Ghost of Yotei: The Biggest Game Sucker Punch Has Ever Made

Sucker Punch's latest project, Ghost of Yotei, promises to be their most ambitious game yet, featuring unprecedented freedom and the largest maps the studio has ever crafted. Dive into the details of what this game offers and its rich depiction of Japanese culture.

Freedom to Hunt the Yotei Six

In an exclusive interview with Famitsu on April 24, Sucker Punch unveiled exciting details about Ghost of Yotei, the standalone sequel to the acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima. The game enhances both its gameplay mechanics and narrative depth, offering players a more immersive experience.

Creative Director Jason Cornell emphasized the game's expansive freedom, stating, "Rather than guiding players linearly, Ghost of Yotei allows them to discover the locations of the Yotei Six independently and engage in the challenge of avenging them." This approach marks a significant evolution from its predecessor.

Last week, Sucker Punch announced the PS5 release date for Ghost of Yotei and released a new trailer, "The Onryō’s List," which provided glimpses of the story and gameplay. The trailer introduced protagonist Atsu, who embarks on a quest for vengeance against the Yotei Six.

More Melee Weapons

In addition to its expansive exploration, Ghost of Yotei offers a broader range of melee weapons. Following fan speculation from the latest trailer, Creative Director Nate Fox confirmed the inclusion of new weapons such as the odachi (Japanese long sword), chain sickle, double sword, and spear, alongside the iconic samurai sword.

Fox highlighted that while the samurai sword remains central, players can learn to wield other weapons from various masters encountered throughout the game's story and open world. He noted, "Atsu's fighting style is unrestricted; she can utilize any weapon she finds on the battlefield. If an enemy drops a weapon, she can pick it up and use it against others. However, this ability is limited to certain weapons."

Unlike the previous game, where the samurai's honor was a central theme, Atsu's narrative does not revolve around this concept, as she is not bound by the samurai code. This allows for a more flexible combat approach, adding depth to the gameplay.

Ezo as the Setting

Ghost of Yotei is set in 1603 around Mt. Yotei in Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido). Cornell described this setting as "a stage that balances a lawless environment with no security yet and an environment where danger lurks in the beauty of nature."

The game will feature the Ainu culture, indigenous to Japan's northern regions. Sucker Punch conducted extensive research in Hokkaido, visiting museums and consulting with experts to ensure an authentic representation. Cornell was inspired by Hokkaido's stunning natural landscapes, which he aimed to bring to life in the game.

Ghost of Tsushima was lauded for its accurate portrayal of Japanese culture and history, and Sucker Punch aims to maintain this high standard with Ghost of Yotei, focusing on "the dangers lurking in the magnificent wilderness of Ezo."

Ghost of Yotei is set to launch on October 2, 2025, exclusively for the PlayStation 5. Stay updated with the latest news by checking out our article below!