Ever wondered how to experience Ghost of Tsushima on PC in full Kurosawa mode with the original, untouched audio? For many fans, the authentic samurai film vibe isn’t complete without those classic black-and-white visuals paired with unedited, immersive sound.
This question matters to players seeking the true cinematic feel—just as the creators intended. In this article, you’ll find clear steps and handy tips for enabling Kurosawa mode with original audio on PC, ensuring your adventure feels as epic as possible.
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Understanding Ghost of Tsushima’s Kurosawa Mode: Using It with Unedited Audio on PC
Ghost of Tsushima has taken the gaming world by storm, especially with its visually stunning Kurosawa Mode. Inspired by legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, this cinematic mode offers a breathtaking homage to Japanese samurai cinema. But if you’re playing Ghost of Tsushima on PC, you might wonder: can you enjoy the dramatic black-and-white visuals of Kurosawa Mode without the stylized, “retro” audio filter forcing everything to sound like an old film reel?
Let’s dive into what Kurosawa Mode is, how it affects audio, whether you can keep the original (unedited) audio, and practical tips for the best playing experience.
What Is Kurosawa Mode?
Kurosawa Mode is a graphics filter in Ghost of Tsushima that transforms the game into a black-and-white, high-contrast masterpiece. It’s designed to evoke classic samurai movies from the 1950s and ’60s, particularly those by Akira Kurosawa.
What Changes in Kurosawa Mode?
- Visuals: The entire game takes on a monochrome, film grain-heavy appearance.
- Sound: The audio is modified with a “retro” filter mimicking old speakers and film reels, affecting dialogue, music, and effects.
- Subtitles and Interface: Minimalist aesthetics sharpen immersion.
The Problem: Kurosawa Mode’s Audio Filter
While many players adore the nostalgic feel this audio brings, others find the audio filter distracting or muffled. Some players want to enjoy the iconic visuals of Kurosawa Mode but retain the original, clean audio quality for clarity and immersion.
Why Is This a Challenge?
- Kurosawa Mode in Ghost of Tsushima automatically applies both the visual filter and the stylized audio filter.
- There is no in-game option to separate the two effects—if you enable Kurosawa Mode, you get both the visuals and the audio changes.
Can You Play Kurosawa Mode with Unedited (Normal) Audio on PC?
The Short, Honest Answer:
As of now, there is no official, built-in way to enable Kurosawa Mode’s visuals while keeping the original, unfiltered audio on PC. The audio and visuals are linked by design.
However, There Are Workarounds and Community Interest:
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Game Mods and Community Requests
- After the PC launch, many players requested a mod to decouple the audio from the visuals in Kurosawa Mode.
- Some community forums are actively discussing and requesting this feature, but as of now, no stable mod exists to accomplish this cleanly for the average user.
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Possible (but Unofficial) Modding Solutions
- Advanced users with experience in game file editing or modding tools might attempt to adjust audio files or filters. However, this has proven complex due to how the game renders its effects.
- Without official support, any third-party workaround could cause crashes or unexpected game behavior.
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Developer Updates
- There’s always a chance the developers may patch in a toggle or option for separated audio and visuals due to community feedback.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Kurosawa Mode (and Current Limitations)
Since you can’t yet separate the audio and visuals natively, here’s what you can do:
Enabling Kurosawa Mode on PC
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Access the Game Menu:
- Pause the game and open the main menu.
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Navigate to Options:
- Find either “Display” or “Accessibility” (location may vary).
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Locate Kurosawa Mode:
- Toggle Kurosawa Mode on or off according to your preference.
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Audio Limitations:
- Once Kurosawa Mode is activated, the game will apply both the visuals and the stylized audio filter.
- There’s currently no menu option to disable just the audio filter.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Kurosawa Mode
Benefits
- Immersive Cinematic Experience: Feels like stepping into a classic samurai film.
- Unique Visual Aesthetic: Black-and-white filter adds drama and nostalgia.
- Atmosphere: Film grain and contrast changes heighten emotional moments.
Drawbacks
- Audio Clarity: The filter distorts voices and effects, which can be distracting.
- Accessibility: Can be difficult for players with hearing impairments or those who rely on clear audio cues.
- Inflexibility: No easy way to customize which effects you want.
Practical Tips for the Best Experience
Even with the current limitations, you can maximize your enjoyment of Kurosawa Mode on PC:
1. Experiment with Volume and Headphones
- Increase dialogue volume and decrease background music/sound effects to clarify speech.
- Use headphones or quality speakers to pick up subtle sounds that the filter can sometimes mask.
2. Use Subtitles
- Enable subtitles for all dialogue, especially if playing with Japanese audio, to avoid missing out on story details affected by the filter.
3. Try Different Audio Mixes
- Ghost of Tsushima supports both English and Japanese VO. Switching can sometimes help overcome filter muddiness, depending on language and clarity.
4. Give It a Chance (Or Switch Back)
- Try playing an hour or two to see if you acclimate to the retro audio. If you find it too distracting, you can switch back to standard mode at any time.
5. Watch for Community Mods and Updates
- The modding community is passionate and active. Check reputable game forums and modding hubs for future solutions.
Cost Tips & Shipping (PC Version)
When considering buying Ghost of Tsushima for PC:
- Shop Around: Prices may vary between official Digital PC storefronts.
- Regional Pricing: Some platforms adjust pricing based on your location. Check if your country offers a better deal.
- No Physical Shipping: The PC version is digital-only, meaning instant download—no additional shipping costs or delays.
- Watch for Sales: Seasonal sales (especially during major events) can offer significant discounts on the Director’s Cut.
Concluding Summary
Kurosawa Mode is a standout feature of Ghost of Tsushima, bringing the atmosphere of classic samurai cinema directly to your screen. However, on PC, there’s no official way to enjoy the visuals without the accompanying audio filter. While the community is eager for a mod or feature update to change this, for now, players must choose between full Kurosawa immersion or clean, unfiltered audio. The best advice is to try both settings, use subtitles for clarity, and keep an eye out for community-created solutions. Your samurai journey is still beautiful—no matter how you see or hear it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use Kurosawa Mode’s visuals with normal, unedited audio on PC?
No. Currently, enabling Kurosawa Mode on PC also applies the stylized, retro audio filter. There is no official option to separate the two effects.
2. Are there any mods that let me separate Kurosawa Mode’s visuals and audio?
Not at this time. While there is community interest, no widely adopted or simple mod exists that decouples the audio from the visuals in Kurosawa Mode for PC. This could change with future mod releases.
3. How do I turn Kurosawa Mode on or off in Ghost of Tsushima?
Go to the game’s pause menu, open “Options,” and look under “Display” or “Accessibility.” Here you will find the toggle for Kurosawa Mode.
4. Does Kurosawa Mode affect all audio languages?
Yes. The retro audio filter applies to both English and Japanese voiceovers, as well as all sound effects and music, regardless of your selected language.
5. Will the developers add an option to separate the audio and visuals in the future?
It’s possible, especially given the demand from the player community. However, as of now, no official announcement has been made. Keep checking for updates, as player feedback can influence future patches.
With samurai resolve, enter the world of Ghost of Tsushima in the mode that feels right for you. Whether you choose classic or modern, the island awaits your destiny.