the lore and characters of Iki Island. Each tale you uncover not only contributes to the storyline but also enhances your immersion in the game, making the island’s world feel fuller and more vibrant. Let’s dive into these hidden narratives and uncover what secrets await!

Only the six Unwritten Tales listed below are needed for the trophy. They are as following:

• Bury Captain
• Help Beekeeper
• Help Kodama at Burned House
• Help Drowning Peasant
• Secret Archery Challenge
• Legends Mode Tale

All these quests take only a minute in which you help some side characters around Iki Island in Ghost of Tsushima. So let’s begin with it.

Bury the Captain

Location: The tale of “Bury the Captain” unfolds on the northern beach of Iki Island, where a weathered shipwreck lies half-buried in the sand, remnants of its last voyage still scattered around. To locate this, head to the farthest point on the northern coastline, where the forest meets the sea. Look for the broken mast sticking out against the horizon.

Visual Aid: Imagine a map of Iki Island’s northern beach. The shipwreck is marked clearly with an icon on the coast, just below the line where the lush green of the forest transitions into the sandy beach. This map would guide you straight to the shipwreck, highlighting major landmarks like rock formations and taller trees as reference points along the way.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Locate the Shipwreck: Start from the northernmost part of the beach and walk along the shore until you find the shipwreck.
2. Find the Captain’s Body: Search around the debris. The captain’s body is near the stern, partially covered by a torn sail.
3. Bury the Captain: Drag the captain’s body away from the tide, towards a quieter part of the beach. Use your sword to dig a grave in the soft sand.
4. Watch the Cutscene: After burying the captain, a cutscene will play, showing a brief ritual to honor the fallen captain, confirming the completion of this tale.

Potential Challenges & Tips

• Navigating the Area: The terrain around the shipwreck can be tricky, with uneven sand and hidden rocks. Stick to clearer paths to avoid tripping hazards.
• Avoiding Enemies: The northern beach is occasionally patrolled by enemy scouts. Keep an eye on your surroundings and use stealth to avoid confrontations, or be ready to defend yourself if necessary.

This tale not only offers a glimpse into the somber realities of sea voyages but also rewards you with deeper insights into the lives affected by the island’s tumultuous history.

Help the Beekeeper

Location: The “Help Beekeeper” tale takes place in Old Gambler’s Wood, on the western side of Iki Island. The beekeeper’s house, nestled among thick trees and vibrant wildflowers, is a modest wooden structure characterized by numerous beehives nearby buzzing with activity. To find it, follow the main trail west from the central plains until you see a hand-painted sign featuring a bee and a hive, leading you directly to the beekeeper’s secluded home.

Visual Aid: Visualize a map of Iki Island’s western region, highlighting Old Gambler’s Wood. The map pinpoints the beekeeper’s house with a distinctive bee icon. Key paths and landmarks, such as large oak trees and a nearby stream, are marked to guide you to the location without getting lost in the dense woods.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Arrival at the Beekeeper’s House: As you approach, the beekeeper will be tending to his hives. Speak with him to trigger the event.
2. Defending the House: Shortly after your conversation, waves of Mongols will attack, drawn by the beekeeper’s stock of honey, which they believe has medicinal properties.
3. First Wave: The first wave consists of infantry; use the environment, like beehives, to your advantage by shooting them to release swarms that will disorient and damage the Mongols.
4. Second Wave: Archers join the fray. Use cover and close the distance quickly to deal with them effectively.
5. Third Wave: A mix of shield bearers and swordsmen. Use explosives or fire-based attacks to break their defenses.
6. Completion and Cutscene: After defeating all the waves, check back with the beekeeper. A cutscene will play where he thanks you, offering you some of his honey as a reward, and you’ll witness a moment of peaceful return to his daily routine.

Combat Tips

• Environmental Use: Utilize the beehives around the house as natural defense mechanisms against the Mongols. A well-aimed arrow can cause a hive to fall and unleash bees that will attack nearby enemies.
• Positioning: Keep moving to avoid becoming an easy target for archers. Use the structures and natural vegetation for cover.
• Quick Elimination: Focus on taking out archers first in the later waves to reduce the overall damage you receive, then deal with melee fighters.
• Special Attacks and Ghost Weapons: Liberally use your Ghost weapons, such as smoke bombs for crowd control and kunai for quick, effective strikes against shielded enemies.

By following these strategies and remaining vigilant, you’ll not only save the beekeeper’s home but also gain a valuable ally and resource in Iki Island’s western woods.

Helping Kodama at Burned House

Location: The “Help Kodama at Burned House” tale unfolds near a strikingly charred house, standing isolated near a cluster of distinctive purple-leafed trees, a rare sight in the region. This house is located in the northern sector of Iki Island, easily identifiable by the contrast of its blackened timbers against the vibrant purple foliage. To reach this location, head north from the central fields, following the winding path that dips slightly into a valley before rising towards the purple trees.

