Ghost of Tsushima was one of the most beautiful open-world games of its generation. Its successor, Ghost of Yōtei, moves the story forward by more than three centuries and introduces a new hero, a new setting and a more personal story. After many hours exploring its landscapes, we can say it is a worthy follow-up and one of the best games on PS5.
Atsu’s story
Set in 1603, the game follows Atsu, a lone warrior returning to her homeland around Mount Yōtei in Ezo, the region now known as Hokkaido. Years earlier, a group known as the Yōtei Six killed her family. Atsu’s goal is simple: find each of them and take revenge.
What makes the story compelling is Atsu herself. She is fierce, haunted and occasionally funny. As she travels, she meets people who challenge her views and force her to consider what she will become once her revenge is complete. The story is more intimate than Tsushima’s war epic, and we found it more emotionally engaging.
A breathtaking world
Ezo is stunning. Snowy mountains, golden fields, dense forests and rivers create landscapes that look like paintings. Mount Yōtei towers in the distance, acting as both a landmark and a symbol of Atsu’s journey. Photo mode fans will spend hours capturing the scenery.
The game continues the series’ minimal interface approach. Instead of a cluttered map, you often follow the wind, animals or other natural signs to discover locations. This makes exploration feel organic and immersive.
Freedom to explore
Ghost of Yōtei gives you a lot of freedom. You can choose which target to hunt and in what order, explore side stories and discover hidden locations. Campfires let you rest, cook and reflect, adding quiet moments between battles.
Atsu can also play the shamisen, which has a gameplay purpose as well as an atmospheric one, helping guide you to new places.
Combat
Combat is fluid and satisfying. Atsu uses several weapons, including katana, dual swords, a spear (yari), a large sword (odachi) and a chain-and-sickle weapon (kusarigama). Each weapon is strong against certain enemy types, so switching weapons during fights is important.
Standoffs return, letting you challenge enemies to tense, timing-based duels. Stealth is also an option, with tools to sneak, distract and eliminate enemies quietly. Ranged weapons add even more flexibility.
The wolf companion
A wolf accompanies Atsu in parts of her journey and can join fights. It is a lovely addition that adds personality and occasional tactical support.
Side content
Side quests, bounty hunts, hidden shrines and exploration challenges fill the world. Many side stories are well written and give context to the region’s people and conflicts. Some activities, however, follow familiar open-world patterns and can feel repetitive if you try to complete everything.
Performance
On PS5, the game runs smoothly with options for quality or performance modes. On PS5 Pro, visuals are even sharper. Loading times are very fast.
Weaknesses
The overall structure will feel familiar to anyone who has played many open-world games. Clearing camps, finding collectibles and completing side activities follow established patterns. Some players may also find the story’s revenge theme predictable at times.
Tips for new players
- Switch weapons often; each counters specific enemies
- Use standoffs to thin out groups at the start of fights
- Follow natural signs like birds and wind to discover secrets
- Rest at campfires to recover and enjoy story moments
- Try photo mode; it is excellent
Who is it for?
Ghost of Yōtei is perfect for fans of open-world action, samurai stories and beautiful scenery. Players who loved Ghost of Tsushima will feel at home. Those tired of open-world formulas may find parts familiar.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to play Ghost of Tsushima first? No. It is a standalone story set centuries later.
How long is the game? The main story takes around 25 to 35 hours, with more for side content.
Is it available on PC? At launch it was PS5 exclusive. Check the latest news for other platforms.
Atsu as a protagonist
Atsu stands out among open-world heroes. She is not a noble samurai bound by honour like Jin from Tsushima, but an outsider shaped by loss and survival. This gives her more freedom in how she fights and how she sees the world. Her dry humour and emotional moments make her easy to root for, even when her choices are questionable.
Audio and music
The soundtrack mixes traditional Japanese instruments with modern orchestral elements, and the shamisen plays a central role. Ambient sounds, from wind through grass to distant animals, make the world feel alive. Playing with headphones is highly recommended.
Japanese audio option
As with Tsushima, there is a Japanese voice option and a visual mode inspired by classic samurai films. Playing with Japanese audio and subtitles adds to the atmosphere, especially for anime and samurai film fans.
Accessibility options
The game includes many accessibility and difficulty options, such as adjustable combat timing and visual aids. This allows a wider range of players to enjoy Atsu’s journey.
Exploration rewards
Exploration in Ghost of Yōtei is rarely wasted. Hidden locations reward you with new techniques, charms, cosmetics and short stories about the people of Ezo. Hot springs increase your health, while certain landmarks teach new skills. Because the map avoids clutter, discovering these places feels like your own achievement rather than ticking boxes from a checklist.
Difficulty settings
Players who want a tougher challenge can raise the difficulty, making enemies hit harder and duels more dangerous. Lower settings let story-focused players enjoy the journey without frustration. Both feel well balanced, and you can change the setting at any time.
Is it worth full price?
With a long main story, plenty of meaningful side content and outstanding production values, we think Ghost of Yōtei justifies its price for PS5 owners who enjoy open-world adventures. If you are unsure, waiting for a PlayStation Store sale is reasonable, but this is one of the console’s showcase games.
Verdict
Ghost of Yōtei is a stunning, emotional and thrilling open-world adventure. Atsu is a memorable hero, Ezo is breathtaking and the combat is flexible and satisfying. Its open-world structure is familiar, but the quality of everything around it makes this one of the best PS5 games available.
