The following contains spoilers for Ghost of Tsushima.
2025 has already seen a number of highly anticipated titles released, many of which have managed to achieve success. However, the year is far from over, and there are still plenty of major titles on the way. One of those titles is Sucker Punch's Ghost of Yotei, which many Ghost of Tsushima fans have been waiting for since its release in 2020. Rather than picking up where Ghost of Tsushima left off, Ghost of Yotei is set three centuries ahead of the events of the first game, with a brand-new protagonist in a fresh setting, all backed by an original narrative.
Only bits and pieces of Ghost of Yotei's story have been revealed so far, with its premise being the main focal point. After her homestead is razed and her family killed by the Yotei Six, Atsu pursues her wrongdoers with intent to exact her revenge upon them. While her origin story is bound to be a challenge to witness, though, there may be yet another gut punch already hiding in plain sight. If the route Sucker Punch chose to go with Ghost of Tsushima's story is any indication, Ghost of Yotei players may be in for an intensely emotional plot thread involving one of the game's most cryptic characters so far.
How Ghost of Yotei Can Ensure Its Non-Linear Narrative Gamble Pays Off
Ghost of Yotei’s non-linear revenge tale risks feeling fragmented, but there are some options out there to give Atsu’s journey the weight it needs.
Ghost of Yotei's Wolf Could Be at Risk
Ghost of Tsushima Didn't Shy Away From Killing Jin's Horse
Ghost of Tsushima is filled with emotional moments, from the death of Jin's father when he was just a child to the fight between Jin and his uncle, Lord Shimura. However, one of its saddest moments happens somewhat unexpectedly. As Jin escapes from Castle Shimura after being exiled by his uncle, his horse is fatally wounded by archers. Despite its injuries, the horse carries Jin to safety before collapsing and dying from exhaustion and wounds. While the game has plenty of emotionally charged plot points leading up to this moment, the death of Jin's horse marks a major turning point for the narrative.
Ghost of Yotei Could See Atsu's Wolf Companion Meeting Its End
Given the fact that Ghost of Tsushima's story saw Jin's horse meeting its end, it's unlikely that Ghost of Yotei will attempt to repeat it. That being said, it could still feature a similar moment, though with a different animal companion this time — specifically, Atsu's wolf friend in Ghost of Yotei. Very little is currently known about Atsu's wolf, including whether players will even have direct control over its actions. Ghost of Yotei's release date announcement trailer shows the wolf assisting Atsu in battle, so it's possible that players will be able to call on it in the middle of combat, should they find themselves in need of some help.
However, perhaps more importantly is the wolf's potential role in Ghost of Yotei's story. During the same trailer, the wolf arrives on the scene as Atsu is honoring someone at a grave, possibly her family. This suggests that the wolf could be the spirit of one of her late family members. In Ghost of Yotei's setting of 1603 Ezo, Ainu culture had deep respect for wolves, seeing them as protectors and guardians who might even be incarnations akin to ancestral spirits. Unfortunately, as compelling as that theory may be, it might make the potential death of the wolf hit even harder.
Given the fact that Ghost of Tsushima's story saw Jin's horse meeting its end, it's unlikely that Ghost of Yotei will attempt to repeat it.
If Ghost of Tsushima didn't shy away from killing Jin's horse, fans shouldn't rule out Ghost of Yotei giving Atsu's wolf companion the same treatment. This would be an especially emotional moment if the wolf turns out to be more than just an animal companion to Atsu and is instead one of her ancestors who have been reincarnated to protect and guide her. Her bond with the wolf would thus be strengthened, even more than Jin's was with his horse. In light of that, perhaps Ghost of Yotei's biggest gut punch takes place long after what can only be assumed is the game's prologue — Atsu's origin story.
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
