Sucker Punch Unveils a New Look at the Highly Anticipated PlayStation 5 Game
Everything You Need to Know About Atsu’s Story, New Weapons, Worlds, and Modes
Atsu’s Return: An Old Spirit in a New World
At the July 2025 State of Play event, Sony and Sucker Punch Productions released a 20-minute-long gameplay presentation of Ghost of Yōtei. Reminiscent of the 2020 release Ghost of Tsushima, but taking a completely new direction, the story now features a warrior named Atsu as the main character.
The Mysterious Land of Ezo: A New Experience for Player Freedom
Atsu’s journey takes place in the Ezo region in northern Japan—where mountains, burning villages, and snowcapped peaks allow players to play as they please. The new Clue System helps players find new paths and enemies based on interrogations.
Your priorities in the game now depend on whether you fight battles, explore the area, or just enjoy the story.
Highlights in the Game World:
- The Spyglass system lets you travel to distant locations without opening the map
- Returning challenges like Bamboo Strike and Hot Springs
- Altars of Reflection allow you to gain new skills
- Special encounters in the form of Bounty Hunter missions
New Flavor to Combat: New Weapons and Strategies
Atsu has a bounty on his head, and no shortage of enemies. The game introduces several new weapons—
- Traditional weapons like the Katana and Spear
- Unusual options like the Kusarigama (chain blade) and Odachi
- Dual Swords that are great for quick attacks
Atsu has both a bow and gun option for ranged attacks—the gun helps take out enemies faster, but at the expense of stealth.
Peace Amid War: Campfires, Food, and Music
Atsu can rest in tents during her travels—it’s possible to cook, play music, and meet fellow NPCs. A menu system called Atsu’s Wolf Pack gives players information on her companions and merchants.
A Vibrant World and Wolf Companion
This time, Atsu is accompanied by a wolf—which can launch deadly attacks at enemies. Riding a horse gives a boost when passing through a field of flowers. The game now also features an armor customization system, allowing players to customize armor and weapons.
A Variety of Modes: From Classic to Modern
Kurosawa Mode returns, offering a black-and-white cinematic look—a tribute to Akira Kurosawa.
Also included are two new modes:
- Miike Mode: Camera up close, more gore—inspired by 13 Assassins director Takashi Miike
- Watanabe Mode: Inspired by Samurai Champloo director Shinichirō Watanabe, with lo-fi beats and an animation feel
Other Key Features:
- First look at Photo Mode
- Three audio options: Standard English, subtitled English, and full Japanese voiceover
- Ability to disarm enemies
- Special edition PS5 and DualSense controller unveiled
Release Date and Road Ahead
Ghost of Yōtei will launch for PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. Sucker Punch has shown signs that it could be one of the most impressive and expansive action-adventure games on PS5.