Visual Aid: Imagine a map detailing the northern part of Iki Island. The map would show a path leading from the central fields to a marked area with a black house icon surrounded by purple tree symbols. Key landmarks, such as nearby rivers or rock formations, would be noted to help guide you directly to the burned house without detours.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Finding Kodama: Upon arriving at the burned house, you’ll encounter Kodama, a local spirit believed to inhabit old homes. Kodama will request your help in cleansing the site.
2. Battle with Mongols: Shortly after your interaction, a group of Mongol soldiers will arrive, drawn by tales of the haunted site. Prepare for combat as they attempt to burn what remains of the house.
3. Defending the House: Use the house’s remains and the surrounding trees for cover. The Mongols will come in two waves; the first will be ground troops, and the second will include a few archers.
4. Collecting the Scroll: After defeating the Mongols, Kodama will reveal a hidden scroll under a floorboard in the house. Collect this scroll to learn more about the house’s history and the spirit’s past life.

Exploration Tips

• Efficient Searching: Stay near the purple-leafed trees, which serve as a landmark for various interactions and hidden items connected to Kodama’s tale.
• Combat Strategy: Use hit-and-run tactics against the Mongols, exploiting the burnt structure for cover. Quick dashes and surprise attacks work well against ground troops, while a bow can be effective for picking off archers from a distance.
• Spiritual Interaction: Engage with other environmental elements that might seem out of place or unusually detailed, as they could trigger additional dialogues with Kodama or unveil further secrets.

This encounter not only adds depth to your exploration of Iki Island but also enriches your understanding of its mystical aspects, blending folklore with the tangible struggles and histories of its inhabitants.

Help Drowning Peasant

Location: The tale of “Help Drowning Peasant” unfolds at Buddha’s Footprints, a serene but somewhat eerie location in the southern part of Iki Island. This area is known for its large, naturally occurring depressions in the ground that resemble footprints, with one containing a small lake. To find this specific site, travel south from the island’s central village, following the path that meanders through thickets and over small hills until you reach the tranquil, footprint-shaped lake.

Visual Aid: Consider a map of Iki Island’s southern region, showcasing the path from the central village to Buddha’s Footprints. The map should highlight the lake within the footprint, marked clearly to guide explorers. Important natural landmarks like large boulders or distinctive trees along the path could be noted for easier navigation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Approaching the Area: As you near the lake, listen for shouts for help, indicating the peasant’s presence in the water.
2. Combat with Mongols: Upon arrival, you’ll encounter a group of Mongol soldiers harassing the peasant, trying to drown him as part of an interrogation. Engage the Mongols quickly to divert their attention.
3. Rescuing the Peasant: After defeating the Mongols, rush to the lake to pull the peasant out of the water. You may need to interact with him several times to trigger the rescue sequence.
4. Ensuring Safety: Once the peasant is safe, he will thank you and provide some background on why he was targeted by the Mongols.

Troubleshooting

• Potential Bug: In some cases, the “Common Courtesy” trophy related to completing all Unwritten Tales might not unlock immediately after this event. If this occurs, make sure you have indeed completed all other Unwritten Tales on the island. Sometimes revisiting the site or reloading the game can trigger the trophy if all conditions are met.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided strategies, you can ensure the safety of the peasant and continue uncovering the layered stories hidden throughout Iki Island. This tale not only tests your combat prowess but also your ability to act swiftly in saving innocent lives, adding a deeply human element to your journey.

Secret Archery Challenge

Location: The “Secret Archery Challenge” is located at the Raider Memorial, a poignant site commemorating fallen warriors in the northern area of Iki Island. To access this challenge, you must first complete at least one of the standard Archery Challenges found throughout the island. The Raider Memorial is situated on a small hill, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding forest and coast. To find it, follow the main road north from the island’s central fields until you reach a stone monument adorned with bows and arrows.

Visual Aid: Imagine a detailed map of the northern part of Iki Island. The path from the central fields to the Raider Memorial is marked, highlighting major turns and landmarks like a large oak tree or a distinctive rock formation. The Raider Memorial itself is indicated by an archery target icon on the map, located on a small hill.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Equip Tadayori’s Armor: Before starting the challenge, ensure you equip Tadayori’s Armor, which enhances your archery skills by increasing draw speed and reload speed.
2. Initiate the Challenge: Approach the memorial and interact with the bow that’s placed as an offering. This action will trigger the secret archery challenge.
3. Complete the Challenge: Aim to hit all targets that appear in the area. They will pop up in sequence, and some will be moving, requiring precise timing and quick reflexes.
4. Trigger the Cutscene: Successfully hitting all targets within the time limit will trigger a cutscene where the spirit of a legendary archer briefly appears, acknowledging your skill and granting you a special arrow as a reward.

