The developer Sucker Punch Productions is preparing to release Ghost of Yōtei on October 2, 2025—a PlayStation 5 exclusive that marks a spiritual follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima, but isn’t a direct sequel. 

1. Story & Setting

Ghost of Yōtei takes place in early Edo-era Japan, around 1603, in the Izu region (modern Hokkaido), with Mount Yōtei forming a striking backdrop to the game’s tale. The protagonist, Atsu, is a mercenary who survived a horrific massacre perpetrated by a group called "The Yōtei Six." As a child, Atsu was pinned to a Jinko tree by a sword—nearly dying as her family was killed and burned before her eyes. 

Sixteen years after the tragedy, Atsu returns, wielding the same katana that nearly killed her, and sets off on a ruthless quest for vengeance. Her target list: The Snake, The Oni, The Kitsune, The Spider, The Dragon, and Lord Saitō. But what begins as a mission of ruthless retribution evolves into a deeper journey—Atsu will cross paths with allies, forge relationships, and discover purposes beyond revenge. 

2. The Yōtei Six: Enemies and Their Roles

The Yōtei Six serve as the central antagonists. They’re responsible for Atsu’s trauma and act as the driving force behind her journey. 

Who are the Six?

The Snake

The Oni

The Kitsune

The Spider

The Dragon

Lord Saitō 

How they shape the gameplay and narrative
Each enemy offers distinct combat styles and environmental challenges. Players can strategize which foe to tackle first, based on their preferred style or the weapons they’ve unlocked. For instance, heavier adversaries may require large swords, while faster or more mobile foes might be best countered with lightweight or ranged weapons. Despite this flexibility, the narrative remains tightly woven—Lord Saitō, in particular, plays a pivotal role in Atsu’s story arc. 

3. Thematic Depth: Trauma, Memory, and Reputation

Atsu’s quest is not merely a kill list. Ghost of Yōtei digs into themes of loss, trauma, memory, and identity. The game includes a memory mechanic, letting players revisit flashbacks from Atsu’s childhood to better understand her inner motivations. 

A Clue System allows players to interrogate or press enemies for information, opening new side quests or unlocking deeper insights about the Yōtei Six or the world they inhabit. As Atsu eliminates more of her enemies, her standing in the world shifts, making her hunt riskier—and more high-profile. 

4. Estimated Playtime

Much like Ghost of Tsushima, the main campaign is projected to take 40–50 hours. If players dive into side quests and full world exploration, total playtime could exceed 70 hours. 

5. Gameplay Innovations & Mechanics

The combat in Ghost of Yōtei builds upon the foundations of Ghost of Tsushima, enhancing and expanding them with new options. Atsu can wield a variety of weapons—katana, spear, odachi, kusarigama, daggers, dual blades, and even firearms—each suited to different enemies and combat strategies. 

Supporting items like bombs, blinding powder, and throwable tools broaden tactical possibilities. Battles are crafted in the spirit of samurai films, demanding precision and timing. Enemies can switch weapons mid-fight, forcing players to adapt on the fly. A notable addition is Atsu’s wolf companion, who fights alongside her and contributes to exploration. Over time, she can form a “wolf pack” of allies, each offering unique upgrades or services. Players can also set up camp anywhere to rest, cook, play shamisen, or encounter traveling merchants and NPCs who offer supplies and upgrades. 

6. Open World Design

A more open design than Tsushima lets players tackle targets and side-quests in an order of their choosing. Alongside bounty hunts, Atsu can train with masters, explore regional folklore, and dig into local legends. A binocular tool helps highlight points of interest, while clue-based investigation adds depth to side missions. The developers worked closely with cultural advisors to ensure historical and aesthetic authenticity for the depiction of Japan. The environment includes traditional hot springs, bamboo groves, and new features like nocturnal campsites and unexpected hazards encountered during travel. As Atsu’s reputation grows, so too does the danger—her actions paint a target on her back, and bounty hunters and powerful enemies begin to hunt her. 

7. Special Editions & Pre-Orders

Technically built for the PS5, Ghost of Yōtei promises superior visuals and smooth performance. A limited edition PS5 console themed around traditional Japanese art is priced at $599, alongside a custom DualSense controller and other accessories. 

Pre-orders launched on May 2, 2025, offering three versions:

Standard Edition: $69.99

Digital Deluxe Edition: Includes special armor, a unique horse, and additional weapon sets

Collector’s Edition: ($249.99) Featuring a Ghost mask, scarf, a metal coin, art cards, a paper Jinko tree model, and various digital bonuses 

8. Post-Launch Content

Sucker Punch has confirmed a free expansion titled Ghost of Yōtei Legends, coming in 2026. This mode will introduce cooperative multiplayer gameplay with supernatural twists, reminiscent of the Legends mode in Ghost of Tsushima. Players will be able to team up for two-player missions or survive in four-player battles against monstrous versions of Yōtei Six and other new foes. 

9. Release Timing and Platforms

Ghost of Yōtei is set to launch on October 2, 2025 exclusively for PlayStation 5. A PC version hasn’t been confirmed yet. Based on the Ghost of Tsushima PC release arriving four years after the console launch, there's a strong chance Yōtei could follow a similar path. Game development reached gold status in August 2025, indicating no further delays. 

10. Final Thoughts

With GTA 6 pushed to 2026, Ghost of Yōtei has an opportunity to become the flagship title for fall 2025. It’s already being praised by Sony figures—Shuhei Yoshida has called it “better than Tsushima,” which only heightens the anticipation. With its mix of emotional storytelling, brutal revenge arc, and expansive open world, Ghost of Yōtei is shaping up to be a serious contender for Game of the Year. It’s also another win for Sucker Punch in establishing itself as a premier samurai game studio.