Sony and developer Sucker Punch Productions have finally lifted the curtain on Ghost of Yōtei, the eagerly awaited sequel to 2020’s acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima. During a recent PlayStation State of Play presentation, viewers were treated to an in-depth gameplay showcase highlighting numerous new features coming to the PS5 exclusive.
The presentation revealed that players will step into the role of Atsu, a new protagonist on a revenge mission to hunt down members of the mysterious Yōtei Six. Unlike the more linear approach of the original game, Ghost of Yōtei introduces a card system that allows players to track story progress and important enemies, offering more freedom in choosing how and when to tackle primary targets.
Combat has been significantly expanded with multiple unique weapon types replacing the stance system from the first game. Players can now wield dual swords, odachi, and other period-appropriate weapons, each with their own distinct upgrade paths. Atsu will also be joined by a wolf companion, with hints that additional animal allies might be available throughout the adventure.
The sequel introduces several new mobility and exploration features. “Flower streams” will allow increased speed when riding horses, while new spyclass gameplay elements help locate objectives across the game’s expansive world. Camps now serve as interactive hubs where players can play music, cook, and further customize their playstyle.
What really stood out was the announcement of special visual modes and collaborations. The beloved black and white “Kurosawa mode” returns with enhancements, while a new “Samurai Champloo” mode (inspired by director Shinichirō Watanabe’s anime) will infuse hip-hop inspired soundtracks and visuals into the feudal Japanese setting. Another mode appears to take inspiration from ’13 Assassins,’ focusing on heightened blood and gore for fans of classic samurai cinema.
Sony confirmed that renowned Japanese voice actress Fairouz Ai, known for her roles in Chainsaw Man and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, will voice Atsu in the Japanese audio track. The game will feature Japanese lip sync, continuing the franchise’s commitment to authenticity.
From foxes to wolf packs
The stunning visual presentation showcased environments that build upon the already impressive foundation of the original game. Fan-favorite mini-games like relaxing in hot springs and bamboo cutting challenges will return, alongside the robust photo mode that allows players to capture the game’s striking scenery and dramatic moments.
Ghost of Yōtei is set for release on October 2, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5. Sony also announced a limited edition PS5 bundle themed after the game, though specific details about the hardware design weren’t fully revealed during the presentation.