SonyGhost of Yotei is the upcoming sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, and Sucker Punch Productions has finally revealed the release date and a special gameplay deep dive.
During PlayStation’s September 2024 State of Play, fans were given their first look at Ghost of Yotei — the hotly anticipated sequel to the award-winning Ghost of Tsushima. Yotei leaves the war-ravaged lands of Tsushima behind and sets its sights on the beautiful vistas of the Hokkaido region – an area known for its outstanding beauty.
It’s not just the new setting that armchair samurai can look forward to adventuring through, as Sucker Punch Productions has revealed details about its new protagonist Atsu. We also have information about Yotei’s gameplay, trailers, and the long-awaited release date.
Ghost of Yotei release date
As confirmed via the PlayStation X account, Ghost of Yotei will be released on October 2, 2025.
Trailers
The Onryo’s List trailer
The Onryo’s List trailer, released on April 23, introduces the Yotei Six — lawless gang members Atsu has sworn to hunt down.
Announcement trailer
Ghost of Yotei’s first trailer premiered on September 24, 2024. The footage was largely cinematic, introducing fans to the new setting, landscapes, and protagonist.
State of Play Gameplay Deep Dive
The State of Play gave Ghost of Yotei its biggest showcase yet, revealing core gameplay systems like exploration, combat, and customization. It also introduced Atsu’s revenge-driven story, new mechanics like freeform bounty hunting and campsites.
Setting: When & where does it take place?
Ghost of Yotei takes place in 1603, over 300 years after the events of the original game.
Set around Mount Yotei, located in what is now Hokkaido, this region was at the time beyond the formal rule of Japan. According to PlayStation, the area was filled with sprawling grasslands, snowy tundras, and all kinds of unexpected dangers.
Unlike the structured world of Tsushima with its organized samurai clans, Yotei is wild and unpredictable. The land is shaped by folklore and fear, with locals believing Atsu is an Onryo, a vengeful ghost. From scorched battlefields to frozen regions filled with ambush tactics, each area presents unique threats and hidden stories.
The region of Ezio, where the game unfolds, sits at the edge of Japan and offers a vast open world that encourages curiosity. You are free to pull out your spyglass and head toward anything that catches your eye, whether it is an altar, a campfire spot, or a rumor worth chasing. It is a setting built for wandering, discovery, and danger, and it is unlike anything the franchise has explored before.
Story details
Sucker Punch ProductionsGhost of Yotei’s story revolves around Atsu’s pursuit of the Yotei Six. These gang members killed her family and left her for dead, pinned to a burning ginkgo tree outside her home. The official blog post mentions that Atsu learned to fight to claim her revenge over The Snake, The Oni, The Kitsune, The Spider, The Dragon, and Lord Saito.
“One by one, she’s hunting them down to avenge her family, armed with the same katana used to pin her to that burning tree all those years ago. But while Atsu’s story begins with vengeance, she’ll find there’s more to her journey than just revenge. As she explores Ezo, Atsu will meet unlikely allies and forge connections that help give her a new sense of purpose.”
It’s since been confirmed that Atsu will be able to track down the Yotei Six in any order, making it a somewhat non-linear experience as players pick and choose which targets to prioritize.
New protagonist Atsu
Ghost of Yotei is set in a different historical period and location and, thus, features a brand-new protagonist, Atsu.
Jin Sakai’s story and the island of Tsushima are gone. For the sequel, the devs wanted “to explore what it could mean to have a new hero wearing a Ghost mask and uncovering a new legend.”
An update to Ghost of Yotei’s PlayStation game page reveals that Atsu will “rise from the ashes of her homestead” and go on a revenge quest to “hunt down those responsible for the death of her family.”
Sucker Punch ProductionsWhatever coin she earns from accepting odd jobs and bounties will go a long way in ensuring she’s prepared for the journey ahead.
