The Heavenly Strike is one of the most important Mythic Tales in Ghost of Tsushima. Available during Act 1, the quest takes Jin Sakai on a journey through Komatsu, where he investigates a series of murders connected to the legendary swordsman Shigenori.
The reward is one of the game’s most useful combat techniques: Heavenly Strike, a powerful and unblockable attack that costs just 1 Resolve. It is especially effective against staggered enemies.
If you’re looking for an early upgrade to Jin’s combat abilities, this Mythic Tale should be high on your priority list.
What Is The Heavenly Strike?
According to the legend told by the musician Yamato, Shigenori was a legendary swordsman who developed a lightning-fast technique called the Heavenly Strike.
The story says that Shigenori once used the technique to defeat terrifying creatures that were devastating Tsushima. After defeating them, he disappeared into isolation, passing his knowledge down only to a select few students.
Years later, a mysterious warrior named Yasuhira Koga begins searching for the secret behind the technique.
Jin becomes involved after discovering that Yasuhira has been murdering people while searching for Shigenori’s resting place.
How to Start The Heavenly Strike
The Heavenly Strike takes place in the Izuhara region during Act 1.
The Mythic Tale becomes available after progressing through the early story and completing Hammer and Forge. You can also hear rumors about the tale from villagers, which will reveal its location on the map.
Look for Yamato, the musician, near Komatsu Forge, south of River Falls Bridge.
Speak with him to begin the Mythic Tale.
Quick Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tale | The Heavenly Strike |
| Region | Izuhara |
| Act | Act 1 |
| Quest Giver | Yamato |
| Main Enemy | Yasuhira Koga |
| Main Reward | Heavenly Strike |
| Additional Reward | Heavenly Falcon Sword Kit |
| Legend Reward | Moderate Legend Increase |
| Resolve Cost | 1 |
The tale’s location and rewards are consistently listed by major walkthrough references.
Step 1: Find the Musician in Komatsu
Travel to the area near Komatsu Forge and look for Yamato.
When Jin meets him, Yamato explains the legend of Shigenori and his legendary sword technique.
However, the conversation quickly becomes more serious.
A dangerous warrior has been searching for Shigenori’s secret and has already killed several people while looking for clues.
Jin decides to investigate.
Step 2: Search for the Bridge
After speaking with Yamato, follow the quest marker toward River Falls Bridge.
As Jin approaches the bridge, he hears someone crying.
Search underneath the bridge to find a woman hiding near the river.
Speak with her to learn more about the mysterious attacker.
She identifies the murderer as Yasuhira Koga.
Step 3: Follow Yasuhira’s Trail
After speaking with the woman, investigate the nearby tracks.
The trail leads Jin toward a Mongol-controlled area.
Follow the tracks until you reach a Mongol camp.
You’ll need to eliminate the enemies before continuing your investigation.
A Standoff is a good way to reduce the number of enemies immediately, while your bow can help deal with enemies positioned farther away.
Once the area is secure, speak with the surviving villager.
The villager confirms that Yasuhira was recently there.
Step 4: Search the Watchtower
Continue to the nearby watchtower and investigate the clues inside.
You’ll find documents and other evidence connected to Shigenori and his legendary technique.
Pay particular attention to the white-leafed trees and the painting depicting a dueling ring.
These clues point Jin toward the next stage of the investigation.
Speak with the woman again before continuing.
Step 5: Find the White-Leafed Trees
Follow the Guiding Wind toward the area containing the unusual white-leafed trees.
The scenery changes dramatically as Jin enters the grove.
Continue following the trail until you reach a house occupied by Mongols.
You’ll discover that a villager has been taken hostage.
Rescue the Hostage
Defeat the Mongols surrounding the house.
You can approach the fight however you prefer:
- Start with a Standoff.
- Use stealth to eliminate enemies quietly.
- Use your bow to take out enemies from a distance.
- Enter the fight directly with your sword.
Once the enemies are defeated, rescue the hostage and speak with him.
He reveals that Yasuhira forced his grandfather to lead him toward Shigenori’s Rest.
Step 6: Travel to Shigenori’s Rest
Mount your horse and follow the Guiding Wind toward Shigenori’s Rest.
The path eventually leads to a damaged bridge.
You’ll need to cross using a fallen tree before reaching the area.
As you approach Shigenori’s Rest, prepare for another group of Mongols.
Defeat them before investigating the area.
Step 7: Investigate the Dueling Ring
After clearing the area, continue toward the old dueling ring.
You’ll discover the body of the old man who was helping Yasuhira.
Investigate the surrounding evidence:
- The body
- The sword
- The blood
- The footprints leading away from the area
These clues reveal that Yasuhira has already reached the resting place.
And he isn’t far away.
Step 8: Duel Yasuhira Koga
Yasuhira Koga eventually confronts Jin.
This begins one of the earliest major duels in Ghost of Tsushima.
Yasuhira is fast and aggressive, so patience is more important than attacking constantly.
How to Beat Yasuhira Koga
The Stone Stance is a good choice for this duel.
Focus on reading Yasuhira’s attacks rather than trying to overwhelm him.
Watch for his unblockable attacks
Yasuhira has several attacks that cannot be blocked.
