Ghost of Yōtei Game Guide (Things to Know)

Ghost of Yōtei: a complete guide to the game’s story, gameplay, setting, and characters, plus key lore and release date details.

Ghost of Yōtei: Quick Overview

Story

Ghost of Yōtei is a new, standalone adventure set 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima. You play as Atsu, a lone mercenary on a quest for revenge in 1600s rural Japan. Her family was murdered years ago, and she’s now hunting down the six outlaws responsible, known as the “Yōtei Six.” While driven by vengeance, her journey will lead her to find allies and a new purpose.

System Requirements

The game is a PlayStation 5 exclusive. However, if it follows its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PC, the minimum requirements would be an Intel Core i3-7100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 CPU, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT GPU, and 8 GB of RAM.

The recommended specs would be an Intel Core i5-8600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT GPU, and 16 GB of RAM.

Setting

The game takes place in the early 17th century in the Ezo province, which is modern-day Hokkaido, a rugged and frontier-like part of Japan. The environment is described as beautiful and dangerous, with varied landscapes from fields of wildflowers to snowy ridges.

Main Characters

• Atsu: The main character, a mercenary seeking revenge. She is not a samurai and uses the “Ghost” mantle to be a bounty hunter.
• The Yōtei Six: A group of six outlaws Atsu is hunting. They include: The Snake, The Kitsune, The Oni, The Spider and The Dragon, and Lord Saito.

The “Ghost” Title

The title Ghost of Yōtei refers to Atsu’s role as a masterless warrior. Unlike Jin Sakai from the previous game, who was a samurai, Atsu is a mercenary and bounty hunter.

She embraces the “Ghost” moniker to create a legendary reputation, which she uses to strike fear into her targets. Her fighting style is a blend of samurai techniques and the guerrilla tactics of a ninja.

The Role of the Wolf Companion

Atsu has a wolf companion named Kage. This wolf is more than just a pet; it’s a key part of the gameplay. You can command Kage to:

• Distract enemies
• Scout ahead for hidden paths or threats
• Hunt for resources like food or crafting materials

Your relationship with Kage will deepen throughout the story, and it is a core part of the gameplay experience.

Gameplay

• Diverse Combat: You’ll use a wide range of weapons, including katanas, dual katanas, a spear (yari), a kusarigama (chain and sickle), and even a firearm (arquebus). You can train with masters to learn new combat styles.
• Non-linear Story: You have the freedom to hunt down the Yōtei Six in any order you choose, which shapes your experience.
• Exploration and World: The game emphasizes player freedom, encouraging you to explore the open world at your own pace. You can use a grappling hook to climb and a spyglass to spot points of interest.
• New Features: Atsu has a wolf companion that can help you in combat. You can also set up a camp to rest, meet with allies, and get new gear.
• Modes: The game includes a Kurosawa Mode for a black-and-white cinematic experience and a robust Photo Mode.

More about Lore and Themes

Atsu is a Vengeful Spirit (Onryō): Unlike Jin, Atsu is not a hero adopting a new identity; she is a vengeful spirit from Japanese folklore, an onryō, seeking retribution. This means her story is darker and more personal, driven by a desire for vengeance rather than saving her home.

Lawless Frontier (Historical Context): The game is set in Ezo (Hokkaido) in the 1600s, a wild and unregulated frontier. This setting is full of outlaws and danger, making Atsu’s quest even more challenging as she navigates a world with no real rules.

Broken but Repaired (Kintsugi Symbolism): The “ghost mask repaired with gold” symbolizes Atsu’s broken past. Like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, her journey is not about hiding her trauma but about embracing her scars to become stronger.

Gameplay Nuances and Innovations

Combat is About Weapons, Not Stances: The old stance system is gone. Instead, you’ll use a diverse arsenal of weapons like a spear (yari) and a chain-sickle (kusarigama), each for different situations. You must adapt your weapon to the enemies you face.

The Wolf is a Companion, Not a Pet: Your wolf, Kage, is a key part of the gameplay. It can help you in combat, scout for threats, and hunt for resources, creating a bond that is crucial to the story.

Movable Campsite for Immersion: Instead of just fast-traveling, you can set up a campsite to rest, plan, and meet with other characters, making your journey feel more connected to the world.

The Clue System Adds Player Choice: You will find “clue cards” that give you different options for how to approach a mission, leading to varied encounters—for example, you might choose a card that leads to an ambush or one that offers unique gear.

New Cinematic Filters: Beyond the fan-favorite Kurosawa Mode, there are new visual styles named after famous directors: “Miike Mode” for a gory, intense feel and “Watanabe Mode” for another distinct visual style.

Player Freedom and Progression

You Control the Story: You can hunt down the “Yōtei Six” in any order, which changes the story and the world. Your choices will impact how other targets react.

Bounties and Odd Jobs: Atsu is a mercenary, so you will take on side quests to earn money and learn more about the world, giving you a more dynamic and personal progression.

Note: All information about Ghost of Yōtei is based on public announcements and is subject to change.

More details: PlayStation Blog, Game page on PlayStation