The wait is over. Ghost of Yotei, Sucker Punch Productions’ stunning follow-up to their 2020 masterpiece, is now available worldwide for the PlayStation 5. Set 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima, this new adventure is a standalone story that moves the action to the rugged, beautiful, and unforgiving lands of 17th-century Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido).
It’s a game about vengeance, but like its predecessor, it’s also a deeply personal journey wrapped in one of the most breathtaking open worlds ever created.
A New Ghost, a New Grudge
This is not Jin Sakai’s story. Instead, we play as Atsu, a wandering mercenary voiced with quiet fury by Erika Ishii. Sixteen years ago, her family was brutally murdered by a group of six outlaws known as the “Yōtei Six.” Left for dead and pinned to a tree with her own father’s katana, Atsu has spent her life honing her skills for one purpose: to hunt down the six people who took everything from her.
This quest for revenge forms the core of the narrative. In a structure reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus, players are dropped into the world and given the freedom to hunt down the six main targets in any order they choose. Critics are already praising the story for its surprising twists and the complex, emotional journey of its protagonist.
Refined Combat, Deeper Exploration
Sucker Punch hasn’t just copy-pasted the gameplay from Tsushima. The combat has been refined and expanded, offering an even more robust arsenal for players to master. Alongside the classic katana, you can now wield new weapons like the yari (spear), ōdachi (greatsword), and even the kusarigama (chain-and-sickle). Dual-wielding katanas is also now an option, allowing for a faster, more aggressive playstyle.
The world itself is more alive than ever, with dynamic weather that includes everything from heavy snow to brilliant auroras. New side activities have been added, such as sumi-e ink wash painting and the ability to set up a campsite where Atsu can cook and play her shamisen. For film buffs, the classic Kurosawa Mode returns, joined by two new visual styles inspired by the works of directors Takashi Miike and Shinichirō Watanabe.
The Return of Legends
The popular co-op multiplayer mode, Legends, is also making a comeback. A sequel, titled Ghost of Yōtei: Legends, will be released as a free update for all owners of the game in 2026. It promises to expand on the two-player story missions and four-player survival matches, pitting players against gigantic, monstrous versions of the Yōtei Six and other creatures from Japanese mythology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 1. Do I need to have played Ghost of Tsushima to understand this game?
- No. Ghost of Yotei is a standalone sequel with a new story and protagonist, set 300 years after the original.
- 2. Who is the main character?
- You play as Atsu, a female mercenary on a quest to avenge the murder of her family by the six members of the Yōtei Six.
- 3. What’s new in the gameplay?
- The game features a non-linear quest structure, new weapons like the yari and kusarigama, dual-wielding, new side activities like painting, and dynamic weather.
- 4. Is there multiplayer?
- Yes. A sequel to the co-op Legends mode will be released as a free update in 2026, offering two and four-player missions.
- 5. Why is the protagonist a woman this time?
- The developers wanted to tell a different kind of story and felt that a new character on a classic quest for vengeance was a perfect fit for the vast, perilous landscapes of Hokkaido.
- 6. How is the reception so far?
- Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, praising the game’s refined gameplay, stunning presentation, and powerful, emotional narrative.
Conclusion
With Ghost of Yotei, Sucker Punch has taken the solid foundation of Tsushima and built something that is both familiar and refreshingly new. It’s a game that respects its predecessor while forging its own identity with a more personal, violent, and intricate tale of revenge. It’s a powerful statement to kick off the holiday gaming season and another incredible-looking exclusive for the PlayStation 5. Your journey to the frozen north begins now.