Ghost of Yōtei Review: Everything You Need to Know About the Ghost of Tsushima Sequel

The wait is finally over. Ghost of Yōtei, the much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, launched on PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions, this action-adventure game has already captured the attention of gamers worldwide. But does it live up to the legacy of its predecessor? Let's dive deep into everything you need to know about Ghost of Yōtei.

What is Ghost of Yōtei? A Fresh Take on Samurai Gaming

Ghost of Yōtei is an open-world action-adventure game that serves as the sequel to 2020's Ghost of Tsushima. While it maintains the core gameplay elements that made the original so beloved—intense samurai combat, stealth mechanics, and stunning landscapes—this new installment takes players on an entirely different journey.

New Protagonist: Meet Atsu

One of the biggest changes in Ghost of Yōtei is the introduction of a new protagonist named Atsu. Unlike typical sequels that continue the original hero's story, Sucker Punch has opted for a bold narrative shift. The stories between Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost of Yōtei are unrelated, giving the developers creative freedom to explore fresh themes while maintaining the series' essence.

Setting: Exploring Ezo (Historical Hokkaido)

Ghost of Yōtei transports players to Ezo, the historical name for Hokkaido in northern Japan. This setting represents a significant departure from the original game's Tsushima Island location. The northern Japanese landscape offers distinct visual aesthetics, different weather patterns, and unique cultural elements that set it apart from its predecessor.

The titular Mount Yōtei serves as a stunning backdrop throughout the game, much like how Mount Fuji dominates certain Japanese landscapes. This geographical shift isn't just cosmetic—it influences the entire atmosphere and storytelling of the game.

Ghost of Yōtei Gameplay: More Freedom Than Ever Before

Enhanced Player Freedom

According to Sucker Punch Productions, Ghost of Yōtei offers "more freedom than any game we've ever had." This isn't just marketing speak—the game genuinely allows players to approach challenges in multiple ways without favoring any particular playstyle.

Combat and Stealth Options

The game features third-person perspective gameplay combining:

• Samurai Combat: Direct confrontation with enemy forces using katana techniques

• Stealth Gameplay: Ghost-like tactics for silent takedowns

• Open-World Exploration: Vast landscapes to discover and traverse

Whether you prefer honorable duels or shadowy assassinations, Ghost of Yōtei accommodates your preferred approach without penalty.

New Mini-Game Feature

Ghost of Yōtei includes a tabletop mini-game, similar to popular card games like Gwent from The Witcher series. This addition provides a welcome break from combat and exploration, adding depth to the overall gaming experience.

Ghost of Yōtei Sales Performance: How Is It Doing?

Initial Sales Figures

While Sony hasn't released official sales numbers, analytics from Alinea Analytics estimate that Ghost of Yōtei has sold approximately 1.6 million copies to consumers, with over 2 million units when including retailer inventory. This translates to nearly $100 million in revenue within the first week.

Comparing to Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima set a high bar by selling 2.4 million copies in its first three days. While Ghost of Yōtei is selling at a slower pace, several factors contribute to this:

• More competitive gaming market in 2025

• Higher player expectations for sequels

• Different gaming consumption patterns with subscription services

Despite the slower start, the game achieved profitability within two days of launch and is currently dominating PlayStation 5 charts in Japan.

Critical Reception and Player Feedback

Early player feedback suggests that Sucker Punch has successfully balanced innovation with familiarity. The game maintains what made Ghost of Tsushima special while introducing enough new elements to feel fresh rather than repetitive.

What Players Love:

• Beautiful recreation of northern Japan

• Enhanced gameplay freedom

• New protagonist brings fresh perspective

• Refined combat mechanics

Areas of Discussion:

• Some players miss Jin Sakai's story

• Comparisons to the original are inevitable

• Learning curve for new mechanics

Should You Buy Ghost of Yōtei?

Who Will Love This Game?

Ghost of Yōtei is perfect for:

• Fans of Ghost of Tsushima looking for more samurai action

• Open-world adventure enthusiasts

• Players who appreciate Japanese history and culture

• Gamers who value player choice and freedom

System Requirements

Currently, Ghost of Yōtei is exclusive to PlayStation 5, taking full advantage of the console's hardware capabilities for stunning visuals and smooth performance.

Ghost of Yōtei Tips for New Players

If you're jumping into Ghost of Yōtei, here are some starting tips:

1. Experiment with playstyles - The game rewards exploration of different approaches

1. Take time to explore - The open world is filled with hidden secrets and beautiful vistas

1. Don't skip the mini-game - It's more engaging than you might expect

1. Use photo mode - The game's visuals are stunning and worth capturing

The Verdict: A Worthy Successor to Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Yōtei proves that Sucker Punch Productions understands what made the original special while not being afraid to take creative risks. The shift to a new protagonist and setting could have backfired, but instead, it gives the franchise room to grow beyond a single character's story.

While it may not have reached the immediate sales heights of its predecessor, Ghost of Yōtei is undeniably a commercial and critical success. The game offers everything fans loved about Ghost of Tsushima—gorgeous landscapes, satisfying combat, and meaningful exploration—while adding new layers of freedom and choice.