Ghost of Yotei is the next big samurai adventure from Sucker Punch, and we’re finally starting to learn more about its setting. In a new post on the PlayStation Blog, Environment Art Lead Joanna Wang explains why the studio chose Hokkaido as the backdrop for the game. From the forests and lakes to the shadow of Mount Yotei itself, the team wanted something different from Ghost of Tsushima—and Hokkaido gave them just that.
If you missed the original announcement for Ghost of Yotei, including its first trailer and pre-order details, you can catch up here. We’ve also covered new gameplay and story details revealed by Sucker Punch. This latest update focuses on how nature, culture, and location helped shape the game’s early visual direction.
Here’s a closer look at how Hokkaido helped define the world of Ghost of Yotei, straight from the development team.
Why Hokkaido?
According to Joanna Wang, the team at Sucker Punch wanted a setting that felt fresh and visually distinct from Ghost of Tsushima. That led them north to Hokkaido, Japan’s second-largest island. Known for its rugged terrain and cooler climate, Hokkaido gave the team new opportunities to explore a different kind of natural beauty.
The choice wasn’t just about visuals. The team studied regional history, art, and culture to ground the setting in real-world context. They also spent time exploring areas like Shikotsu-Toya National Park and the town of Niseko, taking reference photos and notes to help guide development. The team used those visits to study how different elements of the landscape behaved—like the shape of local trees or the way fog settled on water.
One key location was Mount Yotei, a dormant volcano sometimes called “Ezo Fuji” for its resemblance to Mount Fuji. Wang said the mountain became a natural focal point for the world they were building, both geographically and visually.
Environmental Research and Art Direction
The team approached Hokkaido’s environment with a focus on realism and variety. Wang explained that they didn’t want to create a fantasy version of Japan. Instead, they worked from real references such as photographs, sketches, and field observations to shape the game’s visual identity.
The variety in terrain stood out. Hokkaido’s dense forests, wetlands, and open plains gave the art team a wide range of natural features to work with. These weren’t just for scenery. They shaped how structures were placed, how weather effects were handled, and how the landscape guided exploration.
Joanna Wang also shared some early concept art that shows how these real-world influences translated into game environments. From the lighting to the way plants grow, the goal was to stay true to the atmosphere they saw on the ground.
A New Direction After Tsushima
While Ghost of Yotei shares some DNA with Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch approached it as a clean break. Joanna Wang explained that the team didn’t want to repeat themselves or retread familiar ground. Shifting the setting to Hokkaido allowed them to rethink how the world looked, moved, and felt.
That shift brought changes in colour, lighting, and even how landscapes are structured. The southern island of Tsushima had warmer tones and denser foliage. In contrast, Hokkaido’s environment features broader views, cooler weather, and more variety in elevation. These differences helped the team reset their creative approach.
Wang noted that even familiar elements, like trees or buildings, had to be reconsidered. The team asked new questions about how materials weathered over time, how buildings sat in open terrain, and how nature reclaimed space. These choices helped set Ghost of Yotei apart while still building on the foundation fans know.
Ghost of Yotei’s World Comes Into Focus
The PlayStation Blog post doesn’t reveal new gameplay or story details, but it gives a clear sense of where Ghost of Yotei is headed. The setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of how the team is reshaping their approach after Ghost of Tsushima. By focusing on real-world locations, climate, and history, Sucker Punch is laying the groundwork for something that feels both new and grounded.
With Ghost of Yotei launching on October 2, we’ll likely see more updates soon. For now, this early look at the game’s setting helps paint a picture of what’s to come.
What do you think of the Hokkaido setting? Let us know which part of Ghost of Yotei you’re most excited to explore.
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