When Ghost of Tsushima released in 2020, it set a new standard for open-world samurai games, blending cinematic storytelling with player freedom and cultural authenticity. Five years later, Sucker Punch is back with Ghost of Yōtei, a standalone sequel arriving 2nd October 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5. Set over three centuries after Jin Sakai’s journey, this new tale shifts the stage northward to the rugged landscapes of Ezo, near Mount Yōtei, and introduces an entirely new protagonist: Atsu, a haunted mercenary who embraces the persona of the onryō, Japan’s spirit of vengeance.
On the surface, Ghost of Yōtei promises the same rich DNA of exploration, combat, and cultural immersion as its predecessor. But having spent time with the game, it’s clear that this isn’t simply Tsushima 2. From its arsenal of new weapons to its atmospheric Western-inspired tone, Yōtei feels like an evolution that builds on what worked, while boldly reshaping the experience for a new chapter.
Check out our video review of Ghost of Yotei
A Lone Mercenary’s Path of Vengeance
Atsu is a fascinating character to embody. Voiced by Erika Ishii, she is at once stoic and vulnerable, her life scarred by the slaughter of her family sixteen years prior. Hunting the ruthless Yōtei Six (the band of outlaws responsible) anchors the game’s narrative, but Atsu’s journey is much more than a revenge tale. Through her eyes, players will witness haunting flashbacks, revisiting her childhood and reliving moments of warmth with her family, which in turn makes her present quest all the more visceral.
This depth of storytelling sets the stage for a game that balances brutality with contemplation. Like Tsushima, Yōtei is not afraid to let the player breathe between battles. You’ll bathe in hot springs, paint sumi-e, or strum your shamisen under a starry sky. But when combat arrives, it does so with intensity and grit.
Combat, Freedom, and a Western Edge
Swordplay is still at the heart of the experience, but Atsu’s arsenal is more diverse than Jin Sakai’s was. From dual katanas and ōdachi to kusarigama, yari, and even the tanegashima matchlock rifle, each weapon feels distinct and offers different tactical approaches. You’ll train with different senseis to unlock new techniques and experiment with loadouts of armour and charms to suit your strategy.
The combat also has a surprising edge: an unmistakable cowboy western flavour. Whether it’s the tense standoffs with roaming ronin or the vibe woven into the soundtrack, Yōtei occasionally feels like a samurai-western hybrid. It’s a bold tonal choice, but it works.
Exploration, meanwhile, is as rewarding as ever. Ezo’s diverse landscapes, from snowy ridges to wildflower fields, are breathtakingly made, with random encounters and hidden locations that keep journeys unpredictable. Whether chasing bounties, stumbling into ronin challenges, or uncovering side quests that enrich Atsu’s story, the world feels alive with opportunity.
Beauty, Balance, and Immersion
What struck us most during our time with Ghost of Yōtei was the game’s balance. The action is thrilling, yet it doesn’t overwhelm the quieter, meditative activities. The different difficulty options make it accessible for casual players but still provides satisfying challenge for veterans, especially when having to switch between the right weapons to tackle multiple enemies. The DualSense controller deepens immersion, from the snap of a bowstring to the crunch of leaves underfoot or the galloping of your horse, reminding you this is a PS5 experience built to showcase the hardware.
Cosmetic customisation adds another layer of things to look forward to: weapon skins, armour dyes, and even shamisen skins reward patience and perseverance, making side missions feel more rewarding. Meanwhile, progression in the skill tree is tied to discovering “altars of reflection,” where Atsu can unlock new skills, strengthening the bond between exploration and character growth.
A Promising Standalone Sequel
Ghost of Yōtei, for us, is one of 2025’s most anticipated releases for good reason. It builds on the legacy of Ghost of Tsushima with sharper combat variety, a deeper sense of personal storytelling, and a world that feels both dangerous and serene. Atsu is a character worth following, her quest steeped in vengeance but coloured by vulnerability, beauty, and choice.
This isn’t just a return to familiar territory: it’s Sucker Punch raising the stakes. If the opening hours are anything to go by, Ghost of Yōtei delivers not just another open-world samurai game, but a soulful journey across Japan’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Ghost of Yōtei will be available on PlayStation 5 on 2nd October 2025.
