We got another look at Ghost of Yōtei thanks to a dedicated State of Play showcase, which focused solely on gameplay, along with some newer features.
Hosted by Sucker Punch Productions’ creative directors Jason Connell and Nate Fox, the stream showed off just under 20 minutes of new gameplay, highlighting protagonist Atsu’s quest for revenge against the Yōtei Six, a gang of warlords who had pillaged her village and murdered her family.
A Tale of Revenge
It’s a relatively straightforward story of revenge that will most likely feel familiar to fans of the first game, Ghost of Tsushima. Still, this sequel does make a concerted effort to flesh out Atsu’s past by allowing players to access her memories during gameplay.
With the push of a button, players can access Atsu’s past when in certain areas, helping players get a better understanding of her motivation through the connection she once shared with family and friends. It looks incredibly seamless, and while I can’t imagine this feature being accessible at any point, it’s certainly a welcome addition.
Ghost of Yōtei will also let players craft their own unique experiences with their preferred playstyle in mind, based around exploration, combat, or simply progressing through the story.
Interactions will offer clues, structured around a new card system that prompts you to explore new areas of the map. Should you pursue these opportunities, you’ll explore new locations, each with its encounters and new abilities for Atsu to learn.
A Fabled Warrior
Everything still feels like it’s progressing you in some way, as Atsu develops a reputation as the Onryō, a fabled Japanese ghost.
Making a name for yourself could attract tougher enemies and even place a nice bounty on your head for good measure. That being said, Atsu can even hunt down other bounties for some cash on the side.
Atsu can even track down Altars of Reflection out in the open world to unlock new abilities, and even buy a Traveller’s Map from a cartographer.
But beyond all of this, Atsu can pull out her spyglass, pinpoint a location of interest and enjoy the ride at her own pace through the gorgeous countryside.
The Art of the Blade
Atsu will be able to wield several unique ranged and melee weapons, each with its effectiveness against certain enemy types.
Weapons can also be switched on the fly, but can be dropped if Atsu is hit with a hard strike. On the other hand, however, Atsu can also disarm enemies with surprise attacks.
If that wasn’t enough, Atsu will also meet several allies on her journey, including a mysterious wolf that can help her in combat and allow her to face off against two enemies at once.
The Stars of Ezo
Atsu can set up camp to cook food and prepare for the day ahead, but can also bring important characters your way.
This all contributes to Atsu’s wolf pack, a group of allies, each with their traits, who can help Atsu in various ways. Camps can bring these allies to her when there are unique upgrades or items on offer.
Atsu will also be able to track down new sets of armour and weapon upgrades, which can help buff your playstyles, should you want to prioritise silence and stealth or sword-clashing combat.
Composer Toma Otowa has also crafted an awesome score that infuses both Eastern and Western influences.
Your Experience
While there will be a Standard Experience with English voice acting, Ghost of Yōtei will feature an authentic experience complete with full Japanese voice acting and lip syncing with subtitles.
Acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa’s influence will be felt yet again with the dedicated Kurosawa Mode in black and white along with a film grain filter.
Takashi Miike, director of 13 Assassins, will also get a unique mode, which brings the camera even closer to Atsu during combat, while elevating the level of mud, blood and gore that comes from scuffles, cuts and slashes.
Shinichirō Watanabe, director of the fantastic Samurai Champloo, will even have a mode that brings his lo-fi tracks to the world of Ghost of Yōtei as you explore.
We’ve included the full State of Play stream along with the announcement of new PS5 Limited Edition console designs and bundles below for your convenience:
Ghost of Yōtei will release on the PlayStation 5 on the 2nd of October, 2025.
Featured images provided by Sony Interactive Entertainment.