Ghost of Yōtei State of Play Reveals New Combat, Modes, and World

Sony and Sucker Punch Productions have unveiled the latest update on their upcoming game, Ghost of Yōtei, with a 20-minute gameplay presentation showcasing the game’s world, combat, and new modes ahead of its release date in October 2025.

The game takes place in Ezo, where protagonist Atsu seeks revenge against the Yōtei Six. The state of play revealed a new way for players to experience Atsu’s journey, allowing them to flashback to her younger years with the press of a button. Traveling through Ezo means encountering a land far different from the war-torn island of Tsushima.

One key feature is the Clue System, which can lead players in new directions and encourage exploration. Players will also have the option to focus on combat, exploration, story, or whatever satisfies their quest. The game’s world includes familiar points of interest like bamboo strike challenges and hot springs, as well as new features such as bounty hunting.

The game’s combat has received an upgrade with a range of new tools and weapons, including katanas, spears, and kusarigama chain blades. Ranged combat will feature Atsu primarily using a bow and gun, while also introducing a more stealthy approach to taking out enemies.

In between combat encounters, players can rest under the stars, cook food, play music, and meet with allies. The game’s menu system has been overhauled, offering a “more character-driven way of managing allies and vendors.” A new wolf companion will aid Atsu in combat, while a dense customization system for her armor is also available.

Kurosawa Mode returns alongside two additional modes: Miike Mode and Watanabe Mode. These modes offer unique gameplay experiences inspired by legendary directors Akira Kurosawa and Takashi Miike. Other highlights from the state of play include a first look at photo mode and options for different audio settings.

Ghost of Yōtei launches on October 2, 2025, for PS5, with special edition consoles and DualSense controllers available at launch.

Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/ghost-of-yotei-state-of-play-july-2025-everything-revealed