Ghost of Yotei is the official sequel to Ghost of Tsushima from developer Sucker Punch. Currently slated to arrive sometime in 2025, the upcoming open-world adventure will introduce us to a new protagonist and another region of Japan.
In fact, from everything we've seen so far, it's already shaping up to be one of the biggest new games for 2025, by building on Jin Sakai's journey with guns, a gorgeous change of scenery, and "unexpected dangers". First revealed revealed as the surprise closing announcement in the PlayStation State of Play September 2024 showcase, Yotei's reveal encouraged a lot of newbies to try out the first open-world adventure.
It certainly looks set to be one of the most exciting upcoming PS5 games on the way, and we can't wait to learn more. While we await more news, read on below as give you an overview of everything we know so far about Ghost of Yotei, from the trailer to story details, and more.
Ghost of Yotei release date speculation
Currently, Ghost of Yotei is set to release sometime in 2025, with Sucker Punch only revealing the year for its expected launch window so far. However, we hope to get an update with an actual date soon - stay tuned for updates!
What we do know about the launch is that Ghost of Yotei will be a PS5 exclusive to begin with. While it has yet to be confirmed, Ghost of Tsushima released on PC in 2024 (four years after its original release on PS4), so it's quite possible that we'll see the sequel follow suit and come to PC at a later date.
Ghost of Yotei trailer
The official announcement trailer (which you can watch above) gives us our first look at Ghost of Yotei, with shots of some beautiful vistas, bloodstained snow, and a ravenous-looking wolf, along with the introduction of the new protagonist who will be leading the next adventure.
Can I pre-order Ghost of Yotei?
Currently, Ghost of Yotei pre-orders on PS5 are not yet live digitally or physically, but you can currently add the game to your wishlist on the PlayStation store.
It's well worth keeping an eye out for announcements - especially when we have more details on its launch window this year. If Ghost of Tsushima is anything to go by, we may well see some pre-order bonuses in the future, too.
Ghost of Yotei protagonist
Sucker Punch detailed in a PlayStation blog that the team wanted to "create something fresh but familiar." So, in order to explore new avenues beyond Jin Sakai's story in Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei will put us in the role of a new protagonist known as Atsu.
"At Sucker Punch we love origin stories, and we wanted to explore what it could mean to have a new hero wearing a Ghost mask, and uncovering a new legend," senior communications manager Andrew Goldfar says in the blog. "This led us to Ghost of Yōtei: a new protagonist, a new story to unfold, and a new region of Japan to explore."
It's also been revealed that the role of Atsu is played by actor Erika Ishii, who's also had roles in the likes of Apex Legends and Destiny 2, as well as BioWare's latest RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Ghost of Yotei story
We don't yet know too many solid details about Ghost of Yotei's story, but the trailer offers some tantalizing hints about its direction. As a mysterious figure says, people come to the North of Japan "to disappear", but it's suggested that protagonist Atsu is hunting for something… or perhaps someone, and now "every Ronin here is after you".
So it sounds as if we'll be hunted as we explore Atsu's story. The trailer certainly raises some questions about what's in store, but we'll have to wait to get some official answers about the story.
If you're considering checking out Ghost of Yotei's predecessor, you can find out our verdict on the previous story in our Ghost of Tsushima review.
Ghost of Yotei setting
Sucker Punch revealed that Ghost of Yotei will take place over 300 years after the events of Jin's journey in Ghost of Tsushima in 1603. This places it during the Edo period, which was historically a period of general peace but also one of strict hierarchies and isolation.
"Our story is set in the lands surrounding Mount Yotei," the blog details, "a towering peak in the heart of Ezo, an area of Japan known as Hokkaido in the present day."
Interestingly, the setting, which is said to be home to "unexpected dangers", is going to be "a far cry from the organized samurai clans who lived in Tsushima". From what we've seen of the sequel's backdrop so far, it looks incredibly picturesque and detailed, with expansive grassy fields and snowy landscapes.
We are also curious to see how the setting plays into the story. The samurai struggled to find relevance during this generally peaceful period, so it's exciting to see how Atsu fits into the world and all the socio-political dynamics that she'll have to deal with. We'll keep you posted as more details head our way.
Ghost of Yotei gameplay
Ghost of Yotei is a single-player, narrative-driven game. However, we currently don't have many details on the specifics of its gameplay. Thanks to the PS blog and small glimpses from the trailer, we do know that the upcoming game will "introduce new mechanics, gameplay improvements, and even new weapons" to the series. Gunplay in Ghost of Yotei has been confirmed, meaning that Atsu will have firearms at her disposal.
However, the trailer suggests swords are still a massive factor in Ghost of Yotei's gameplay as well. In fact, we even see her dual-wielding in the teaser, so expect to see Ghost of Tsushima's excellent combat system, full of unlockable stances and attacks, make a comeback of some form in the new game.
Finally, As Atsu is on the run and being "hunted," we also know that stealth mechanics will be in Ghost of Yotei. Currently, we don't know how stealth will be implemented or what new features or abilities will be on display in the new game, so stay tuned as we await more details.
While we wait for Ghost of Yotei to arrive, why not check out our pick of the best open-world games you can play right now.
