This deeper dive comes just a few months after the release date and pre-order bonuses were first announced. If you missed that earlier reveal, you can catch up on everything we learned back then in our coverage of the Ghost of Yotei launch announcement. Now that we’ve seen the full gameplay breakdown, there’s even more to be excited about.
Let’s walk through the biggest reveals from the Ghost of Yotei State of Play.
Ghost of Yotei’s World Is Yours to Carve Through
Ghost of Yotei puts you in control of Atsu, a lone warrior with one goal. Track down the Yotei Six and make them pay. The game builds around that revenge quest, but how you get there is completely up to you. You can follow clues in any order, shaping your path across Ezo based on the targets you choose to pursue. One lead might take you into a snowy region filled with ambushes. Another might reveal fire-scarred villages crawling with armored enemies.
The Ghost of Yotei State of Play emphasized freedom above all. You’re encouraged to explore at your own pace, whether that means chasing down bounties, finding hidden altars, or just spotting something interesting through a spyglass and heading that way. There’s no checklist telling you what to do next. It’s all about what you feel like uncovering.
Combat is tight and focused, with different weapons tailored for different enemy types. Atsu can fight using a katana, odachi, dual swords, spear, or kusarigama. Ranged tools like kunai, bombs, and blinding powder give you more options. You can even disarm enemies or lose your own weapon mid-fight, which adds more back-and-forth to each encounter.
If you want a refresher on how this open-world structure builds on what came before, we covered that in our Ghost of Yotei structure and world design article.
Camp System and Character Progression
The Ghost of Yotei State of Play introduced a new way to handle upgrades, allies, and vendors through the Wolf Pack system. Instead of relying on a traditional journal or base menu, Atsu can set up camp anywhere across Ezo. These campsites act as hubs where familiar characters can visit, offer gear, and help you prepare for whatever comes next.
As you meet allies throughout your journey, they’ll become part of your Wolf Pack. Some might be vendors with rare items. Others could offer new weapon techniques or story-driven upgrades. They’ll check in at camp, giving you a reason to rest, regroup, and manage your progression without needing to backtrack.
It’s also where you’ll cook meals, play the shamisen, or just take a break under the stars. These moments feel built around giving you time to breathe while still letting the game come to you. According to the developers, this structure helps reduce the friction that often comes with managing gear and resources in large open-world games.
The camp system replaces the journal from Ghost of Tsushima, giving things a more personal, character-driven feel. You’ll also use it to track what each Wolf Pack member has available and see when new upgrades are ready.
If you want to revisit how Ghost of Yotei’s setting and visual direction evolved after Ghost of Tsushima, our article on why Sucker Punch chose Hokkaido covers that shift in more detail. With so much of the game built around who you meet and where you go, this system keeps everything focused on Atsu’s story without breaking your pace.
Combat and Custom Modes
The Ghost of Yotei State of Play broke down how combat plays out in the field. Atsu can wield a variety of weapons, including a katana, odachi, dual swords, spear, and kusarigama. Each weapon suits different enemy types, and you’re encouraged to switch between them as battles change. Some fights even let you disarm enemies or recover your weapon if you lose it mid-duel.
The presentation showed that Atsu isn’t a noble warrior. She’s a survivor who uses tools like kunai, bombs, and blinding powder to stay one step ahead. When enemies change tactics, you’ll need to adapt just as quickly. Some foes require brute strength. Others are better handled with quick dodges or dirty tricks.
We also got a look at how you can build your loadout. Ghost of Yotei lets you customize Atsu’s gear based on your preferred playstyle. Whether that’s stealth, melee, or ranged, you can mix and match armor and charms to suit your approach.
Three cinematic visual modes were also revealed. Kurosawa Mode is back, now with support from the late director’s estate. Takashi Miike Mode moves the camera in close and adds extra blood and mud, while Shinichirō Watanabe Mode brings in lo-fi music for a different vibe during exploration.
Everything shown emphasized control. Whether it’s how you fight, how you look, or how you experience the world, the game lets you make it your own.
Limited Edition Ghost of Yotei PS5 Bundles and Accessories Revealed
Alongside the gameplay reveal, the Ghost of Yotei State of Play also gave us a first look at two limited edition PS5 bundles. Both feature custom console and controller designs inspired by the game’s setting and themes, with deep roots in traditional Japanese art.
The Gold Limited Edition bundle draws from kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and gold. This theme of embracing flaws and healing ties directly into Atsu’s personal journey. The design includes glowing cracks and a maker’s seal engraved on both the console and controller. The bundle also comes with a matching DualSense controller and a digital copy of Ghost of Yotei, which includes pre-order bonuses.
If you’re looking for something more dramatic, the Black Limited Edition bundle takes its cues from sumi-e, a traditional black ink painting style. Bold brushstrokes stretch across the console, with Mount Yotei featured prominently. This version is available exclusively through direct.playstation.com.
Both controller designs will be sold separately, so you don’t need to purchase a full console to get one. Console covers for the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro will also be available in select regions, featuring the same artwork as the Gold edition.
Everything about these designs reflects what the team showed during the presentation. From Atsu’s journey and the game’s art direction to the visual feel of Ezo, each element was thoughtfully carried into the hardware itself.
The Last Word from the Ghost of Yotei State of Play
The Ghost of Yotei State of Play wrapped with a few final reveals that pulled everything together. First up, the game includes full Japanese voice acting with proper lip sync. If you prefer subtitles and want a more cinematic feel, it’s all there from the start.
Photo Mode is also back. The team gave a quick shoutout to the Ghost of Tsushima photo community and said they can’t wait to see what gets shared this time around. Music got some love too. Composer Toma Otowa blends classic Japanese sounds with modern touches. Two tracks from the State of Play are already live on streaming services, so you can start building your mood early.
We also got a look at limited edition PS5 hardware themed around Ghost of Yotei. With designs inspired by kintsugi and sumi-e art styles, the consoles and controllers are filled with small visual details pulled from Atsu’s journey. Both controllers will be sold separately, along with console covers for PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro.
The team kept things focused throughout the presentation, showing how much freedom you’ll have to shape Atsu’s story, explore at your own pace, and build your own style of combat. That’s everything from the Ghost of Yotei State of Play. It gave us a clear picture of how the game plays, looks, and sounds. October suddenly feels a lot closer.
What stood out most to you from the Ghost of Yotei State of Play? Are you planning to explore Ezo your way when it launches in October? Let us know what you’re most excited to experience.
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