Sucker Punch’s Nate Fox has confirmed that Ghost of Yotei’s protagonist, Atsu, will have no relation to Jin Sakai, the central figure of Ghost of Tsushima, putting an end to a popular fan theory. Speculation about a possible hidden link between Atsu and Jin began after fans noticed a Sakai clan helmet in a recent Ghost of Yotei gameplay showcase, fueling hopes of a tangible connection between the two characters. Fox’s clarification, however, makes it clear that Atsu’s journey and Jin’s legacy will remain entirely separate, no matter how much players might wish otherwise.
Although Sucker Punch has remained adamant about wanting to tell a new story with Ghost of Yotei that is unburdened by the events of the past, fans have always held out hope that Jin would make a reappearance in some small capacity. A familial connection between Jin and Atsu was the most plausible thread that tied the two together, but that possibility has now been firmly put to rest.
Ghost Of Yotei's Protagonist: 6 Things We Know About Atsu
Atsu is the new fresh face on the block who will play the protagonist in Ghost of Yotei. Here's a look at what we know about her so far.
Ghost of Yotei's Atsu Will Have No Connection to Jin
During a rapid-fire questions interview with YouTube channel MinnMaxx, Ghost of Yotei’s creative director, Nate Fox, confirmed that Atsu has no ties to Jin and does not even know of the rogue samurai’s existence. When pressed on whether Jin might still be remembered as a legend within the world of Ghost of Yotei, Fox chose to avoid the question while playfully miming a sip from his cup, keeping things deliberately ambiguous. He did confirm later on that Jin is a “literal ghost” in Yotei, suggesting that if he is a legend, it’s one that isn’t widely known.
Fox was also asked which of Ghost of Tsushima’s two endings is being treated as canon in Yotei. “It’s 300 years-plus later. Both endings are valid,” he explained, confirming that the studio is keeping things open-ended. This also makes sense from a historical perspective. It is perfectly natural for two regions to remain isolated, especially since there is a considerable distance between Tsushima and Ezo, or modern-day Hokkaido, Japan, where the upcoming sequel takes place.
Taken together, the interview suggests that Jin will receive little to no mention in Ghost of Yotei. At most, his name or likeness might appear as an Easter egg, but nothing more substantial than that. An uncertain fate for Jin might not be what fans want, but it’s what they’re going to get. Regardless, Ghost of Yotei’s story is shaping up to be something special all on its own. The teaser trailers and gameplay videos released thus far are painting an incredible picture of what the future has in store for fans, and with a confirmed release date of October 2, the wait is almost over.
Ghost of Yotei
-
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
