Monkey See Ghost Of Tsushima Quest Details And Story Context

Ghost of Tsushima's Iki Island expansion introduced players to subtle environment-based puzzles known as Unwritten Tales. Among these hidden challenges, the Monkey See quest stands out as an intriguing side objective that rewards observant explorers. Understanding how to locate this puzzle and decipher its environmental clues allows Jin Sakai to uncover unique lore while earning exclusive cosmetic rewards.
Locating the Saruiwa Mountain Puzzle on Iki Island
To begin the Monkey See questline, players must travel to the southwestern region of Iki Island toward Saruiwa Mountain. This dramatic coastal mountain features steep climbing paths, winding ropes, and several statues carved into the rocky cliffs. As you ascend the mountain trail, you will encounter distinct monkey statues placed near key traversal points along the ridge.
Unlike traditional Tales of Iki, this objective does not appear as a marked icon on your main map. Players must rely on environmental cues and careful observation of the surrounding wildlife to navigate the ascent successfully. Reaching the summit requires precise platforming skills and patience as you locate each interacting point.
Solving the Three Monkey Shrine Riddles
The core mechanic of the Monkey See quest revolves around the famous proverb of the three wise monkeys representing see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. At each designated statue along the climb, players must perform a specific action using Jin's flute or emotes to trigger a response. Interacting correctly with all three locations unlocks the final stage of the hidden quest.
For the first statue covering its ears, players must play a song on Jin's flute to signify hearing. The second statue covering its eyes requires throwing a smoke bomb to blind vision, while the third statue covering its mouth calls for bowing respectfully. Executing these actions in sequence proves your understanding of the ancient shrine's sacred rules.
Narrative Significance and Folklore Connection
Beyond providing an engaging gameplay loop, the Monkey See quest deepens the cultural immersion of the Iki Island narrative. The island of Iki is depicted as a land steeped in local superstition, spirit worship, and deep reverence for native wildlife. Monkeys hold a special place in local folklore, symbolizing protection and cleverness amid harsh mountainous terrain.
This unwritten quest subtly illustrates how the inhabitants of Iki honored nature spirits long before the arrival of the Mongol invaders. By participating in these ancient rites, Jin demonstrates respect for the island's traditions while establishing a deeper connection to the land he seeks to liberate. It offers a peaceful, reflective moment within an otherwise turbulent storyline.
Rewards and Strategic Value for Exploration
Completing the full sequence at Saruiwa Mountain grants players a unique cosmetic item known as the Saru Headband. This accessory complements armor sets themed around the primate guardian, such as the powerful Sarugami Armor acquired elsewhere on Iki Island. Equipping these items allows players to showcase their mastery of Iki's hidden secrets.
Engaging with hidden objectives like Monkey See encourages thorough exploration of the game's expansive map design. Sucker Punch Productions crafted these encounters to reward curious players who look beyond standard quest markers. Taking the time to solve these riddles enriches your overall playthrough and highlights the developer's attention to environmental storytelling.