Moon Stance

Lore & Background

Jin Sakai discovered this stance during his journey across Tsushima, realizing that traditional rigid swordsmanship was insufficient against the Mongol invaders' diverse tactics. While the Sun Stance relies on overwhelming power and the Wind Stance on defensive blocking, Moon demands a dance-like grace. It is the art of the shadow, striking when the enemy is most vulnerable after they have committed to an attack, turning their aggression into their undoing.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled through the ruined temple as Jin crouched low, his breath steady despite the chaos around him. A Mongol spearman charged, his weapon a blur of iron seeking to impale the samurai. Instead of raising his blade to block, Jin stepped sideways, flowing like moonlight slipping through cracks in the clouds. As the spear whistled past his cheek, he pivoted, his katana singing a single, sharp note that severed the spear shaft and ended the threat before the enemy could recover.

Reader's Guide

Moon Stance is unlocked during the main story progression as Jin encounters enemies wielding spears and heavy armor. To utilize Moon effectively, players must master the parry mechanic. When an enemy initiates a spear thrust or a heavy swing, pressing the block button at the precise moment of impact triggers a perfect parry. This not only negates all damage but immediately stuns the opponent, opening them up for a devastating counter-attack. Upgrades to Moon Stance are found by collecting Spirit Emblems scattered throughout Tsushima. These upgrades enhance the window for successful parries and increase the damage dealt during follow-up combos. Unlike other stances that rely on stamina management for blocking, Moon is about timing; rushing will result in a missed parry and heavy punishment. Lore-wise, this stance reflects Jin's evolution from a traditional samurai to a ghost who adapts his fighting style to survive. It teaches that the night offers cover not just for hiding, but for striking with surgical precision.

Did You Know?

• Moon Stance is visually represented by a crescent moon icon in the combat stance wheel.
• Perfectly parrying an attack while using Moon Stance often triggers a unique, cinematic counter-kill animation.
• The stance is essential for surviving encounters with Mongol Brutes, who are otherwise nearly impossible to damage without specific counters.
• Collecting Spirit Emblems allows Jin to unlock special abilities that enhance the effectiveness of his parries and combos.