When you see the red indicator, dodge rather than attempting to parry.
He can also sheath his sword before performing a fast unblockable attack.
When this happens:
Dodge sideways and immediately counterattack.
Don’t try to interrupt the attack with your own strike. Yasuhira’s draw attack is extremely fast.
Use Perfect Parries
Perfect Parries are one of the best ways to create openings.
Wait for Yasuhira to attack, parry at the last possible moment, and follow with a short attack combination.
Don’t become overly aggressive.
A few successful counters are safer than trying to land a long combo.
Keep Your Resolve
Don’t waste all of your Resolve healing during the duel.
You’ll eventually receive a prompt to use the Heavenly Strike itself.
Save at least one Resolve for the final stage of the fight.
Step 9: Learn Heavenly Strike
As the duel reaches its conclusion, Yasuhira demonstrates the legendary technique.
Jin realizes that he has learned the secret behind the Heavenly Strike.
The game then prompts you to perform the technique.
Use the required attack combination to unleash Heavenly Strike and finish Yasuhira.
The technique delivers a fast, unblockable sword attack and costs 1 Resolve. It also deals additional damage to staggered enemies.
Step 10: Honor the Fallen
After defeating Yasuhira, return to the body of the old man.
Interact with the body and bury him.
This completes The Heavenly Strike Mythic Tale.
Jin now carries Shigenori’s legendary technique and can use it throughout the remainder of the game.
What Is Heavenly Strike?
Heavenly Strike is a special combat technique that allows Jin to perform a powerful, unblockable sword attack.
The technique costs 1 Resolve, making it relatively inexpensive compared with some of Jin’s other powerful abilities.
It’s particularly useful against enemies who have been staggered.
Why Heavenly Strike Is So Good
The technique is useful because it:
- Costs only 1 Resolve.
- Cannot be blocked.
- Deals increased damage to staggered enemies.
- Works well during duels.
- Can finish weakened enemies quickly.
- Gives Jin another way to spend Resolve besides healing.
For players who enjoy aggressive sword combat, Heavenly Strike can remain useful for much of the game.
Best Time to Use Heavenly Strike
The technique is especially effective after breaking an enemy’s guard.
A good sequence is:
Attack → Break Guard → Heavenly Strike
Once an enemy is staggered, activate Heavenly Strike to capitalize on the opening.
It’s also useful when you need to finish an enemy quickly without giving them an opportunity to recover.
Heavenly Strike vs. Normal Attacks
Unlike Jin’s regular sword attacks, Heavenly Strike cannot simply be blocked by a standard guard.
This makes it particularly useful against tougher enemies who frequently defend themselves.
However, because it consumes Resolve, you shouldn’t use it every time it becomes available.
Save it for:
- Tough enemies
- Staggered enemies
- Duel openings
- Finishing blows
- Situations where a fast unblockable attack can turn the fight around
Rewards for The Heavenly Strike
Completing the Mythic Tale rewards Jin with:
Heavenly Strike
The main reward is the Heavenly Strike technique.
Heavenly Falcon Sword Kit
The quest also rewards the Heavenly Falcon sword kit.
Moderate Legend Increase
Completing the tale provides a Moderate Legend Increase, helping Jin progress toward new Legend ranks and abilities.
Is The Heavenly Strike Worth Doing?
Yes — especially early in the game.
The Heavenly Strike is one of the most useful Mythic Tale rewards because it gives Jin a powerful offensive option for only one Resolve.
The quest itself is also worth completing for its story.
The legend of Shigenori, the investigation into Yasuhira Koga, and the final duel combine to make this one of the more memorable early-game quests.
If you’re collecting Mythic Tale abilities, this is one you should complete as soon as you reasonably can.
Final Verdict
The Heavenly Strike is one of the best early Mythic Tales in Ghost of Tsushima.
It offers a compelling samurai story, an excellent duel against Yasuhira Koga, and one of the most practical combat techniques in the game.
The 1-Resolve cost makes Heavenly Strike particularly appealing, while its unblockable nature gives Jin another powerful option when normal attacks aren’t enough.
For new players, completing this Mythic Tale early can make the rest of Act 1 noticeably easier.
Quick Guide
Quest: The Heavenly Strike
Region: Izuhara
Act: Act 1
Quest Giver: Yamato
Starting Area: Near Komatsu Forge
Main Enemy: Yasuhira Koga
Main Reward: Heavenly Strike
Sword Kit: Heavenly Falcon
Resolve Cost: 1
Legend Reward: Moderate Legend Increase
Best Use: Staggered and tough enemies
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does The Heavenly Strike start?
The Mythic Tale begins near Komatsu Forge in the Izuhara region. Speak with the musician Yamato after the tale becomes available.
What Act is The Heavenly Strike in?
The Heavenly Strike is an Act 1 Mythic Tale in Izuhara.
How much Resolve does Heavenly Strike use?
The Heavenly Strike technique costs 1 Resolve.
Who is the boss of The Heavenly Strike?
The final duel is against Yasuhira Koga, a former Yarikawa retainer searching for the secret of Shigenori’s technique.
Is Heavenly Strike worth unlocking?
Yes. It is an unblockable attack that costs only 1 Resolve and is particularly effective against staggered enemies.
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