The much-anticipated sequel to Ghost of Tsushima is officially on the way. During Sony’s latest State of Play, Sucker Punch Productions dropped the exciting news that Ghost of Yotei, the follow-up to their hit open-world samurai game, is in the works and slated for release in 2025. The new adventure is set to deliver some major surprises, starting with a new protagonist.
Gone is Jin Sakai, the hero we fought alongside in the original game. Instead, Ghost of Yotei takes us 300 years into the future, where we’ll step into the shoes of Atsu, a fresh-faced warrior who carries the mantle of “The Ghost.” This time, the story moves away from Tsushima Island and explores the wild regions around Mount Yotei (now known as Hokkaido). The stunning landscape views in Tsushima had attracted fans and now, Sucker Punch has promised even more breathtaking views, plus some “massive sightlines” to ride through on horseback.
But from what we’ve seen so far, Atsu’s journey will be an epic adventure. The trailer offers a glimpse of her riding through forests and engaging in intense swordplay, but that’s not all. Atsu wields something new to the series: a rifle—this Ghost isn’t just about stealth and blades, she’s bringing firearms into the mix. It’s a good shift in the combat mechanics of the series, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out in the game.
One thing I love is how Sucker Punch is staying true to the feel of the original game while introducing exciting new elements. In a blog post following the State of Play, the developers mentioned they’re keeping the core pillars of Ghost of Tsushima—freedom of exploration, stunning visuals, and the tension of being a lone warrior in feudal Japan.
But they’re also focused on creating something fresh with new gameplay mechanics, new weapons, and a unique story to present. I’m particularly intrigued by Atsu’s musical instrument, which seems to be a key part of her character and possibly her combat style.
Ghost of Yotei will be the studio’s first title built from the ground up for PlayStation 5, so expect next-gen graphics and performance to shine. We still have a bit of a wait until 2025, but based on what we’ve seen, it’s going to be worth every minute.
