Mark of the Ninja/Styles

There are many different costumes, or Styles, that the Marked Ninja can wear which affect gameplay. Most are acquired by obtaining three Seals within a specific category, though one is unlocked via the main story, and another is unlocked by clearing the Special Edition DLC level.

Path of the Ninja
"The traditional garb of the Hisomu clan has served us well for hundreds of years."

To unlock: Available from the start.

This is the default Style available from the start of the game. It offers no advantages or disadvantages, letting you carry one distraction item and one attack item.

Path of the Mark
"You've received the final mark; your senses are keener and you can move so quickly it's as if you've vanished in the blink of an eye, however, you won't be able to carry as much equipment."

To unlock: Clear A Shattered Stronghold.

This Style is automatically and permanently equipped on an initial playthrough for Set to Flight and The Return, though other Styles may be used on replays. While you can still carry an attack item, your distraction item is replaced with the Mark of Serenity, which allows you to teleport short distances past enemies and obstacles.

Path of Might
"Steel plates sewn under your sleeves will protect you from harm and make it easier to knock down your enemies, and any time you sneak up and kill a foe you'll recover your strength, but the heavy armor will make it more difficult to still your mind and focus your aim."

To unlock: Obtain three Might Seals.

As with the Path of the Ninja, this Style lets you carry one distraction item and one attack item. You'll have two more health points and can knock down guards more easily, letting you finish them off faster. Additionally, successful stealth kills will heal you. In exchange, however, time won't freeze while using Focus.

Path of the Hunter
"This cloth is infused with a reagent that calms and focuses the mind; you'll always strike true with your sword, but the cut of the cloth makes it hard to adjust your gear. Once you stock up for a mission, you won't be able to replenish your supplies."

To unlock: Obtain three Assassination Seals.

This Style lets you carry two attack items, but no distraction items. Stealth kills don't require an action command to perform and automatically succeed, but your attack items won't be replenished upon reaching a checkpoint (though you can use Supply Points to do so by re-selecting this Style).

Path of Silence
"This rich dark fabric absorbs light and these softened tabi let you run without making any noise at all. You'll also be able to carry more gear, but the cloth will fray if it's exposed to metal, so you'll need to leave your sword behind."

To unlock: Obtain three Stealth Seals.

This Style lets you carry two distraction items, but no attack items. Running won't making any noise, and you won't set off any motion sensors, but as you don't have a sword, you won't be able to perform stealth kills (though major targets can still be killed).

Path of Nightmares
"This uniform has been infused with powder from the Oni Reed; you'll have less room for equipment, but your enemies will be far more likely to panic at your approach. Oh, and the mask? That's just for effect."

To unlock: Obtain three Terror Seals.

This Style lets you carry an attack item, but no distraction items. Guards that happen to witness you perform a stealth kill or come upon a guard you've killed will be terrified by what they see. This does not work, however, for elite guards or stalkers, who will instead raise an alarm.

Path of Wisdom
"I always left my sword behind; too messy, too bulky. Better to get in and out without a trace, and if I had to take someone down, well, we did spend all that time training in jiu-jitsu takedowns. With no sword, I had more space for other equipment, and since I never received the Mark, I didn't mind a little extra gear."

To unlock: Clear A Tale From the Past.

This Style lets you carry one distraction item and one attack item; this is actually not the Marked Ninja himself, but rather a young Dosan. With this Style equipped, your stealth kills become non-lethal takedowns that automatically succeed; you can still kill enemies with attack items or through indirect means, if need be. Additionally, you can carry twice the amount of distraction and attack items, and two of each are replenished at each checkpoint. As Dosan never received the Mark, however, time doesn't freeze while using Focus, and Farsight cannot be used, either.