Point of Interest: Tsuki Castle
The higher ground in the center of Ashika Island is dominated by an ancient castle with multiple fortifications and a natural defensive hill along the southwestern side of the structure. This is a large plateau with shallow, stepped battlements, cherry blossoms in bloom, and a scattering of secondary structures throughout the grounds. Look high for combat opportunities, but also look low; there’s an entire underground waterway and submarine base directly under this fortification!
Main Stronghold
Though the ancient walls of this imposing castle have been pockmarked by recent hostilities, there is still a maze of hiding spots, access points, and places to explore, both above and below ground. The inner defensive ring of the stronghold begins with a moat on three sides (the hills to the rest prevent the moat from connecting around the entirety of the base). A moat wall offers periodic openings into the bailey, leading to an inner walled “dojo” courtyard and adjacent structure with a radar trailer.
Back out in the bailey is a small outer building recently used as a barracks, and the main castle keep itself towering above the other structures. This roughly L-shaped structure has a central tower and two smaller, outer towers to explore, both along the tile roof awnings as well as the interior. The inside of the structure features large chambers linked with wood-walled corridors, a mezzanine level above the main operators room in the central tower, and a third-floor rooftop server room with views and exit options in all directions.
Northwest of the castle, above the Power Plant and parts of the Residential district, is a stepped hillside, atop which are a trio of hastily erected SAM batteries, low defensive walls that have seen some action, various containers and digging machines, and an old well. Might it be worth checking to see what’s at the bottom of this well?
North Museum Grounds
The old structures on the northern edge of the castle grounds consist of two main clusters; a walled museum with a courtyard, a ceremonial hut, two linked buildings with two floors, and several (usually ruined) display cases scattered throughout the corridors. Note the server room on the upper floor of the largest building. Further east is the northern and now main entrance into the castle grounds, a visitor center with a raised floor (allowing vehicles to pass under it) and quick access to the moat surrounding the inner castle grounds.
Southeast Gardens
Prior to the recent combat operations, this edge of the castle grounds could be considered “tranquil”, with Zen gardens, birch trees, benches and ceremonial huts and bridges. Venture here to reach the ground above Port Ashika, or during skirmishes around the castle.
Waterways (Submarine Base)
Carved from the rock under the Castle is a sprawling subterranean tunnel system known locally as “waterways”, offering an underground route from the west (Town Center), north (Water Treatment) and east (Port Ashika). Don’t make the mistake thinking there aren’t many additional insertion points allowing Operator access to and from the castle grounds above. Swim or pilot an aquatic craft through the interconnecting canals, with a central submarine dock and many other alcoves and hidden routes to find and explore.