Summary
Ghost of Yotei, the sequel toGhost of Tsushimaby Sucker Punch Productions, wasundoubtedly the biggest revelationduring the recent State of Play showcase. The biggest surprise for many was the developer’s decision to leave the story of Tsushima and Jin Sakai behind, instead introducing a new setting and a new female protagonist. While some fans expected Jin to return, this new direction seems like a perfect fit for theGhostseries. It allows the developers to retain the standout features fans loved while offering fresh perspectives, time periods, and regions, much like theAssassin’s Creedseries.
So far, little is known aboutGhost of Yotei, currently set for release in 2025. While details are scarce — especially regarding the story — the reveal trailer alonehighlighted several differencesfromGhost of Tsushimathat some fans may have missed. Let’s explore the biggest confirmed changes that will make the upcoming game feel both fresh and familiar.
1New Protagonist
Players Will Take The Role Of Wandering Female Warrior, Atsu
InGhost of Tsushima, Jin Sakai quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to his depth and complexity as a character. This made the decision to leave him behind inGhost of Yoteia surprise for many, though it makes a lot of sense. According to the developers, the core pillar of the series is the concept of a wandering warrior in Feudal Japan, allowing them to introduce new, original characters and stories with each installment.
InGhost of Yotei, players will step into the role of Atsu, a female wandering warrior, hunted by many ronin for reasons yet to be revealed. While details about the story and Atsu’s background are still under wraps, she already appears intriguing — a seasoned katana wielder. Given Sucker Punch’s track record, there’s little doubt that they’ll once again deliver a compelling and memorable protagonist.
2New Region Of Japan
Players Will Explore The Map Of Mount Yōtei And Its Surroundings
Before the reveal ofGhost of Yotei, many speculated about thepossibility ofGhost of Tsushima 2reusingthe Tsushima and Iki islands as the setting. Fortunately, the developers opted for an entirely new region of Japan. Players will now explore the towering peak of Mount Yōtei and its surroundings, located in the heart of Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido).
The exact size of theGhost of Yoteimap is still unknown, but it’s expected to be at least as expansive as the territories in the previous game. Based on the trailer, the new areas will be visually stunning, with a variety of environments including snow-covered mountains, dense forests, and bustling settlements. The most striking landmark is undoubtedly Mount Yōtei itself, a colossal peak that looms on the horizon as players explore the lands at its base.
3New Era
The Events Take Place More Than 300 Years After Ghost Of Tsushima
As confirmed, the events ofGhost of Yoteitake place in 1603,more than 300 years afterGhost of Tsushima. While the first Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274 was a fascinating period to explore, the shift to several centuries later seems equally intriguing. Set during the early Edo period (also known as the Tokugawa period), this marks the final era of traditional Feudal Japan.
The reveal trailer forGhost of Yoteishowcased notable Western-inspired influences, with authentic music and the mood of a lone, wandering hero motivated by personal reasons, contrasting with Jin’s honorable mission in the first game. Given the time gap between the two titles, it’s unlikely that players will encounter any familiar characters. However, the events ofGhost of Tsushimamay resurface in the sequel as legends of a vengeful Ghost from the past.
4New Weapon Types
Players Can Expect New Weapons, Including Firearms
Given the more advanced time period, it’s no surprise that players can expect new weapons inGhost of Yotei. While Jin Sakai primarily relied on his katana and tanto for stealth kills, Atsu has been shown dual-wielding katanas and even using matchlock muskets instead of traditional bows. In one segment of the reveal footage,Atsu also wielded a kusarigama— a traditional Japanese weapon combining a sickle (kama) and a chain (kusari) — delivering swift and spectacular strikes to her enemies.
Combat inGhost of Tsushimawas already a standout feature, and it seems likely to expand to new heights in the sequel. If Sucker Punch can retain the satisfying feel of katana combat while introducing new weapons to master, upgrade, and wield, players are bound to be thrilled.
5New Musical Instrument
One of the notable changes from theGhost of Yoteireveal trailer is the new musical instrument Atsu carries on her journey. While Jin Sakai played the shakuhachi (flute) to perform various tunes and change the weather inGhost of Tsushima, Atsu will play the shamisen — a traditional Japanese stringed instrument (also called samisen or sangen). This shift in musical instruments may reflect the game’s Western-inspired mood and could serve a similar function to the flute, potentially impacting the environment.
In the reveal footage, the shamisen is always visible on Atsu’s back, which drew mixed reactions from fans. It’s unclear if players will be able to hide the instrument from the character model, but given that the shamisen is larger than the flute, it makes sense that it remains visible throughout the game.
