Ghost of Yotei, the upcoming sequel to the beloved Ghost of Tsushima, features a new setting, a new protagonist, and more. Here’s everything you need to know.
During PlayStation’s State of Play Showcase on September 24, 2024, fans got their first look at Ghost of Yotei, the highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning Ghost of Tsushima that debuted in 2020.
Since nothing was known about the game prior to this reveal, we can now confirm a number of details about the sequel, including its new setting, a period in Japanese history, a female protagonist, and more.
So here’s everything you need to know about Ghost of Yotei to get you up to speed.
Release Window: When does Ghost of Yotei come out?
As confirmed in a PlayStation Blog Moments after the State of Play reveal, Ghost of Yotei will be released in 2025. Exactly when we’ll get to see it next year, however, remains a mystery.
Given that it was only just revealed and the Iki Island expansion was developed until 2021, it’s more than likely that Ghost of Yotei will release quite late in 2025.
This upcoming game will be the first project that developer Sucker Punch, the masterminds behind Sly Cooper and inFAMOUS, has developed from scratch for the PlayStation 5.
Ghost of Yotei Setting: When does the game take place?
Ghost of Yotei takes place in 1603, over 300 years after the events of the original game. The game will take place around Mount Yotei, a region of Japan now known as Hokkaido.
In the accompanying blog post, PlayStation provided more detailed information about the context surrounding Ghost of Yotei’s location, explaining how “In 1603, this area was beyond the control of Japan and filled with sprawling grasslands, snowy tundras, and unexpected dangers.”
They also noted that this setting is “far removed from the organized samurai clans that lived in Tsushima,” which is likely to add a whole new element to the franchise and the player experience.
Who is Atsu? New Protagonist Explained
Ghost of Yotei takes place in an entirely new time period and location and therefore features an entirely new protagonist, Atsu.
The story of Jin Sakai and the island of Tsushima are gone. For the sequel, the developers wanted to “explore what it might mean to have a new hero wearing a ghost mask and discovering a new legend.”
While the developers have yet to fully explore Atsu’s character and motivations, the announcement trailer shows her wielding a shamisen and a traditional samurai sword.
The shamisen is a traditional Japanese lute created in the 16th century. In addition to carrying a shamisen and a sword, Atsu will be accompanied by a wolf throughout her journey of “revenge against the underdogs.”
Erika Ishii as Atsu
Sucker Punch also confirmed that Erika Ishii to play Atsu. Ishii is a prolific voice actress whose major credits include voicing Valkyrie in Apex Legends and Ana Bray in Destiny 2. She has also lent her voice to characters in other major video game franchises such as Halo, Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, and many more.
When news of his casting was announced, Ishii responded to the X post and said: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Working with the entire team has been a joy and an honor.”
Gameplay details
While Atsu’s prowess with his sword is likely to be a major aspect of the fight, the final moments of the trailer also hinted at the inclusion of firearms.
The appearance of firearms and guns in Japan is an important aspect of the country’s history. The first such weapon to be introduced to Japan, the arquebus, was introduced by the Portuguese in the 1500s.
PlayStation has confirmed that Ghost of Yotei will “introduce new mechanics, gameplay enhancements, and even new weapons,” so guns will likely be just one of the unique gameplay features added for the sequel.
But fear not, because while the game will aim to “innovate” on the systems found in Ghost of Tsushima, the developers have also promised to “create something new yet familiar” for Yotei.
Ghost of Yotei to Kick Off New Expanded Universe for Sony
Sony has been working hard to transform its major IPs into larger universes in recent years. Whether it’s HBO’s award-winning The Last of Us TV series or Tom Holland’s Uncharted movie. Now, Sony is determined to transform the Ghost series, with Yotei “the start of an official franchise that will include at least one film and other spin-offs.”
We already know that Ghost of Tsushima will be getting a film adaptation from Chad Stahelski, the director of the John Wick films.
As such, expect to see the Ghost franchise expand massively in the years to come as Sony works to expand it to greater heights in other media.
Ghost of Yotei Trailers
The first official trailer for Ghost of Yotei was released on September 24, 2024The footage was largely cinematic, introducing fans to the new setting, landscapes, and protagonist.
Ghost of Yotei wasn’t the only exciting title featured in PlayStation’s State of Play, so be sure to check out all the games included in PlayStation’s September 2024 showcase.
