Ghost of Tsushima is an epic action-adventure game that captivated PlayStation and PC players with its stunning open world, engaging combat, and compelling story. While it's not natively available on iPad, the dream of playing as Jin Sakai on your Apple tablet is absolutely achievable through clever methods. This guide will walk you through the primary way to do it: PS Remote Play.
Are you ready to bring the beauty and brutality of feudal Japan to your iPad? Let's dive in!
Playing Ghost of Tsushima on iPad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Your Setup & Gather Your Tools
Before we begin the technical setup, let's make sure you have everything you need. This is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience!
- Do you own Ghost of Tsushima? This guide assumes you already own Ghost of Tsushima (either the original PS4 version or the Director's Cut on PS4/PS5). You cannot play the game on iPad without owning it on a PlayStation console.
- A PlayStation Console (PS4 or PS5): This is the heart of your "iPad gaming" setup. Your console will be doing the heavy lifting, and your iPad will merely be streaming the gameplay.
- A Stable and Fast Internet Connection: This is perhaps the most critical factor for a good Remote Play experience. A broadband internet connection with at least 5Mbps is required, but 15Mbps or higher is strongly recommended for a smooth, high-quality stream. For the best performance, a wired connection (Ethernet) for your PlayStation console is ideal, and a strong 5GHz Wi-Fi signal for your iPad.
- Your iPad: Ensure it's running iOS/iPadOS 14 or later. The newer the iPad, the better the performance you can expect.
- A PlayStation Network (PSN) Account: You'll need this to link your iPad to your PlayStation console.
- The PS Remote Play App: This free app from PlayStation is the key to streaming your games.
- A Compatible Controller: While on-screen controls are available, playing a game like Ghost of Tsushima without a physical controller is highly challenging and not recommended.
- For iOS 14.5/iPadOS 14.5 or later: You can connect a DualSense wireless controller (PS5) or a DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller (PS4) via Bluetooth.
- For iOS 15 or later: The Backbone One - PlayStation Edition (a physical controller that your iPhone/iPad slots into) is also compatible.
Step 2: Prepare Your PlayStation Console for Remote Play
Your PlayStation console needs to be configured correctly to allow remote access.
- Ensure Latest System Software: Go to Settings > System > System Software Update and Settings on your PlayStation console and make sure it has the latest system software installed. Updates often include improvements for Remote Play.
- Enable Remote Play:
- From your console's home screen, go to Settings (the gear icon).
- Navigate to System > Remote Play.
- Turn on Enable Remote Play.
- Optimize for Rest Mode (Optional, but Recommended): To initiate Remote Play even when your console is in rest mode (allowing you to play without physically turning on your console), you need to adjust these settings:
- From Settings, go to System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Make sure Stay Connected to the Internet is turned on.
- Also, ensure Enable Turning on PS5 from Network (for PS5) or Enable Turning on PS4 from Network (for PS4) is turned on.
Step 3: Install and Set Up the PS Remote Play App on Your iPad
Now it's time to get your iPad ready for action!
- Download the App:
- Open the App Store on your iPad.
- Search for "PS Remote Play" and download the official app from "PlayStation Mobile Inc."
- Launch and Sign In:
- Open the PS Remote Play app on your iPad.
- Tap "Sign In to PSN" and sign in with the same PlayStation Network account that you use on your PlayStation console.
- Connect to Your Console:
- After signing in, the app will ask you to select which console you want to connect to: PS5 or PS4. Choose the appropriate one.
- The app will then search for your console on the network.
- If it doesn't connect automatically (especially the first time), you might need to register your device manually. On the iPad app, look for a "Register Manually" option. On your PlayStation console, go to Settings > System > Remote Play > Link Device. A code will appear on your TV screen. Enter this code into the PS Remote Play app on your iPad. This will pair the devices.
- Adjust Settings (Optional, but Recommended): Once connected, you can tap the cog icon (settings) in the top-right corner of the PS Remote Play app to adjust streaming preferences:
- Video Quality: You can set the resolution (e.g., 360p, 540p, 720p, 1080p). Higher resolutions look better but require a stronger connection. Start with 720p or 1080p and adjust down if you experience lag.
- Frame Rate: You can choose between Standard or High. High offers smoother gameplay but also demands more from your network.
- Mobile Data: By default, Remote Play prefers Wi-Fi. If you plan to play over mobile data (e.g., 5G), you'll need to enable "Use Mobile Data" in the app settings. Be aware that this will use a significant amount of your mobile data allowance.
Step 4: Connect Your Controller to Your iPad
Playing Ghost of Tsushima with on-screen touch controls is incredibly difficult due to the game's fast-paced combat and precise movements. A physical controller is essential.
- For DualSense/DUALSHOCK 4:
- Make sure your controller is fully charged.
