Ghost of Yotei kicked off October with a bang, launching exclusively on PS5 on October 1. Sucker Punch’s follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima swaps samurai swords for snowy Hokkaido, delivering a fresh tale of revenge set 329 years after the original game.
A New Protagonist, A New Era
You’re not playing as Jin Sakai this time. Ghost of Yotei introduces a brand-new protagonist navigating the harsh northern wilds of Hokkaido. The game takes place hundreds of years after Ghost of Tsushima, allowing Sucker Punch to explore a different period of Japanese history without retreading familiar ground.
The snowy setting provides a stark visual contrast to Tsushima’s vibrant landscapes. Expect blizzards, frozen tundra, and misted moors as you ascend toward the shining citadel at the top of the world. The environmental shift isn’t just cosmetic, it fundamentally changes how you approach exploration and combat.
Evolved Combat and Open-World Design
Sucker Punch promises a flexible combat system that builds on the original’s foundation. The developer learned from Ghost of Tsushima’s success and addressed common criticisms about open-world monotony. The goal? Create an open world that doesn’t feel bogged down by busywork or repetitive tasks.
Combat remains swift and lethal, but with new mechanics tailored to the Hokkaido setting. Fighting in blizzards presents unique challenges. Visibility drops. Enemies approach from unexpected angles. Your tactics need to adapt to the environment.
The game emphasizes meaningful exploration over checkbox-style objectives. Instead of filling maps with icons, Sucker Punch focuses on organic discovery and environmental storytelling.
Multiplayer Coming in 2026
Ghost of Yotei launches as a single-player experience, but cooperative multiplayer arrives in 2026 as free post-launch DLC. The original game’s Legends mode proved wildly popular, so expectations are high for Yotei’s multiplayer component.
Details remain scarce, but Sucker Punch confirmed the multiplayer will be substantial enough to warrant waiting until 2026. This suggests more than just a simple co-op mode tacked on for good measure.
PS5 Exclusive… For Now
Ghost of Yotei is currently exclusive to PlayStation 5. No PC release date has been announced, though the original Ghost of Tsushima eventually made its way to Steam. Based on Sony’s recent multi-platform strategy, a PC version seems likely – just don’t expect it anytime soon.
The PS5 exclusivity lets Sucker Punch fully optimize for Sony’s hardware. Loading times are minimal thanks to the SSD. The DualSense controller’s haptic feedback enhances sword clashes and environmental immersion. Visual fidelity pushes the console’s capabilities with detailed character models and expansive vistas.
Critical Reception and Early Impressions
Reviews praise Ghost of Yotei for refining the formula without losing what made the original special. The romanticized vision of feudal Japan remains intact, now filtered through Hokkaido’s brutal winters.
Some critics note the game plays it safe, sticking close to Ghost of Tsushima’s template rather than reinventing the wheel. But most agree that when the template is this good, refinement trumps revolution.
The Bottom Line
Ghost of Yotei delivers exactly what Ghost of Tsushima fans wanted: more sword-swinging action in a gorgeous Japanese setting. The shift to Hokkaido provides enough freshness to justify a full sequel without alienating fans of the original formula.
If you loved Ghost of Tsushima, Yotei is an easy recommendation. The refined combat, stunning visuals, and new setting make this one of October’s must-play releases – assuming you own a PS5.
Sources:
