20 Minutes of Ghost of Yōtei Gameplay Unveiled at State of Play

In a thrilling 20-minute deep dive revealed during yesterday's dedicated State of Play presentation, Ghost of Yōtei took center stage with an extensive look at its gameplay, combat systems, open world, and cinematic flair. Developed by a team that clearly draws inspiration from titles like Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei positions itself as a bold evolution of the samurai action-adventure genre, with notable changes in tone, setting, and mechanics.

Set in early 17th-century northern Japan, specifically the snowy region of Ezo (modern-day Hokkaidō), Ghost of Yōtei introduces players to Atsu, a ronin of Ainu descent, who is driven by vengeance against a group known as the Yōtei Six. The game's open-world structure emphasizes freedom and exploration, allowing players to pursue missions in any order. From vast frozen plains to dense forests and mountainous terrain, the scenarios in the game are dynamic, featuring weather changes like snowstorms and auroras that directly impact visibility and traversal.

The combat system looks significantly expanded compared to similar titles. Atsu can wield a diverse range of weapons including dual katanas, long odachi blades, kusarigama, spears, and even early firearms like the tanegashima. One of the standout moments in the demo showed Atsu facing off against a boss who switches weapons mid-fight, forcing players to adapt on the fly. This shift toward more varied and reactive encounters promises greater depth than seen in its spiritual predecessors.

Visually, the game offers several cinematic modes. While the popular Kurosawa Mode (a black-and-white filter inspired by the famed director) returns, two new options are being introduced: "Miike Mode," delivering a bloodier and more stylized aesthetic, and "Watanabe Mode," which features a relaxed vibe accompanied by lo-fi beats reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop’s jazzy soundtrack. These modes allow players to customize their experience not just through gameplay, but in how they emotionally connect with the world.

Beyond the core story, Ghost of Yōtei also features an array of side activities, including bounty hunting, wildlife encounters, onsen bathing, cooking at campfires, and classic mini-games like bamboo cutting. The addition of a loyal wolf companion who assists in combat and exploration adds yet another layer to the game's immersive design.

How does it compare to Ghost of Tsushima?

Unsurprisingly, the game is drawing direct comparisons to Ghost of Tsushima, a critically acclaimed PlayStation exclusive from 2020. While both games center around lone warriors in feudal Japan, the differences are striking. Ghost of Yōtei leans heavily into darker themes, presenting Atsu not as a symbol of honor, but as an avenger with personal demons.

Its environments, too, diverge sharply: Tsushima's warm, windswept islands contrast with Yōtei's icy, desolate wilderness. The inclusion of more fantastical and cinematic elements, such as surreal lighting and stylized presentation modes, marks a clear step toward a more artistic, almost dreamlike interpretation of the genre. Gameplay refinements are also front and center. Ghost of Yōtei introduces new AI systems, more fluid movement animations, and deeper customization options. Whereas Ghost ofTsushima focused on the internal struggle between honor and necessity, Ghost of Yōtei seems more concerned with raw survival, cultural identity, and personal vengeance.

Scheduled for release on October 2, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5, Ghost of Yōtei is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated titles of the year. We highlt recommend you to use our comparator if you want to find the best discounts for Ghost of Yōtei.