Archery Tips

• Timing and Rhythm: Focus on establishing a rhythm with your shots. Tadayori’s Armor will help with speed, but maintaining a steady pace will ensure accuracy.
• Target Prioritization: Start with stationary targets to build confidence, then tackle the moving ones as you get comfortable.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t hesitate to practice a few times. Each attempt will help you familiarize yourself with the target’s patterns, improving your chances each time.

Completing this challenge not only tests your skills with the bow but also connects you deeper with the island’s history and the spirits that still linger in these sacred places. With precision and practice, achieving the bronze rating and beyond will become a celebrated part of your journey on Iki Island.

Legends Mode Tale

Location: The “Legends Mode Tale” takes place in the mysterious and dense Yahata Forest on Iki Island, known for its thick foliage and ancient secrets. Before you can access this tale, you must first complete the main storyline missions in Iki Island to unlock Legends Mode stories. Within the heart of Yahata Forest, Uta, the storyteller, resides by a small, tranquil pond, surrounded by age-old trees that have witnessed the island’s history.

Visual Aid: Visualize a map of Iki Island highlighting Yahata Forest. A path would be clearly marked from the nearest village, weaving through the forest to a small pond marked with an icon representing Uta. Landmarks like a distinctive boulder or an unusually large tree with hanging lanterns would help guide you directly to Uta’s location.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Finding Uta: From the entrance of Yahata Forest, follow the trail marked on your map, leading to the pond where Uta is usually found.
2. Interaction with Uta: Approach Uta and engage in a conversation. He will ask if you have heard the tales of legendary warriors of Tsushima. Express your interest to hear one.
3. Telling the Legends Mode Story: Uta will require you to bring a token of bravery—a specific item found only within the depths of Yahata Forest. Retrieve this item from a hidden cave marked by small, white flowers near the base of the largest tree in the forest.
4. Return to Uta: Once you have the item, return to Uta and present it to him. This triggers the storytelling sequence, in which Uta narrates one of the Legends Mode stories, accompanied by ambient sounds and visuals that make the tale come to life.

Troubleshooting

• Issue Triggering the Second Conversation: If you can’t trigger the second conversation with Uta after obtaining the token of bravery, ensure you approach him at the correct time of day; Uta only tells stories from dusk until dawn.
• Locating the Token of Bravery: If finding the token is challenging, double-check the cave for hidden passages or use a torch to illuminate dark corners where the item could be subtly placed.

This tale not only enriches your understanding of the island’s lore but also adds a mystical layer to your adventure, blending the historical with the legendary. Engaging with Uta and exploring the depths of Yahata Forest will deepen your connection to the island and its ancient past.

General Tips for Unwritten Tales

Exploring Iki Island

• Stay Curious: Iki Island is filled with secrets. Wander off the beaten path and explore areas that aren’t directly related to quests. The environment itself can provide clues and lead you to hidden tales.
• Environmental Cues: Pay close attention to unusual structures, distinctive trees, or oddly placed objects. NPCs who seem out of place or repetitive sounds and music can also hint at nearby Unwritten Tales.
• Approaching Unmarked Quests: Approach villagers and other characters; sometimes, their dialogues can unlock quests. Look for items that seem interactable but aren’t highlighted.

Combat Strategies

Handling Waves of Mongols

• Preparation: Before triggering a battle, scout the area for high ground or choke points. Setting up in strategic positions can give you a significant advantage.
• Environmental Advantage: Use your surroundings during combat. Explosive barrels, beehives, or narrow passageways can be utilized to handle larger groups of enemies effectively.
• Resource Management: Conserve your special abilities and Ghost weapons for larger, more challenging waves. Utilize basic attacks and parries efficiently to maintain your resources.

Dealing with Bugs and Glitches

Common Issues

• Tales Not Triggering: Sometimes, quests may not start as expected. Try leaving the area completely, restarting the game, or returning at a different time of day.
• Progress Not Saving: Ensure your game is updated to the latest version, as patches often fix these issues. Regularly saving your progress after key achievements can prevent progress loss.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Restart the Game: Simple but effective, a quick restart can often resolve minor glitches affecting quests.
2. Clear Cache (Console Users): If playing on a console, clearing the cache can solve performance issues that might be affecting quest progression.
3. Check for Updates: Always keep your game updated. Developers release patches that fix known bugs and improve overall game stability.

That’s all of the Unwritten Tales in Ghost of Tsushima Iki Island. After completing all six of them, you’ll earn the Common Courtesy trophy. We hope this guide helped you. For more interesting content and updates, keep following Retrology.