Ghost of Yōtei: Overview & Critic Reception
Our Ghost of Yōtei gameplay
This is a research-based overview compiled from publisher information, official patch notes and published critic reception. ParryStack assigns no score of its own. We did play this game: see our gameplay videos on this page. How we research and verify · Report an error
Critic reception
Metacritic (critic aggregate): 86 (PS5)
Source: Metacritic, checked 12 Oct 2026. These are third-party critic scores, not ParryStack ratings.
Summary
A critically well-received standalone sequel set in 1603 Ezo (Hokkaido), starring the mercenary Atsu. Metacritic lists 86 for PS5.
How this overview works: it sums up verified facts about the game and how critics received it. It is not a hands-on diary and does not claim personal play experience.
What it is
Ghost of Yōtei is an action-adventure game by Sucker Punch Productions, published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PS5 on 2 October 2025. It is a standalone sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, set in 1603 in Ezo (modern Hokkaido). The protagonist, Atsu, is a mercenary seeking revenge on the Yōtei Six: Snake, Oni, Kitsune, Spider, Dragon and their leader Lord Saito.
Gameplay
Atsu uses a wide set of melee and ranged weapons, and the game's weapon counter system replaces the stances of Tsushima. A grappling hook is available from the start, a wild wolf can be summoned to help, and Atsu can camp almost anywhere. Activities include sumi-e painting, zeni hajiki gambling and playing the shamisen. Regions include Teshio Ridge, the Oshima Coast and the Ishikari Plain.
How critics received it
Metacritic lists 86 out of 100 from 138 reviews, and 94% of critics on OpenCritic recommend it. GameSpot gave it 9/10, praising its story, exploration and combat; Eurogamer gave it 3/5, praising the swordplay but criticising the side quests and open world. Several reviewers found the pacing uneven toward the end. It won Adventure Game of the Year at the D.I.C.E. Awards and Console Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards.
After launch
Legends, a free multiplayer mode with two-player story missions and four-player survival matches, launched on 10 March 2026. The Complete Edition, which includes the Echoes of Sekigahara expansion and the Most Wanted roguelike mode, launched on 1 October 2026. Owners of the base game could upgrade for a reduced cost.
Verdict
Critics saw Ghost of Yōtei as a strong, if sometimes unevenly paced, follow-up. It is a PS5 exclusive with no confirmed PC release.
Pros & Cons
- Strong critical reception (Metacritic 86, 94% OpenCritic recommend)
- Large weapon set with a weapon counter system
- Wolf companion and grappling hook
- Free Legends multiplayer mode and Complete Edition content after launch
- PS5 only; no PC version
- Some critics found the pacing uneven toward the end
- Eurogamer criticised the side quests and open world
- Complete Edition content costs extra for base-game owners
Sources & fact-check
Release facts, mechanics and boss details on this page were checked against these sources on 12 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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