Ever since Sucker Punch Productions launched Ghost of Tsushima, players have been clamouring for another adventure through feudal Japan. Five years later, the studio is finally delivering with Ghost of Yōtei, a brand‑new story that releases exclusively for PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. Unlike some titles that offer early access, there’s no head start here – everyone begins Atsu’s journey together. With pre‑orders going live on May 2, now is the perfect time to dive into what makes this sequel so exciting.
Video preview
To see Atsu in action, check out the trailer below – it shows dramatic confrontations with masked enemies, new traversal techniques and glimpses of the campfire mechanic. You can watch it without leaving the page – watch Atsu hunt the Yōtēi Six in this action-packed teaser.
A revenge tale with a fresh hero
The game’s narrative introduces Atsu, a new protagonist unrelated to Jin’s story. Sixteen years before the events of the game, a gang called the Yōtei Six burned Atsu’s village, killed her family and pinned her to a ginkgo tree with a katana. Atsu survived, trained and returned to Ezo (present‑day Hokkaido) with a “kill list” that includes The Snake, The Oni, The Kitsune, The Spider, The Dragon and Lord Saito. While vengeance starts the journey, Sucker Punch teases that Atsu will meet allies and find new purpose beyond revenge.
Glimpses into the past
Sucker Punch’s latest trailer – The Onryō’s List – offers more than stylish swordplay. The studio says players will spot new weapons, allies and even a mechanic that allows them to glimpse Atsu’s past and understand what she lost. This mechanic hints at narrative flashbacks or dream sequences that may humanise the protagonist and add emotional weight.
Open‑world innovations
The developers have built upon the open‑world structure of Ghost of Tsushima to offer more freedom and variety. Rather than following a strictly linear path, you can decide which member of the Yōtei Six to hunt down first. As you explore Ezo’s forests, mountains and shoreline, you’ll also encounter optional bounties and weapon sensei who teach new techniques.
The world itself is more dynamic. You’ll come across unpredictable dangers like ambushes and storms alongside serene locations and returning activities from Tsushima. One of the biggest additions is the ability to build a campfire anywhere, letting you rest or craft under the stars instead of relying on fixed camps. This little feature may seem small, but it reinforces the sense of freedom – you can literally pitch camp on a cliff overlooking a valley or near a hidden hot spring.
Weapons, skills and a living world
The trailer hints at new weapons beyond Atsu’s katana. Insiders have reported dual katanas, odachi swords and even primitive firearms appearing in trailers, and the PlayStation Blog notes you’ll see “a handful of Atsu’s new weapons” in the recent footage. Expect the combat system to evolve with these tools, possibly introducing stances or combos tailored to each weapon type.
As you explore Ezo, you’ll meet allies who provide quests and bounties. Completing bounties may grant materials or upgrades, while training with weapon masters unlocks new skills. These activities, along with optional exploration of shrines and side tales, should flesh out a world teeming with stories and secrets.
Release details and performance
Ghost of Yōtei launches October 2, 2025 exclusively on PS5. The Times of India notes the game takes roughly 85 GB of storage and there is no early‑access period, so everyone begins on equal footing. Sucker Punch hasn’t confirmed PC or PS4 versions, but given the studio’s focus on harnessing PS5 hardware, expect breathtaking vistas and fast load times.
Pre‑order timing
Sucker Punch will open pre‑orders starting May 2 at 10:00 AM local time. Fans who pre‑order any edition will receive a unique in‑game mask and a set of seven PSN avatars featuring Atsu and the Yōtei Six. Digital pre‑orders on PlayStation Store grant immediate access to the avatars.
Editions and pricing
If you’re considering which version to buy, here’s a breakdown of the three editions confirmed so far:
| Edition | Price (USD) | Included Content |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $69.99 | Base game (digital or physical) and the pre‑order bonus mask and avatars. |
| Digital Deluxe Edition | $79.99 | Includes all Standard bonuses plus The Snake’s armour set, an alternate dye for your starting armour, a unique horse colour and saddle, a gold sword kit, a special charm and early access to Traveler’s Maps. |
| Collector’s Edition | $249.99 | Includes all Digital Deluxe items plus physical goodies: a full‑scale replica of Atsu’s Ghost mask with a display stand, Atsu’s sash with the Yōtei Six names (71 inches long), a replica katana tsuba forged in the shape of twin wolves, a coin pouch and Zeni Hajiki instructions, a foldable papercraft ginkgo tree and four art cards. |
The Collector’s Edition is clearly aimed at die‑hard fans and cosplay enthusiasts, while the Digital Deluxe provides a handful of cosmetic perks for $10 extra. If you’re just here for the game, the standard edition is perfectly fine – there are no gameplay advantages locked behind pre‑orders.
Why this sequel matters
Open‑world samurai games are scarce, and Ghost of Yōtei promises a fresh take. The freedom to tackle targets in any order, track optional bounties and set up camp wherever you like should make exploration feel organic and personal. Ezo’s landscapes range from windswept valleys to dense forests and snow‑covered peaks, and Sucker Punch has teased dynamic events like storms and duels. Adding glimpses into Atsu’s past gives the narrative emotional depth, while the Yōtei Six – each with their own thematic motif – are poised to become iconic villains.
From a technical standpoint, the game will likely leverage the PS5’s SSD and DualSense haptics to deliver immersive sword duels and minimal load times. The studio’s previous work suggests a commitment to accessibility, photo mode enhancements and free post‑launch updates.
Final thoughts
Sucker Punch appears to be building on everything that made Ghost of Tsushima special while giving players more agency and a new heroine to connect with. Whether you’re here for a riveting samurai story, dynamic open‑world exploration or the promise of challenging boss fights, Ghost of Yōtei looks like it will deliver when it arrives on October 2, 2025. The real question now is: will you take your time hunting each member of the Yōtei Six or rush straight for Lord Saito? Either way, it’s going to be a beautiful journey.
