With the reveal of Ghost of Yotei being one of the biggest highlights of September 2024’s State of Play, discussion is rife over what has been revealed so far. Although it is clear that the game is connected to the hit Ghost of Tsushima, it can seem less clear whether this new game is a true sequel or more of a spin-off title. However, although details are currently light, there is enough context to indicate just how strongly Ghost of Yotei is tied to Ghost of Tsushima.

Originally released in 2020, Ghost of Tsushima attracted great praise for its combat and story. A later Ghost of Yotei due to release in 2025.

Ghost of Yōtei Is A Spiritual Sequel To Ghost Of Tsushima

One of the most important clues to how closely Ghost of Yotei is tied to Ghost of Tsushima is in its setting. As revealed in its announcement trailer, Ghost of Yotei is set in 1603; a massive 329 years after Ghost of Tsushima. As such, it comes as no surprise that the game follows an entirely new protagonist, a Ronin named Atsu. Moreover, there is currently no indication that Atsu shares any direct connection with Jin Sakai, although there is one thing that they do have in common: the mantle of the Ghost.

According to a post on the the ending of Ghost of Tsushima. As a result, Atsu will be wearing a Ghost mask of her own as she sets out on her own journey. Of course, it is entirely possible that stories of Jin will provide the inspiration for this in-game, but it seems unlikely that his influence on the narrative of Ghost of Yotei will extend beyond that.

As Jin’s actions have undoubtedly long-since ed into legend by the time of Ghost of Yotei, the new game could also provide definitive closure on Jin’s story by revealing his ultimate fate.

Combined with the different era and new setting, the vicinity of Mount Yotei, all this makes it very clear that Ghost of Yotei is more of a spiritual sequel to Ghost of Tsushima than anything else. As indicated by the title, the concept of the Ghost is the major thematic link between the two games, rather than any of the characters from Ghost of Tsushima reappearing themselves. Although their actions may still be referenced in this new game, that will most likely be the limit of their significance.

Playing Ghost of Yotei Likely Won’t Require Knowing Ghost Of Tsushima

The fact that Ghost of Yotei is clearly so separate from its predecessor likely means that intimate knowledge of Ghost of Tsushima will not be crucial to enjoying the game. It seems that Ghost of Yotei’s very different setting will allow people to mostly treat it as a stand-alone title. By allowing Atsu to take up the role of ‘the Ghost’ when she is also so far removed from Jin’s story, any previous experience with Ghost of Tsushima will presumably only have a minor impact on one’s understanding of Ghost of Yotei.

Of course, it should also be noted that while Ghost of Yotei will still present similar themes to Ghost of Tsushima, it will also grow beyond it. Goldfarb notes that Ghost of Yotei will include “new mechanics, gameplay improvements, and even new weapons,” with every indication being that it will be an even more immersive experience than Ghost of Tsushima. As such, Ghost of Yotei is clearly building upon its predecessor as any sequel should, incorporating new ideas and technological progress to ensure that the story of ‘the Ghost’ continues to be as impactful as possible.

Ghost of Yotei is not a direct sequel, a decision which is arguably for the best. Instead, it is a fresh new game which allows the best aspects of Ghost of Tsushima to carry on and develop further without being limited to the same characters. Being a spiritual sequel allows the new game to make the most of Ghost of Tsushima’s success, whilst simultaneously not being limited to revolving around the story of Jin Sakai. This will undoubtedly help to ensure that Ghost of Yotei will reach as broad of an audience as possible when it releases next year.

Source: PlayStation