Summary
- Ghost of Yotei introduces new protagonist Atsu in a revenge story three centuries later.
- The game may implement a bounty system emphasizing money's role in progression.
- Unlike Ghost of Tsushima, coin might be crucial in upgrading or purchasing gear for survival.
Ghost of Yotei looks primed to evolve the formula of its predecessor beyond where many fans thought the franchise would go, beginning with a brand-new protagonist in a story that takes place three centuries later in the heart of Ezo, surrounding Mount Yotei. Rather than continuing the story of Jin Sakai, Ghost of Yotei sees Atsu taking the stage, who sets off from the ashes of her homestead to avenge the death of her family. While Atsu's methods for exacting that revenge may vary, it seems Ghost of Yotei may implement a bounty system of sorts that will grant her the coin she needs to fund her journey.
According to Ghost of Yotei's official website, "Every odd job and bounty will provide the coin [Atsu] needs for her journey." This doesn't necessarily confirm the existence of a full-fledged bounty system, but it does suggest some things about the game's progression system. If these "odd jobs" and "bounties" are what Atsu needs to do in order to make it further in Ghost of Yotei, then not only does that imply an economically driven world, but it also means that money will play a major role in Atsu's progression.
Ghost of Yotei's Revenge Story Needs to Be Bigger Than Atsu
Ghost of Yotei may begin as a personal tale of revenge, but Atsu’s journey could turn into a deeper fight shaped by Japan’s shifting power struggles.
Ghost of Yotei's Potential Bounty System Suggests a Coin-Based Progression System
Ghost of Yotei's Potential Bounty System Suggests an Economically Driven World
In Ghost of Tsushima, coin and economy largely took a backseat to exploration, combat, and narrative. Rather than needing money to upgrade their weapons and armor in Ghost of Tsushima, players needed resources and materials instead. Supplies were probably the closest thing to a currency in Ghost of Tsushima, but rather than being spent at vendors as money would, they were used as crafting materials. Additionally, helpful items like Charms were obtained by completing special activities throughout Ghost of Tsushima's open world rather than being purchased.
If these "odd jobs" and "bounties" are what Atsu needs to do in order to make it further in Ghost of Yotei, then not only does that imply an economically driven world, but it also means that money will play a major role in Atsu's progression.
If Ghost of Yotei truly does have a bounty system, that comes with some weighty implications for the game's economy. While coin was mostly irrelevant in Ghost of Tsushima, a bounty system implies that coin is at the center of Ghost of Yotei's world. Based on the game's official description, bounties look poised to pay out in coin or perhaps other spendable resources, and there is a clear demand for money in Ghost of Yotei's world. This represents a significant departure from the adventure-driven progression of Ghost of Tsushima — one that leans more heavily into economically driven progression.
A Bounty System Would Put Money at the Heart of Ghost of Yotei's Progression
Unlike in Ghost of Tsushima, where players needed Supplies and other crafting materials to upgrade their gear and armor, a potential bounty system in Ghost of Yotei implies they may need money more than anything else if they hope to keep their gear optimized. Instead of simply using money for vanity and cosmetics that don't benefit gameplay, the fact that Atsu "needs" money means it will likely be spent on items that improve her odds of survival in Ghost of Yotei's Ezo. This could see her purchasing new weapons and armor, upgrading what she has, or even purchasing new mounts to make exploration more efficient.
This isn't to say that Ghost of Yotei won't still see players acquiring crafting materials; only that money would be more relevant than it was in Ghost of Tsushima.
Since Atsu's quest in Ghost of Yotei is one of revenge, the game could also see her using money to bribe informants for the whereabouts of her targets. If coin really is a big deal in Ghost of Yotei, with Atsu taking every odd job and bounty she can to earn it, the game would presumably offer multiple avenues for those funds to be used. Of course, this is all speculation based on what little is currently known about Ghost of Yotei, but what has been revealed nonetheless paints an intriguing picture of the sequel's world in comparison to its predecessor's.
Ghost of Yotei
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- October 2, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Sucker Punch
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Action, Adventure, Open-World
