In a recent update, the team behindGhost of Yoteipulled back the curtain on more of the game’s combat, confirming a big change from one ofGhost of Tsushima’s most recognizable features. Originally revealed back in September 2024,Ghost of Yoteitakes place over 300 years after its predecessor and looks set on building its own identity through a fresh storyline, a distinct visual approach, and a totally reworked combat system.
With an October 2 release date locked in, the developers have been dropping new details more often as launch gets closer.Ghost of Tsushimasold over 13 million copies and became a major commercial hit, but the team behindGhost of Yoteiis clearly aiming to take things in a new direction. One of the biggest shifts so far is in combat. InTsushima, Jin Sakai relied heavily on switching between four combat stances between Stone, Water, Wind, and Moon, with each one designed to counter different enemy types effectively.
In a conversation withGamesRadar, creative director Nate Fox confirmed that the stance system has been replaced entirely by five unique weapons, each tailored for a specific purpose. “In fact, we added a fifth [weapon],” Fox said, making it clear these aren’t just reskins or cosmetic swaps. For example,Ghost of Yoteiplayers can toss enemiesinto the air using a heavy spear or control crowds with the kusarigama. There’s also a new disarm mechanic in play that forces quick adaptation mid-fight, with players sometimes needing to grab enemy weapons and use them in the heat of combat.
Ghost of Yotei Ditches Stances for Weapons
Anothermajor shift in Sucker Punch’s action-adventureGhost of Yoteiis the addition of firearms. While guns are present, they’re not meant to dominate combat. Fox described them as “incredibly deadly when used at the right time,” but made it clear that this isn’t a flashy, gun-heavy action game. Instead, firearms serve a limited role, while blades remain the “heart of the fantasy” and the main focus of close-quarters combat.
While more details are likely on the way, somestandoutGhost of Yoteifeatureshave already been locked in. Sucker Punch confirmed that a full photo mode will be available from day one, giving players full control to capture and customize in-game shots. A survival mechanic will also let the main character set up camp in the wilderness overnight, adding another layer of realism to the journey. At the center of it all is Atsu’s story of revenge against the Yotei Six, with important moments from her childhood explored through interactive flashbacks.
Ghost of Yotei
WHERE TO PLAY
Discover a bold, new story of a warrior in Japan who is on a mission of vengeance all her own.Set 300 years after the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei is standalone experience set in 1600s rural Japan. The story follows a haunted, lone mercenary named Atsu. Thirsty for revenge, she travels through the beautiful, rugged landscapes of northern Japan, hunting those who killed her family many years earlier.
