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

Sucker Punch's latest reveal, Ghost of Yotei, promises to be their most ambitious project yet, offering unparalleled freedom and the largest maps ever created by the studio. Dive into the details of this exciting new title and discover how it authentically represents Japanese culture.

Ghost of Yotei New Details Revealed

Freedom to Hunt the Yotei Six

In a recent interview with Famitsu on April 24, Sucker Punch unveiled fresh insights into Ghost of Yotei, the standalone sequel to the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima. Creative Director Jason Cornell emphasized that the game will offer unprecedented freedom in gameplay and feature expansive maps, allowing players to explore and strategize their approach to the main objectives.

Cornell stated, "Rather than dictating a linear path, players can discover the location of the Yotei Six on their own and choose how to avenge them." This approach enhances player agency, building on the success of its predecessor. Last week, the PS5 release date for Ghost of Yotei was announced, accompanied by a new trailer, "The Onryō’s List," which introduced protagonist Atsu and her quest for vengeance against the Yotei Six.

More Melee Weapons

Ghost of Yotei also expands players' arsenal, offering a wider variety of melee weapons. Following speculation from the latest trailer, Creative Director Nate Fox confirmed that alongside the traditional samurai sword, players can now wield the odachi, a chain sickle, double swords, and a spear.

While the sword remains central to the game, Fox noted that these additional weapons can be mastered through interactions with various teachers and masters encountered in the story and open world. Unlike the honor-bound samurai of the previous game, Atsu's non-samurai status allows her to adopt a more versatile fighting style, utilizing any available weapon on the battlefield.

Fox elaborated, "Atsu can pick up and use weapons dropped by defeated enemies, throwing them at others if she can handle them. However, this is limited to certain weapons, ensuring strategic gameplay rather than indiscriminate use."

Ezo as the Setting

Set in 1603 around Mt. Yotei in Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido), Ghost of Yotei aims to capture the essence of a lawless yet breathtakingly beautiful environment. Creative Director Jason Cornell described it 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 also feature the Ainu culture and its people, an indigenous group from northern Japan. Sucker Punch's team conducted extensive research in Hokkaido, visiting museums and consulting with cultural experts to ensure an authentic portrayal. Cornell was inspired by Hokkaido's rich natural scenery, motivating the team to recreate this setting for a global audience.

Following the success of Ghost of Tsushima, which was praised for its accurate depiction of Japanese culture and history, Sucker Punch aims to maintain this high standard in Ghost of Yotei, showcasing the "dangers lurking in the magnificent wilderness of Ezo."

Mark your calendars: Ghost of Yotei is set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage on this highly anticipated game.