Ghost of Yotei revealed that it will have the most freedom and the most expansive maps ever made by Sucker Punch. Read on to learn more details about what the game has in store and how it depicts Japanese culture.
Ghost of Yotei New Details Revealed
Freedom to Hunt the Yotei Six
In an interview with Famitsu on April 24, developers Sucker Punch shared new details on the upcoming standalone sequel of the Ghost series. Ghost of Yotei improves upon the critically acclaimed PlayStation exclusive Ghost of Tsushima by adding more layers to its gameplay and story.
According to Creative Director Jason Cornell, the game will have the most freedom in gameplay and the most expansive maps ever created by the studio. He explained that rather than dictating the players how to approach the main goal in a linear way, "the player can find the location of the Yotei Six on their own and take on the challenge of avenging them."
Last week, they revealed Ghost of Yotei’s PS5 release date, alongside a new trailer titled "The Onryō’s List," which showcased some story snippets and gameplay footage. Fans were introduced to the protagonist Atsu and her journey of avenging her family against the Yotei Six.
More Melee Weapons
Besides freedom in exploration, there’s also more freedom—in weapon choice. Based on the latest trailer, fans have speculated that there will be more weapons that Atsu can wield. Now in the same interview, Sucker Punch Creative Director Nate Fox confirmed this, and said that other than the samurai sword, players can use the odachi (Japanese long sword), a chain sickle, the double sword, and spear.
However, Fox emphasized that the sword is still the most important weapon, and that the other weapons can be learned from various teachers and masters that players will meet in the story and the open world.
He also shared that, unlike the previous game, where the honor of the samurai is a main focus of the story, Atsu will not have this dilemma as she is not necessarily considered a samurai. As such, her fighting style is not restricted, and she can use whatever is available on the field. For example, if an enemy is defeated and drops their weapon, Atsu can pick it up and throw it at other enemies. Fox explained, "However, it is limited to some weapons. It's not like every enemy or weapon is targeted, but if you can handle it, you're going to treat it."
Ezo as the Setting
Ghost of Yotei is set in 1603 around Mt. Yotei in Ezo (present-day Hokkaido), which, according to Cornell, is a "stage that balances a lawless environment with no security yet and an environment where danger lurks in the beauty of nature."
It will also have a representation of the Ainu culture and its people, which is an indigenous group native to the northern regions of Japan. The developers visited Hokkaido to thoroughly research their culture, going to museums and seeking advice from people knowledgeable about the Ainu culture. Cornell was overwhelmed by the magnificent and nature-rich scenery of Hokkaido, which urged them to recreate the setting for the whole world to see.
Its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima, received high praise from Japanese video game critics for its proper depiction of Japanese culture and history. The developers look to uphold this standard with Ghost of Yotei, featuring the "dangers lurking in the magnificent wilderness of Ezo."
Ghost of Yōtei will launch on October 2, 2025 exclusively on the PlayStation 5. To stay up to date with the latest information about the game, check out our article below!
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Ghost of Yotei Developers Famitsu Interview
