Sony and Sucker Punch Productions simply wrapped up their July 2025 Ghost of Yōtei State of Play, showcasing a higher have a look at its world, fight, and new modes forward of its release date this fall.
The 20-minute gameplay presentation, hosted by artistic administrators Jason Connell and Nate Fox, arrived immediately to help showcase how Atsu’s journey will probably be each acquainted and new for gamers who loved 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima. Any manner you cut it, the Ghost of Yōtei State of Play is the closest have a look at one of the PlayStation 5’s largest video games of the 12 months that we’ve seen but.
For those that missed out on the State of Play, IGN took the time to collect all of the highlights for you proper right here. You can take a look at every thing revealed during the presentation under whereas we look forward to more updates forward of Ghost of Yōtei’s October 2, 2025, release date.
The Sights and Sounds of Ezo
Ghost of Yōtei focuses on Atsu as she seeks revenge towards the Yōtei Six at any value. It's a bloody journey that has led Atsu's enemies to worry her, with many frightened that she is a legendary Onyro spirit come to life. Ghost of Yōtei fuels its journey of vengeance in a utterly new manner, permitting gamers to flash back to its protagonist's youthful years with the easy press of a button.
Traveling all through Ezo means encountering a land far totally different from the war-torn island of Tsushima. Beautiful in its own proper, Ghost of Yōtei's new map encourages gamers to expertise Atsu's journey how they please, with Sucker Punch going so far as to say the journey "focuses on player freedom more than any game" it has ever made. One instance of this newfound participant freedom will be discovered within the Clue System, which might lead the participant in new instructions. While some info gained during an interrogation might even see Atsu journey to snowy mountaintops that disguise hidden attackers, one other could take her to a village ravaged by fireplace and an military of samurai.
Sucker Punch desires gamers to decide on to concentrate on fight, exploration, story, or no matter it’s that satisfies their quest. However, one beneficial solution to see all Ezo has to offer includes merely utilizing a spyglass and strolling towards no matter catches your eye.
Exploring a 1603 Japan means discovering acquainted factors of curiosity, akin to new Bamboo Strike challenges and even more Hot Springs to chill out in, however gamers may sit up for taking out troublesome fights as a bounty hunter, too. There are additionally Altars of Reflection, which unlock new talents for Atsu that may no doubt support her on her journey.
Ghost of Yōtei Combat Get an Upgrade
With a hefty price on Atsu's head, gamers will need to make the most of an arsenal of new instruments and weapons. While it appears like followers may have lots of alternatives for traditional sword encounters, some new blades will help spice issues up. Highlights embrace the weapons just like the katana and spear in addition to the more unconvential kusarigama chain blade, the prolonged odachi, and even twin swords. Each presents particular benefits in battle relying on the circumstances, with all weapons that includes upgrades to make the most of, too.
Ranged fight, in the meantime, will see Atsu primarily utilizing two instruments: a bow and a gun. The Ghost of Yōtei gameplay confirmed off a glimpse at how the latter can be utilized to shortly take out a distant enemy on the value of stealth. In different phrases, Atsu comes with a few more instruments than Ghost of Tsushima's Jin did, and he or she's bought no reservations in the case of utilizing them to take out the Yōtei Six.
In between fight encounters and brushes with dying, gamers can enable Atsu to relaxation beneath the celebs. Here, you’ll be able to cook dinner meals, play music, and even meet up with allies whereas taking in all Ezo's skies need to offer. With these modifications additionally comes a substitute for the usual journal that is called Atsu's Wolf Pack. Sucker Punch calls the menu system a "more character-driven way of managing allies and vendors" met during Atsu's journey. It's a simple solution to see who might need one thing to offer, and it's wrapped up with artwork for every face you meet.
Where Ghost of Tsushima approached its connection to nature in a technique, Ghost of Yōtei seems like it might rely the connection gamers have with the world round them. One manner it should do that includes a new wolf companion who, as proven during the State of Play, can tear out an enemy's throat during fight. Traveling by way of a discipline of flowers, in the meantime, may give your character a enhance whereas driving in your horse. Sucker Punch additionally confirmed off a first have a look at what seems to be a dense customization system for Atsu's armor in addition to the power to disarm enemies with enough well-timed assaults.
Kurosawa Mode Returns Alongside New Immersive Options
Kurosawa Mode, a black-and-white omage to legenadary director Akira Kurosawa, makes its return after followers fell in love with it in Ghost of Tsushima. It's a signal not solely that Sucker Punch is pleased with the response it obtained the primary time round however that the staff stays influenced by some of the distinguished artists within the style.
This affect will also be felt in two extra modes: Miike Mode and Watanabe Mode. As some film followers might need guessed, the previous takes after 13 Assassins director Takashi Miike, shifting the digital camera in nearer with more blood and more mud. The latter, in the meantime, brings within the work of Samurai Champloo anime director Shinichirō Watanabe by that includes unique lo-fi beats that back moments of exploration and fight.
Other highlights from the Ghost of Yōtei State of Play embrace a first have a look at photograph mode in addition to choices for Standard English audio, Subtitled English audio, and Samurai Cinema, which options absolutely voice acted Japanese dialogue with English subtitles.
Ghost of Yōtei launches October 2, 2025, for PS5. As a last-minute shock, Sucker Punch promised that particular version Ghost of Yōtei PS5 consoles and distinctive DualSense controllers can even be out there at launch. For more particulars whereas we wait to see more, you’ll be able to take a look at every thing else we learn about Ghost of Yōtei here.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's finest recognized for his work at websites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to provide him a observe on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).