PlayStation has pulled back the veil on Sucker Punch Productions’ highly anticipated new title, Ghost of Yōtei, with a comprehensive 20-minute gameplay deep dive during a dedicated State of Play broadcast. The action-adventure game, a standalone sequel to the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, is set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025.
The deep dive, hosted by Sucker Punch Creative Directors Jason Connell and Nate Fox, offered a detailed look at the game’s new protagonist, Atsu, her quest for vengeance, and the expanded combat and exploration features awaiting players in the wild, untamed lands surrounding Mount Yōtei.
A New Chapter of Vengeance: Introducing Atsu
Ghost of Yōtei introduces players to Atsu, a haunted lone mercenary driven by a profound desire for revenge. Sixteen years prior, her family was brutally murdered by the notorious “Yōtei Six.” The State of Play showcased Atsu’s unwavering resolve as she hunts down these six formidable targets – The Snake, The Oni, The Kitsune, The Spider, The Dragon, and Lord Saito – armed with the very katana that once pinned her to a burning ginkgo tree.
Redesigned Combat and Expanded Arsenal
The gameplay deep dive highlighted significant advancements in Ghost of Yōtei‘s combat system. Players will experience a more fluid and dynamic approach to encounters, with Atsu wielding an expanded arsenal beyond the traditional katana. New weapons such as dual-blades, spears, the devastating odachi, and the deadly kusarigama were showcased, each with unique properties effective against different enemy types. The ability to switch weapons on the fly promises a more adaptive and strategic combat experience.
Beyond melee, Atsu also utilizes a variety of ranged abilities, including throwing bombs and blinding powder, adding layers to combat encounters. The developers emphasized that each weapon will have its own upgrade paths, allowing players to further specialize their fighting style.
An Expansive and Untamed World: The Hokkaido Frontier
Set 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei transports players to the historic region of Ezo, now known as Hokkaido in present-day Japan. The deep dive showcased a breathtaking open world filled with sprawling grasslands, snowy tundras, dense forests, and towering peaks. The environment itself promises to be a character in Atsu’s journey, with dynamic weather systems and visually stunning landscapes.
Players will have greater freedom in how they approach the game’s non-linear campaign, with the ability to hunt down the Yōtei Six in any order. Exploration is further enhanced by a new clue system, where interrogating enemies and collecting mission cards can lead to new points of interest and quests. The option to set up camp anywhere in the open world for rest and preparation was also highlighted, offering a more immersive and character-driven way to manage allies and vendors.
New Modes and Customization Options
Ghost of Yōtei is set to offer a robust suite of customization options, allowing players to personalize Atsu’s appearance with new sword decals, charms, and armor. The popular Photo Mode will make a return, alongside the fan-favorite Kurosawa Mode, which offers a black-and-white cinematic experience with film grain, audio filters, and increased wind.
Adding to the cinematic tributes, two new “special modes” were unveiled:
- Miike Mode: Inspired by director Takashi Miike, this mode intensifies combat by bringing the camera closer to the action, enhancing the raw and visceral feel of battles with increased mood and blood splatter.
- Watanabe Mode: In collaboration with director Shinichirō Watanabe (known for Cowboy Bebop), this unique mode replaces the game’s standard music with relaxing lo-fi beats during both exploration and combat.
Release Date and Pre-order Information
Ghost of Yōtei is confirmed to launch exclusively for PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. Pre-orders are now available, with various editions offering in-game bonuses such as unique masks, PSN avatars, armor sets, and early unlocks for Traveler’s Maps. PlayStation also revealed a limited-edition PS5 console featuring a Ghost of Yōtei-specific design.
With its expanded combat, stunning new setting, and compelling narrative of vengeance and healing, Ghost of Yōtei is poised to be one of PlayStation’s tentpole releases of 2025.
