Ghost of Yōtei takes the harder path rather than a safe sequel. Sucker Punch leaves Jin Sakai behind, moves to Ezo in 1603 and hands the blade to Atsu, a mercenary on a revenge mission. The result carries the spirit of Ghost of Tsushima with its own identity, focused on deeper swordplay and a direct revenge story.
The game launched as a PS5 exclusive on October 2, 2025, earning a Metacritic score of 86 and 94% recommendation on OpenCritic.
Quick Facts
- Release: October 2, 2025 (free Legends update March 10, 2026)
- Platforms: PS5 (exclusive)
- Developer: Sucker Punch Productions; published by Sony Interactive Entertainment; directed by Nate Fox and Jason Connell
- Critic scores: Metacritic 86 (138 reviews); OpenCritic 94%; Famitsu 39/40
- Sales: 3.3 million units by November 2, 2025
Story
In 1603 Ezo, present-day Hokkaido, Atsu returns to hunt the Yōtei Six, renegade samurai led by Lord Nariaki Saito who slaughtered her family sixteen years earlier. She takes the persona of an onryō, a vengeful spirit, and the legend grows with each fallen target.
The story is non-linear to a degree: players choose the order in which to hunt the Yōtei Six, except for Snake and the final boss. Critics found the plot familiar but well executed, with supporting characters and emotional beats as highlights.
Behind The Scenes
Sucker Punch began pre-production in 2021 and released the game in 2025 with an estimated budget of about $60 million, similar to Ghost of Tsushima. The directors chose a female protagonist to convey an underdog defying society's expectations, and the team visited more than a dozen locations in northern Japan for inspiration.
After launch, the free Legends mode arrived on March 10, 2026, and the Complete Edition on October 1, 2026 will include the story expansion "Echoes of Sekigahara" and a survival mode called "Most Wanted".
Experience
Swordplay and weapons
Atsu starts with a katana and later unlocks the yari, kusarigama, ōdachi, dual katanas, bows, the tanegashima matchlock and the tanzutsu pistol. A weapon-based counter system replaces the previous game's stances, and players can disarm opponents and throw the dropped weapons back. This is the most praised area: Eurogamer called the swordplay great even while scoring the game 3/5 overall.
Open world and side activities
A wolf companion assists in combat and stealth, a grappling hook is available from the start, and camps let players recover, cook and craft ammunition. Side activities include bounty hunting, onsen bathing, shamisen playing to guide the way, sumi-e painting and zeni hajiki gambling. This is also where criticism concentrated, with Eurogamer calling the side quests poor and the open world dated.
Visuals and presentation modes
Dynamic weather including snow, rain and aurora borealis is inspired by the climate around Mount Yōtei. The team visited Shiretoko National Park to record natural sound and consulted Ainu cultural advisors. The game includes a black-and-white Kurosawa Mode plus two modes inspired by Takashi Miike and Shinichirō Watanabe; music is by Toma Otowa.
Strengths
- Deep swordplay with varied weapons and approaches
- Atsu is a weighty lead in a coherent revenge story
- Striking Ezo setting and weather, with a Kurosawa Mode
- Free Legends mode adds co-op after launch
Weaknesses
- Side quests are bland and the open-world formula feels dated, per Eurogamer
- Mid-game pacing drew criticism from some reviewers
- The revenge plot is fairly predictable
What Critics Say
GameSpot scored it 9/10, calling it an improvement on Tsushima with a gripping story, rewarding exploration and fantastic combat. IGN gave 8/10, praising the setting and mechanics while calling the story predictable but well executed. GamesRadar+ gave 4.5/5 and Famitsu 39/40; VideoGamer at 7/10 and Eurogamer at 3/5 were the low scores, both faulting pacing or side content.
The game won Adventure Game of the Year and Character Achievement at the 2026 D.I.C.E. Awards, Console Game of the Year at the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards, and two 2026 BAFTA Games Awards for music and technical achievement.
Who Is It For
For players who love sword combat, revenge stories and a beautiful feudal Japan setting. Those who played Ghost of Tsushima will find it familiar with more weapon depth. If rich side quests matter most to you, be prepared for that part being merely average.
OtaHub Score
Verdict
Ghost of Yōtei is a rewarding open-world action game, strongest in swordplay, the character of Atsu and the Ezo setting. Its weak spots are side quests and a familiar open-world formula. OtaHub scores it 9.3/10.
FAQ
Is there a PC version of Ghost of Yōtei?
According to available information, the game is a PS5 exclusive.
Do I need to play Ghost of Tsushima first?
No. This is a new story with Atsu in Ezo in 1603.
How many copies did it sell?
3.3 million units by November 2, 2025 according to Sony financial reports.