Yesterday, we released our Rise of the Ronin review. While it’s not one of our favourite releases of the year so far, we figured we’d lend you a hand so that you could give the game a fair shake.
So, if you’re starting out in Rise of the Ronin and feel overwhelmed and unsure of what you should focus on, we’ve got you covered.
Without further ado, here is what you should be doing first in Rise of the Ronin.
I Bond, You Bond, We All Bond!
Working on your bond levels is a core part of Rise of the Ronon. Each time players enter a new area, it’s a good idea to try to tackle some of the side quests offered.
Whether it’s unlocking Veiled Edge Banners, clearing Public Orders, or taking down Fugitives, all these help increase your bond level, which means more icons on your map and new side quests for you to spend your time on.
On top of this, Characters can also have their bond level with you increased, unlocking various rewards, so make sure you’re giving them gifts, agreeing with them in conversations and helping them on quests if you want to get the most out of the game.
Put Your Sword Away Warrior; Gonzo Is Friend, Not Foe
In one of the game’s earlier missions, players will be called to take out a bandit chief in an old magistrate’s estate.
However, if you detract from the mission and spare the bandit, he will show up later in the game with a side quest, and if you side with him on that mission, he will become a trusted ally.
Allying with him comes with its perks; it will unlock the Nodachi Jigen-ryu combat style for the Odachi, and he will also be available to join you in early missions.
What’s Better Than A Horse And A Flute? A Horse Flute
This tip is key to improving your experience in Risde of the Ronin tenfold. What you’re going to want to do is follow the main story mission up to The Bridge to Yokohama.
Once you arrive in Honmoku, take down the first group of thugs, let the cutscene play, and run right up to the Veiled Edge Banner. You’ll see a villager standing by a horse with a body on the floor near the banner.
Go up to it to collect the Horse Flute from the body. This will give you your first horse for free, which makes travelling a hundred million times easier and faster.
Of course, if you’ve already passed this section of the game and missed the body, just keep playing through random world events and keep an eye out for a horse and its dead rider.
Why Be A Walker Or A Runner When You Can Be A Glider
When you’re on that mission where you have to fight the bandit, if you keep him alive, he will tell you all about a storehouse nearby, and he has a key.
Once you have the key, you can head to the Storehouse with a few treasure chests inside.
Finding the Storehouse will also give you a quick route back to Yokohama, where you can try out your new Glider.
Do you have any tips and tricks for starting out in Rise of the Ronin? If so, drop them in the comments. If you want to read our full review, you can follow the link here.