- Put your controller into pairing mode:
- DualSense: Press and hold the PS button and the Create button simultaneously until the light bar flashes.
- DUALSHOCK 4: Press and hold the PS button and the Share button simultaneously until the light bar flashes.
- On your iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Under "Other Devices," you should see "DualSense Wireless Controller" or "DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller." Tap on it to pair. The light bar on your controller will turn solid blue when connected.
- For Backbone One - PlayStation Edition: Simply slot your iPad into the Backbone One controller. The Backbone app will usually launch automatically.
Step 5: Launch and Play Ghost of Tsushima!
You're almost there, brave samurai!
- Ensure your PlayStation console is on or in Rest Mode.
- Open the PS Remote Play app on your iPad. It should connect to your console automatically if it's already paired.
- Once connected, you will see your PlayStation console's home screen mirrored on your iPad.
- Use your connected controller to navigate to Ghost of Tsushima in your game library and launch it.
- Immerse yourself! You are now playing Ghost of Tsushima on your iPad.
Important Considerations for Optimal Performance
- Network Stability is Key: Any stuttering, lag, or dropped connections will severely impact your experience. If you encounter issues, try:
- Moving closer to your Wi-Fi router.
- Using a Wi-Fi Mesh system for better coverage.
- Connecting your PlayStation console directly to your router with an Ethernet cable.
- Minimizing other devices using your home network while you play.
- Controller Latency: While Bluetooth controllers work well, there can be a slight input delay (latency) compared to playing directly on your TV. For Ghost of Tsushima's parry and dodge mechanics, this can be noticeable. Experiment to see what works for you.
- Battery Life: Streaming games is demanding on your iPad's battery. Keep a charger nearby if you plan on long play sessions.
- Visual Fidelity: While you're streaming in HD, the visual quality will depend on your internet speed and the iPad's screen. It might not look exactly as crisp as playing directly on a large 4K TV, but it's still impressive on an iPad's display.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my internet speed for PS Remote Play?
You can use an online speed test tool (like Google's speed test or Ookla Speedtest) on your iPad and on a device connected to your home network to check your download and upload speeds. Aim for at least 15 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload for a good experience.
How to reduce input lag when playing Ghost of Tsushima on iPad?
To reduce input lag, connect your PlayStation console to your router via an Ethernet cable, use a 5GHz Wi-Fi network for your iPad, ensure your iPad is close to the router, and select a lower resolution/frame rate in the PS Remote Play app settings if your connection struggles.
How to update PS Remote Play app on iPad?
Open the App Store on your iPad, tap your profile icon, scroll down to see pending updates, and tap "Update" next to the PS Remote Play app.
How to connect a PS5 DualSense controller to my iPad?
To connect a DualSense, enable Bluetooth on your iPad (Settings > Bluetooth), then press and hold the PS button and the Create button on the DualSense simultaneously until the light bar flashes. Select "DualSense Wireless Controller" on your iPad's Bluetooth list to pair.
How to play Ghost of Tsushima on iPad without a PlayStation console?
Currently, there is no official way to play Ghost of Tsushima on an iPad without owning the game on a PlayStation console (or PC) and using a streaming service like PS Remote Play or a cloud gaming service that offers it. Ghost of Tsushima is a PlayStation Studios title and isn't available as a native iPad app.
How to resolve "Cannot connect to PS5/PS4" error in PS Remote Play?
Ensure your PlayStation console is on (or in rest mode with appropriate settings enabled), connected to the internet, and has Remote Play enabled. Try manually linking the devices using the code generated on your console. Also, check if your router's firewall is blocking the connection.
How to use on-screen controls in PS Remote Play?
If no physical controller is connected, the PS Remote Play app automatically displays on-screen controls. You can tap the controller icon in the bottom right corner to show/hide them. However, they are generally not recommended for complex games like Ghost of Tsushima.
How to get better graphics quality for Ghost of Tsushima on iPad Remote Play?
In the PS Remote Play app settings, increase the "Video Quality" to 1080p and "Frame Rate" to High. Ensure you have a very strong and stable internet connection (preferably wired to your console and 5GHz Wi-Fi for your iPad) to support higher quality streaming.
How to exit Remote Play session on iPad?
While in a Remote Play session, tap the screen to bring up the control panel, then tap the "Settings" (cog) icon, and finally tap "Disconnect" or "Quit Remote Play."
How to play Ghost of Tsushima on iPad when away from home?
You can use PS Remote Play over a mobile data connection (if enabled in the app settings) or a public/friend's Wi-Fi network. Your PlayStation console at home must be powered on or in rest mode with the "Stay Connected to the Internet" and "Enable Turning on PS5/PS4 from Network" settings enabled. Ensure your home internet's upload speed is sufficient for a good experience.