The announcement trailer has already shown her wielding a shamisen and a traditional samurai sword. A shamisen is a traditional Japanese lute that was created during the 1500s.
In addition to sporting a shamisen and sword, Atsu will have a wolf companion accompanying her throughout her “underdog vengeance” journey.
Erika Ishii cast as Atsu
Sucker Punch also confirmed Erika Ishii will portray Atsu. Ishii is a prolific voice actress whose main credits include voicing Valkyrie in Apex Legends and Ana Bray in Destiny 2. She voiced characters in other major video game franchises as well, including Halo, Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, and many more.
When the news of her casting was announced, Ishii replied to the X post and stated, “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Working with the whole team was a joy and an honor.”
Gameplay details
Firearms
While Atsu’s prowess with her sword is a huge aspect of combat, the reveal trailer’s final moments also teased the inclusion of firearms.
Sucker Punch ProductionsThe emergence of guns and firearms in Japan is a huge aspect of the country’s history. The first of its kind to be brought to Japan, the Arquebus, was from the Portuguese in the 1500s.
PlayStation confirmed that Ghost of Yotei will “introduce new mechanics, gameplay improvements, and even new weapons.” As such, firearms will likely constitute just one of the unique gameplay features added to the sequel.
Fear not, though, for while the game will aim to “innovate” on systems found in Ghost of Tsushima, the devs have promised to “create something fresh but familiar” for Yotei.
Exploration & freedom
Exploration is at the core of Ghost of Yotei, with Sucker Punch aiming to make this their most open-world game yet.
Instead of forcing a linear path, the game lets you choose which member of the Yotei Six to hunt first. You can interrogate enemies for clues, draw cards to track leads, and follow whatever grabs your attention. A spyglass helps you scan the horizon and head toward whatever catches your eye, no quest marker needed.
Sucker PunchYou can also build a campfire anywhere in the open world. These camps are more than rest spots; they let you upgrade gear, cook, play music, and interact with allies. They even replace the traditional journal, bringing vendors and quest-givers to you, so you never need to backtrack.
Skill trees
Atsu isn’t just a ghost with a grudge; she’s got serious skills, and you get to shape them.
As you explore, you’ll unlock new abilities by finding Altars of Reflection or learning directly from sensei allies. Each weapon type has its own skill tree, so whether you prefer the elegance of a katana or the brute force of an odachi, you can master it your way.
Upgrades aren’t hidden in menus either. Your campfire crew will help manage gear, skills, and progress. It’s a hands-on system that grows naturally as you explore and fight.
Combat & weapons
Combat in Ghost of Yotei is built around precision, timing, and reacting to your enemies.
Every swing matters, with a focus on deliberate strikes rather than button-spamming. If you mistime a block or clash, Atsu can be disarmed. Enemies adjust their tactics mid-fight, forcing you to stay alert and adapt in real time.
The system rewards awareness and smart decision-making when you parry a heavy blow and dodge a surprise ambush.
Here’s every weapon shown in the showcase:
Melee Weapons:
- Katana
- Spear
- Odachi (large two-handed blade)
- Dual swords
- Kusarigama
Ranged & Thrown Weapons:
- Kunai
- Firearms
- Bombs
- Blinding powder
Allies & vendors
Atsu doesn’t take on the Yotei Six alone. Along the way, she’ll meet allies like a mysterious wolf and skilled sensei who can teach her new moves.
As you build your camp, vendors and mentors will stop by to offer upgrades, gear, and story moments. Instead of running around to find them, they come to you.
Camps replace the old quest journal, making it easier to track your progress and get what you need without breaking the flow.
Armor
As you explore, you’ll find new armor sets, charms, and weapons that support different playstyles, from stealth to full-on combat.
Each piece has its own perks and can be customized to change how Atsu looks in the field. It’s all about building a look and loadout that fits the way you want to play
Ghost of Yotei isn’t the only game you need to be hyped for, so be sure to check out our 2025 video game release calendar.
