Summary
- Set over 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei introduces new weapons and a new musical instrument.
- New protagonist Atsu provides a fresh perspective as a wandering female warrior in Feudal Japan.
- Instead of the Tsushima and Iki islands, players will explore the new region of Mount Yōtei in Ezo, featuring stunning visuals.
Ghost of Yotei, the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima by Sucker Punch Productions, was undoubtedly the biggest revelation during the recent State of Play showcase. The biggest surprise for many was the developer's decision to leave the story of Tsushima and Jin Sakai behind, instead introducing a new setting and a new female protagonist. While some fans expected Jin to return, this new direction seems like a perfect fit for the Ghost series. It allows the developers to retain the standout features fans loved while offering fresh perspectives, time periods, and regions, much like the Assassin's Creed series.
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So far, little is known about Ghost of Yotei, currently set for release in 2025. While details are scarce — especially regarding the story — the reveal trailer alone highlighted several differences from Ghost of Tsushima that some fans may have missed. Let's explore the biggest confirmed changes that will make the upcoming game feel both fresh and familiar.
1 New Protagonist
Players Will Take The Role Of Wandering Female Warrior, Atsu
In Ghost of Tsushima, Jin Sakai quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to his depth and complexity as a character. This made the decision to leave him behind in Ghost of Yotei a surprise for many, though it makes a lot of sense. According to the developers, the core pillar of the series is the concept of a wandering warrior in Feudal Japan, allowing them to introduce new, original characters and stories with each installment.
In Ghost of Yotei, players will step into the role of Atsu, a female wandering warrior, hunted by many ronin for reasons yet to be revealed. While details about the story and Atsu's background are still under wraps, she already appears intriguing — a seasoned katana wielder. Given Sucker Punch's track record, there's little doubt that they'll once again deliver a compelling and memorable protagonist.
2 New Region Of Japan
Players Will Explore The Map Of Mount Yōtei And Its Surroundings
Before the reveal of Ghost of Yotei, many speculated about the possibility of Ghost of Tsushima 2 reusing the Tsushima and Iki islands as the setting. Fortunately, the developers opted for an entirely new region of Japan. Players will now explore the towering peak of Mount Yōtei and its surroundings, located in the heart of Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido).
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The exact size of the Ghost of Yotei map is still unknown, but it's expected to be at least as expansive as the territories in the previous game. Based on the trailer, the new areas will be visually stunning, with a variety of environments including snow-covered mountains, dense forests, and bustling settlements. The most striking landmark is undoubtedly Mount Yōtei itself, a colossal peak that looms on the horizon as players explore the lands at its base.
3 New Era
The Events Take Place More Than 300 Years After Ghost Of Tsushima
As confirmed, the events of Ghost of Yotei take place in 1603, more than 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima. While the first Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274 was a fascinating period to explore, the shift to several centuries later seems equally intriguing. Set during the early Edo period (also known as the Tokugawa period), this marks the final era of traditional Feudal Japan.
The reveal trailer for Ghost of Yotei showcased notable Western-inspired influences, with authentic music and the mood of a lone, wandering hero motivated by personal reasons, contrasting with Jin's honorable mission in the first game. Given the time gap between the two titles, it's unlikely that players will encounter any familiar characters. However, the events of Ghost of Tsushima may resurface in the sequel as legends of a vengeful Ghost from the past.
4 New Weapon Types
Players Can Expect New Weapons, Including Firearms
Given the more advanced time period, it's no surprise that players can expect new weapons in Ghost of Yotei. While Jin Sakai primarily relied on his katana and tanto for stealth kills, Atsu has been shown dual-wielding katanas and even using matchlock muskets instead of traditional bows. In one segment of the reveal footage, Atsu also wielded a kusarigama — a traditional Japanese weapon combining a sickle (kama) and a chain (kusari) — delivering swift and spectacular strikes to her enemies.
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Combat in Ghost of Tsushima was already a standout feature, and it seems likely to expand to new heights in the sequel. If Sucker Punch can retain the satisfying feel of katana combat while introducing new weapons to master, upgrade, and wield, players are bound to be thrilled.
5 New Musical Instrument
Instead Of Jin's Flute, Players Will Play A Shamisen
One of the notable changes from the Ghost of Yotei reveal trailer is the new musical instrument Atsu carries on her journey. While Jin Sakai played the shakuhachi (flute) to perform various tunes and change the weather in Ghost of Tsushima, Atsu will play the shamisen — a traditional Japanese stringed instrument (also called samisen or sangen). This shift in musical instruments may reflect the game's Western-inspired mood and could serve a similar function to the flute, potentially impacting the environment.
In the reveal footage, the shamisen is always visible on Atsu's back, which drew mixed reactions from fans. It's unclear if players will be able to hide the instrument from the character model, but given that the shamisen is larger than the flute, it makes sense that it remains visible throughout the game.
Ghost of Yotei
- Released
- October 2, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Sucker Punch
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- Action, Adventure, Open-World
