Ghost of Tsushima Sly Cooper

Ghost of Tsushima is known for its breathtaking visuals, intense combat, and powerful storytelling, but keen-eyed fans of Sucker Punch Productions might notice something more subtle a clever nod to one of the studio’s earlier beloved franchises, Sly Cooper. Hidden deep within the rich world of Tsushima lies an Easter egg that links the world of samurai to the world of master thieves. This unexpected connection between Ghost of Tsushima and Sly Cooper has sparked interest among longtime PlayStation fans and has added an extra layer of fun for those who appreciate hidden references.

The Legacy of Sucker Punch Productions

To understand the significance of the Sly Cooper reference in Ghost of Tsushima, it helps to know the background of the developer. Sucker Punch Productions is the studio behind both titles. Before diving into the mature, atmospheric realm of feudal Japan, the team gained popularity with the Sly Cooper series, a set of action-stealth platformers centered around a charismatic raccoon thief and his gang. These games featured clever level design, stealth gameplay, and a vibrant cartoon style that appealed to a wide audience.

Ghost of Tsushima, by contrast, is a more grounded and cinematic experience, focusing on the story of Jin Sakai, a samurai forced to adopt stealthy and unconventional tactics to defend his homeland from a Mongol invasion. Despite the tonal differences, the spirit of stealth and creativity is something that both series share, and fans of Sly Cooper have been delighted to find subtle acknowledgments of the raccoon thief hidden within Jin’s journey.

Finding the Sly Cooper Easter Egg in Ghost of Tsushima

The connection between Ghost of Tsushima and Sly Cooper takes the form of a secret armor dye that pays homage to Sly’s iconic blue and yellow color scheme. This special armor appearance is not something you stumble upon easily it’s a hidden cosmetic option that requires both exploration and a bit of effort to unlock. It’s available as part of a Mythic Tale reward, specifically tied to collecting all the pieces of the Gosaku’s Armor and applying a special dye at one of the game’s designated vanity gear merchants.

How to Unlock the Sly Cooper Dye

Here are the steps players need to follow to access the Sly Cooper armor dye in Ghost of Tsushima:

• Complete the Mythic Tale called The Unbreakable Gosaku to unlock Gosaku’s Armor.
• Visit a dye merchant after acquiring the armor.
• Look for the dye known as Seafarer’s Ocean, which resembles Sly’s color scheme with bold blues and subtle yellows.
• Equip the dye to transform Jin’s appearance into a stealthy, thief-inspired samurai.

Although the game never explicitly mentions Sly Cooper by name, fans of the classic series will instantly recognize the reference. The combination of colors and stealth-focused themes serve as a visual wink to players familiar with the raccoon’s escapades.

Stealth as a Shared Theme

Beyond visual references, the link between Ghost of Tsushima and Sly Cooper goes deeper into the gameplay itself. Both games emphasize stealth as a core mechanic. In Sly Cooper, players would sneak past guards, pickpocket enemies, and avoid detection using shadows and rooftops. Similarly, Jin Sakai learns to move silently, assassinate targets, and use tools like smoke bombs and wind chimes to distract and disorient foes.

While the tone and stakes are much darker in Ghost of Tsushima, the stealth mechanics carry the same spirit of observation, timing, and creativity. Sucker Punch has evolved this gameplay element from a cartoon world to a realistic one, but fans of Sly Cooper will feel right at home using the shadows to their advantage in Tsushima.

Other Possible References

While the armor dye is the most well-known Sly Cooper Easter egg, fans have speculated about other subtle nods as well. These include:

• Environmental clues that mimic level designs from the Sly series, such as rooftop pathways and hidden alcoves.
• The use of blue glows or lighting in stealth-related areas, which mirrors the visual design of Sly’s levels.
• Climbing animations or movements that feel reminiscent of how Sly would traverse environments.

Though none of these elements are officially confirmed as intentional references, the similarities are strong enough to keep fans speculating and searching. It’s another example of how Ghost of Tsushima rewards careful observation and attention to detail, not only in gameplay but also in its connections to the past.

Why Fans Appreciate the Crossover

For longtime PlayStation gamers, Sly Cooper holds a special place as a beloved franchise from the PS2 and PS3 era. Seeing a reference to Sly in Ghost of Tsushima is more than just a fun Easter egg it’s a meaningful reminder of the studio’s journey and the loyalty it has built over the years. It shows that Sucker Punch hasn’t forgotten its roots and still honors the characters and worlds that helped establish its reputation in the gaming industry.

Additionally, it offers a sense of continuity between the studio’s past and present projects. While Ghost of Tsushima is a serious, historical action-adventure game, the inclusion of a lighthearted reference helps humanize the experience and strengthen the bond between developer and player.

The Future of Sly Cooper and Sucker Punch

One of the inevitable questions that arise from this hidden reference is: will Sucker Punch ever return to the world of Sly Cooper? While nothing has been officially announced, the inclusion of the Easter egg in Ghost of Tsushima has reignited interest in the franchise. Many fans hope that the studio might revisit the series in the future, either through a remake or a brand-new entry.

Until then, the Sly Cooper nod in Ghost of Tsushima serves as a tribute and a nostalgic treat. It reminds fans of the studio’s ability to craft fun, engaging experiences across a wide variety of tones and genres.

Ghost of Tsushima’s connection to Sly Cooper may be subtle, but it’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design and fan appreciation can be woven into a game’s world. Through a cleverly hidden armor dye and shared stealth mechanics, Sucker Punch Productions bridges two very different games with a common thread of creativity, respect for history, and attention to detail. For players who grew up with Sly Cooper, discovering this homage in Tsushima is both exciting and heartwarming a hidden treasure worthy of a master thief.