Not only does Ghost of Yotei officially have a release date, but we're also set to get a more in-depth look at Sucker Punch's upcoming adventure this July. With an appearance during the State of Play June 2025 showcase, a new trailer for the game came to a close with the announcement of dedicated showcase that will give us an in-depth look at gameplay this July.
With more yet to come that give us an even better picture of what's in store, there's already plenty of exciting details about Ghost of Yotei, which is set 300 years ahead of Ghost of Tsushima's action. Taking on the role of new protagonist Atsu in a whole new part of Japan in Ezo, the PS5 exclusive is set to build Jin Sakai's journey with guns, a gorgeous change of scenery, and "unexpected dangers.
Not only is it one of the biggest upcoming PS5 games, it's also one of the most exciting new games for 2025, and we happily won't have to wait much longer to learn more about it. While we await the new gameplay deep-dive this July, read on below as we guide you through everything we know so far about Ghost of Yotei.
Ghost of Yotei release date
The Ghost of Yotei release date has been confirmed for October 2, 2025, announced via a new trailer called "The Onryo's List" which you can watch below.
This puts the new Sucker Punch game a few months out from Death Stranding 2, launching on, June 26, 2025. Much like Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yotei will be a PS5 exclusive - at least, to begin with.
While it has yet to be confirmed, Ghost of Tsushima released on PC in 2024 (four years after its original release on PS4), so it's quite possible that we'll see the sequel follow suit and come to PC at a later date.
Ghost of Yotei trailers
The latest Ghost of Yotei trailer reveals not only the October 2 release date, but new story details related to our player character's backstory. Playing as lone mercenary Atsu, we will be striking names off a hit list. Atsu is driven to chase down the murderous thugs, known as The Yotei Six, who killed her family and very nearly her, too. Surviving the ordeal, Atsu is now ready to wreak havoc upon her enemies and take an eye for an eye - and we'll be able to hunt down the targets in any order we like.
Yotei looks to be a tale of vengeance, though set in such a beautiful natural world, there should be plenty of time to check out each sakura-blossomed acre. "We want you to have the freedom to explore Ezo however you decide to," Sucker Punch says in a PlayStation blog post, and trust me... we will.
With another brief look at the upcoming adventure during the State of Play June 2025 showcase, we got a fresh trailer with footage captured on PS5 confirming we can expect to see a dedicated State of Play show for Ghost of Yotei in July, with a deep-dive look at gameplay, exciting stuff!
Ghost of Yotei pre-orders
Ghost of Yotei pre-orders begin on May 2, 2025, confirmed a PlayStation blog posted shortly after the release date announcement trailer went live.
"Today we can also reveal that pre-orders for Ghost of Yōtei begin next week, on May 2 at 10:00 AM in your local timezone (10:00 AM ET for those in the US)," the blog post reads. There will also be "multiple different editions" available: Standard, Digital Deluxe, and the Collector's Edition.
All Ghost of Yotei pre-orders will come with sweet digital bonus items, six avatars, and an in-game mask (to be precise), though the Digital Deluxe version comes with unique armor, armor dye, a horse, a weapon, and more. The Collector's Edition offers all of the above, as well as an array of physical items.
If you want to pre-order Ghost of Yotei, Sony lists the standard edition pricing at "$69.99 USD / £69.99 / €79.99 / ¥8,980 MSRP," all to be available at retail or via the PlayStation Store. However, the Collector's Edition will cost you $249.99/ £219.99. That may seem like a lot, but it comes with a bunch of goodies that we've listed for you down below:
Physical items included in the Ghost of Yotei Collector's Edition:
- Ghost Mask
- Sash
- Tsuba
- Papercraft Ginkgo Tree
- Art Cards
- Zeni Hajiki Coin Game and Pouch
Digital items included in the Ghost of Yotei Collector's Edition:
- Ghost of Yotei full game for PS5
- The Snake Armour
- Digital Deluxe Armour Dye
- Digital Deluxe Horse & Saddle
- Sword Kit
- Traveller's Maps (Early Unlock)
- Charm
The Collectors Edition also includes the pre-bonus items of a Atsu + Yōtei Six Avatar set and an in-game mask. However, what it doesn't include is a physical game disc. So, keep that in mind if that’s a deal breaker for you.
