The Way of the Flame is one of the most visually stunning and mechanically potent Mythic Tales available in Ghost of Tsushima. This legendary combat art allows Jin Sakai to ignite his katana using Incendiary Oil, dealing unblockable burn damage that can easily break through enemy defenses. Embracing this fiery style not only expands your offensive capabilities but also introduces a tactical advantage when facing large groups of Mongol forces.
Locating the Musician Yamato in Act Three
To begin your journey toward unlocking this technique, you must first progress the main story into Act Three of the campaign. Once you gain access to the frozen northern region of Kamiagata, head directly to Mount Jogaku to find the traveling musician Yamato resting near a campfire at the base of the peak. Speaking with him initiates the Mythic Tale known as The Undying Flame, where he shares the legend of a warrior who mastered the mountain's frozen wrath.
Before attempting the climb, it is highly recommended to plan your route around the local bonfires scattered up the path. The extreme sub-zero temperatures will rapidly deplete Jin's health bar if he stays exposed to the biting cold for too long. Moving quickly from one thermal heat source to the next ensures your survival during the ascent.
Surviving the Perilous Cold of Mount Jogaku
The frozen mountain acts as an environmental puzzle requiring precise timing and sharp observational skills to safely navigate. As you climb higher, look closely for the orange glow of distant campfires and small piles of firewood waiting to be lit. If Jin starts freezing, your screen will begin to frost over, indicating that you have only moments to reach warmth before collapsing.
Along the trail, you will also encounter hostile wildlife and sudden rocky drop-offs that require your grappling hook. Keep a steady pace, avoid unnecessary exploration, and always map out your next waypoint before leaving a safe camp. Reaching the summit requires patience, but the rewards waiting at the peak are well worth the freezing trek.
Defeating Bettomaru in a Duel of Blades
Upon arriving at the snowy plateau at the top of Mount Jogaku, you will find a secluded dojo guarded by a master swordsman named Bettomaru. He challenges Jin to a formal duel to prove his absolute worthiness of the legendary flame technique. This encounter functions differently from standard duels because Bettomaru will frequently coat his own weapon in fire, making his strikes unblockable.
To survive this intense martial trial, focus on dodging his fiery sequences rather than trying to parry them directly. Waiting for his weapon's flame to temporarily subside provides the perfect opening to launch your own counterattacks. Once you reduce his health bar to zero, Bettomaru will acknowledge your superior skill and pass down his closely guarded secrets.
Mastering the Fire Dynamics in Open Combat
Unlocking the Way of the Flame immediately transforms how you approach late-game enemy encounters across Tsushima. By consuming a single dose of Incendiary Oil from your quick-selection wheel, Jin ignites his blade for a brief duration. While active, every successful sword strike inflicts severe burn status, setting foes ablaze and causing them to panic in terror.
This special technique is particularly effective against heavily armored shieldmen and brute commanders who otherwise block standard light combos. Combining this fiery offensive power with aggressive stances allows you to control the battlefield with total authority. Experimenting with different armor sets can further optimize your offensive output during chaotic skirmishes.
