In a recent update, the team behind Ghost of Yotei pulled back the curtain on more of the game’s combat, confirming a big change from one of Ghost of Tsushima’s most recognizable features. Originally revealed back in September 2024, Ghost of Yotei takes place over 300 years after its predecessor and looks set on building its own identity through a fresh storyline, a distinct visual approach, and a totally reworked combat system.
With an October 2 release date locked in, the developers have been dropping new details more often as launch gets closer. Ghost of Tsushima sold over 13 million copies and became a major commercial hit, but the team behind Ghost of Yotei is clearly aiming to take things in a new direction. One of the biggest shifts so far is in combat. In Tsushima, Jin Sakai relied heavily on switching between four combat stances between Stone, Water, Wind, and Moon, with each one designed to counter different enemy types effectively.
Related Why Ghost of Yotei Fans May Not Want to Get Too Attached to Atsu
Ghost of Yotei is paving the way for a fresh protagonist, but gamers will probably want to avoid getting too invested in Atsu long-term.
Posts 3In a conversation with GamesRadar, creative director Nate Fox confirmed that the stance system has been replaced entirely by five unique weapons, each tailored for a specific purpose. “In fact, we added a fifth [weapon],” Fox said, making it clear these aren’t just reskins or cosmetic swaps. For example, Ghost of Yotei players can toss enemies into the air using a heavy spear or control crowds with the kusarigama. There’s also a new disarm mechanic in play that forces quick adaptation mid-fight, with players sometimes needing to grab enemy weapons and use them in the heat of combat.
Ghost of Yotei Ditches Stances for Weapons
CloseAnother major shift in Sucker Punch's action-adventure Ghost of Yotei is the addition of firearms. While guns are present, they’re not meant to dominate combat. Fox described them as "incredibly deadly when used at the right time," but made it clear that this isn’t a flashy, gun-heavy action game. Instead, firearms serve a limited role, while blades remain the "heart of the fantasy" and the main focus of close-quarters combat.
While more details are likely on the way, some standout Ghost of Yotei features have already been locked in. Sucker Punch confirmed that a full photo mode will be available from day one, giving players full control to capture and customize in-game shots. A survival mechanic will also let the main character set up camp in the wilderness overnight, adding another layer of realism to the journey. At the center of it all is Atsu’s story of revenge against the Yotei Six, with important moments from her childhood explored through interactive flashbacks.