Ghost of Yotei protagonist
Ghost of Yotei's protagonist, according to an earlier PlayStation blog post, represents how Sucker Punch wanted to "create something fresh but familiar." So, in order to explore new avenues beyond Jin Sakai's story in Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei will put us in the role of a new protagonist known as Atsu.
"Sixteen years ago in the heart of Ezo (called Hokkaido in present day), a gang of outlaws known as the Yōtei Six took everything from Atsu," reads the most recent PlayStation blog post published alongside the release date. "They killed her family and left her for dead, pinned to a burning ginkgo tree outside her home. But Atsu survived. She learned to fight, to kill, and to hunt, and after years away she has returned to her home with a list of six names: The Snake, The Oni, The Kitsune, The Spider, The Dragon, and Lord Saito."
"Armed with the same katana used to pin her to that burning tree all those years ago," Ghost of Yotei sees Atsu venture out on a crusade of vengeance and bloodshed. But that's not she will discover. "She’ll find there’s more to her journey than just revenge. As she explores Ezo, Atsu will meet unlikely allies and forge connections that help give her a new sense of purpose," the developer hints.
It's also been revealed that the role of Atsu is played by actor Erika Ishii, who's also had roles in the likes of Apex Legends and Destiny 2, as well as BioWare's latest RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Ghost of Yotei story
As mentioned above, Ghost of Yotei's story will unfold as protagonist Atsu dons the mask of the Ghost and sets out to avenge her murdered family. The Yotei Six make up the names on her assassination roster, with each pursued in any order as the player explores the vast expanse of Ezo.
With Ghost of Yotei, Sucker Punch says it has "built upon and evolved the way you explore the open world, offering even more freedom and variety than in Ghost of Tsushima." On top of the Yotei Six, Atsu can hunt down "dangerous targets and claim bounties, or seek out weapon sensei to learn new skills."
If you're considering checking out Ghost of Yotei's predecessor, you can find out our verdict on the previous story in our Ghost of Tsushima review.
Ghost of Yotei setting
Ghost of Yotei takes place over 300 years after the events of Jin's journey in Ghost of Tsushima in 1603. This places it during the Edo period, which was historically a period of general peace but also one of strict hierarchies and isolation.
"Our story is set in the lands surrounding Mount Yotei," the blog details, "a towering peak in the heart of Ezo, an area of Japan known as Hokkaido in the present day."
Sucker Punch revealed more about Ezo following the release date reveal. "Ezo is wild, and as deadly as it is beautiful. As you trek across the open world you’ll find unexpected dangers and peaceful reprieves (including some returning activities from Tsushima), and you’ll be able to build a campfire anywhere in the open world for a rest under the stars."
Ghost of Yotei gameplay
Ghost of Yotei is a single-player, narrative-driven game. However, we currently don't have many details on the specifics of its gameplay. Thanks to the PS blog and small glimpses from the trailer, we do know that the upcoming game will "introduce new mechanics, gameplay improvements, and even new weapons" to the series. Gunplay in Ghost of Yotei has been confirmed, meaning that Atsu will have firearms at her disposal.
However, the initial trailer suggests swords are still a massive factor in Ghost of Yotei's gameplay as well. In fact, we even see her dual-wielding in the teaser, so expect to see Ghost of Tsushima's excellent combat system, full of unlockable stances and attacks, make a comeback of some form in the new game.
Finally, As Atsu is on the run and being "hunted," we also know that stealth mechanics will be in Ghost of Yotei. Currently, we don't know how stealth will be implemented or what new features or abilities will be on display in the new game, so stay tuned as we await more details.
While we wait for Ghost of Yotei to arrive, why not check out our pick of the best open-world games you can play right now.
