Sucker Punch Productions has officially announced that the highly anticipated game, Ghost of Yōtei, will be released globally on October 2, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro. This announcement comes alongside a brand-new story trailer that showcases key gameplay elements and introduces central characters, including the notorious Yōtei Six—the gang that protagonist Atsu is determined to bring to justice.
The narrative of Ghost of Yōtei is set against the backdrop of Ezo, the historical name for present-day Hokkaido, Japan. The story unfolds sixteen years before 2025, detailing the brutal massacre of Atsu's family at the hands of the Yōtei Six. Left for dead and pinned to a burning ginkgo tree with her own katana, Atsu has survived, honing her combat skills and vowing to seek revenge. She returns to her homeland with a list of six names: The Snake, The Oni, The Kitsune, The Spider, The Dragon, and Lord Saito. One by one, she hunts them down to avenge her family.
However, as Atsu embarks on her quest for vengeance, she discovers that her journey is about more than just revenge. According to Andrew Goldfarb, Senior Communications Manager at Sucker Punch, "while Atsu’s story begins with vengeance, she’ll find there’s more to her journey than just revenge." As she explores Ezo, she will meet unlikely allies and forge connections that give her a new sense of purpose.
The recently released trailer, titled "The Onryō’s List," offers a glimpse of what players can expect from the game. It highlights the gorgeous scenery of Ezo, along with a few of Atsu’s new weapons, allies, and a new gameplay mechanic that allows players to glimpse Atsu’s past. This feature promises to provide deeper narrative insights and emotional resonance as players progress through the story.
Pre-orders for Ghost of Yōtei will begin on May 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET. Three editions of the game will be available for purchase:
- Standard Edition: Priced at $69.99 USD / £69.99 / €79.99 / ¥8,980, this edition includes the full game and pre-order bonuses.
- Digital Deluxe Edition: Available for $79.99 USD / £79.99 / €89.99 / ¥9,980, this edition includes all content from the Standard Edition, plus additional bonuses such as The Snake’s armor set, an alternate dye for the starting armor, unique horse colors, and an in-game charm.
- Collector’s Edition: Priced at $249.99 USD / €249.99 / 31,980 JPY, this edition includes all Digital Deluxe Edition content, a digital copy of the game, and several physical collectibles, including a replica display edition of Atsu’s Ghost mask, a replica of Atsu’s sash measuring 71 inches long, and a Tsuba from Atsu’s katana, forged by her father in the image of two twin wolves.
Additionally, pre-ordering any edition of Ghost of Yōtei grants players a unique in-game mask and a set of seven PSN avatars featuring concept art of Atsu and each member of the Yōtei Six at launch. The avatars will be available immediately for those who pre-order through the PlayStation Store.
As players traverse the wild and beautiful landscapes of Ezo, they will encounter unexpected dangers and peaceful reprieves, with the freedom to explore the open world at their own pace. Players can track dangerous targets, claim bounties, or seek out weapon senseis to learn new skills. The game promises a refined combat system and emotional storytelling, building on the legacy of Ghost of Tsushima.
In a recent statement, Goldfarb expressed excitement about the game, stating, "We think this is the best Collector’s Edition we’ve ever produced, and we can’t wait for you to get your hands on it on October 2." The anticipation surrounding Ghost of Yōtei is palpable, with many fans eager to dive into this new chapter after the success of its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima.
For those interested in the Collector’s Edition, it includes not only the digital items but also a pouch of coins and instructions to play Zeni Hajiki, a game of skill featured throughout Ghost of Yōtei. Furthermore, players will receive a foldable papercraft ginkgo tree along with a wolf at its base, and a set of four 5 x 7-inch art cards featuring various elements of the game.
As the release date approaches, fans are encouraged to wishlist Ghost of Yōtei on the PlayStation Store and sign up for notifications regarding updates. The game is shaping up to be a flagship title for Sony this fall, promising a captivating blend of action, exploration, and emotional depth.
With its haunting setting, rich lore, and a deep personal narrative, Ghost of Yōtei aims not just to be a sequel but a standalone experience that resonates with players. As Atsu’s journey unfolds, players will not only seek revenge but also explore themes of loss, resilience, and the rediscovery of humanity. Mark your calendars for October 2, 2025, and prepare to follow the wind once again.
