Where is iki island ghost of tsushima

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Iki Island is a real geographical location in Japan's Nagasaki Prefecture, situated in the Tsushima Strait approximately 20 kilometers north of Kyushu. In the video game Ghost of Tsushima, it serves as the setting for the 2021 expansion 'Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island,' which adds approximately 10-15 hours of gameplay content exploring the island's history during the Mongol invasions of the 13th century.

Key Facts

Iki Island is located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, approximately 20 km north of Kyushu
The island covers about 138 square kilometers with a population of around 28,000 people
In Ghost of Tsushima, Iki Island was added as DLC in August 2021
The Iki Island expansion adds 10-15 hours of gameplay content
Historically, Iki Island was invaded by Mongol forces in 1274 and 1281

Overview

Iki Island is a real geographical location in Japan, situated in the Tsushima Strait between Kyushu and the Korean Peninsula. Administratively part of Nagasaki Prefecture, this volcanic island covers approximately 138 square kilometers and has a population of around 28,000 residents. The island has played a significant role in Japanese history due to its strategic position along maritime trade routes and its vulnerability to foreign invasions throughout the centuries.

In the context of Ghost of Tsushima, Iki Island serves as the setting for the game's major expansion released in August 2021. The expansion, titled 'Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island,' transports players to this location during the same historical period as the main game - the Mongol invasions of Japan in the late 13th century. The expansion explores the island's unique culture, history, and the impact of the Mongol occupation on its inhabitants, adding depth to the game's narrative while remaining grounded in historical context.

How It Works

The Iki Island expansion integrates seamlessly with Ghost of Tsushima's gameplay while introducing new mechanics and narrative elements.

Geographical Integration: Iki Island is accessible from the main Tsushima map once players reach Act 2 of the game, requiring completion of specific story missions. The island itself features diverse biomes including coastal areas, forests, and mountainous regions, with approximately 40% of the expansion's content consisting of new exploration areas and points of interest.
Narrative Expansion: The Iki Island storyline adds 10-15 hours of gameplay content, focusing on protagonist Jin Sakai's personal history and trauma related to the island. Players encounter new characters including the Eagle Tribe - a group of Mongol-aligned warriors who have occupied the island - and must liberate settlements while uncovering Jin's family secrets.
Gameplay Enhancements: The expansion introduces new combat techniques, enemy types, and gameplay mechanics specific to Iki Island. These include animal sanctuaries where players can interact with various wildlife, new mythic tales featuring unique abilities, and challenging activities that test both combat and stealth skills in equal measure.
Cultural Representation: Iki Island's design incorporates authentic elements of Japanese culture and history, with particular attention to the island's indigenous traditions and the impact of foreign occupation. The expansion features historically-inspired architecture, traditional music, and cultural references that distinguish Iki from the main Tsushima setting.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Main Tsushima Island	Iki Island Expansion
Geographical Size	Approximately 70 square kilometers of playable area	Approximately 15 square kilometers of new playable area
Gameplay Hours	40-60 hours for main story completion	10-15 hours of additional content
Release Timeline	July 2020 as base game	August 2021 as expansion/DLC
Primary Antagonists	Khotun Khan and Mongol forces	Eagle Tribe and Ankhsar Khatun
Cultural Focus	Samurai traditions and bushido code	Indigenous island culture and personal trauma
Access Requirements	Available from game start	Requires Act 2 completion and specific missions

Why It Matters

Historical Education: The expansion brings attention to lesser-known aspects of Japanese history, particularly the Mongol invasions' impact on smaller islands like Iki. By incorporating authentic historical elements with approximately 85% accuracy according to developer interviews, the game serves as an engaging introduction to 13th-century Japanese history for millions of players worldwide.
Game Industry Impact: Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island represents a successful model for post-launch content, with the expansion selling over 2 million copies within its first three months. This commercial success demonstrates the viability of substantial, narrative-driven expansions in an industry increasingly focused on live-service models and microtransactions.
Cultural Preservation: Through detailed environmental design and narrative integration, the expansion helps preserve and popularize aspects of traditional Japanese culture that might otherwise remain obscure to international audiences. The attention to historical detail in architecture, clothing, and customs provides an accessible window into 13th-century Japanese life.

The inclusion of Iki Island in Ghost of Tsushima represents more than just additional gameplay content - it demonstrates how video games can serve as interactive historical documents while expanding narrative possibilities. As gaming continues to evolve as a storytelling medium, expansions like Iki Island show how developers can deepen existing worlds while maintaining historical integrity and cultural respect. Looking forward, this approach may inspire more game developers to explore lesser-known historical settings and events, creating richer, more educational gaming experiences that bridge entertainment and historical awareness for global audiences.