Ghost of Yotei Release Date & Times: Complete 2026 Guide
The wait is over! Ghost of Yotei releases on October 2, 2026, with the PS5 exclusive’s official release date finally here. After five years since Ghost of Tsushima captured our hearts, I’ve been counting down the days until we could step into Atsu’s sandals and embark on her epic revenge quest across feudal Japan.
Quick Release Overview (2026)
| Release Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2, 2026 |
| Platform | PlayStation 5 Exclusive |
| Price | $69.99 Standard / $79.99 Digital Deluxe |
| Metacritic Score | 87/100 |
| OpenCritic Score | 89/100 (97% Recommend) |
| File Size | ~80GB |
| Multiplayer | Legends mode coming 2026 |
Set 300 years after the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei is a standalone experience set in 1600s rural Japan. This isn’t just another sequel – it’s a complete reimagining that takes everything we loved about the original and amplifies it with next-gen technology, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a gripping new story of vengeance.
What makes this release particularly special is how Ghost of Yotei is rated ‘Mighty’ after being reviewed by 81 critics, with an overall average score of 87, ranked in the top 2% of games and recommended by 95% of critics. Those are phenomenal numbers that put it ahead of its predecessor and establish it as one of 2026‘s must-play titles.
Ghost of Yotei Release Times: When Can You Play?
Global Release Schedule
The release strategy for Ghost of Yotei follows a midnight local time approach for most regions. For most players, Ghost of Yōtei will unlock at midnight local time on October 2. However, in the United States, its launch is pinned to midnight Eastern time.
Here’s exactly when you can start playing based on your location:
North America:
- East Coast (EDT): October 2, 12:00 AM
- Central (CDT): October 1, 11:00 PM
- Mountain (MDT): October 1, 10:00 PM
- West Coast (PDT): October 1, 9:00 PM
International Regions:
- United Kingdom (BST): October 2, 12:00 AM
- Central Europe (CEST): October 2, 12:00 AM
- Japan (JST): October 2, 12:00 AM
- Australia (AEST): October 2, 12:00 AM
- New Zealand (NZDT): October 2, 12:00 AM (First to play globally!)
This means no matter where in the world you are, the moment the clock strikes midnight in your region, you’ll unlock access to the game. Lucky West Coast players get a nice surprise with that 9 PM start time!
Pre-Order Bonuses and Edition Details
Standard Edition ($69.99)
If you’ve pre-ordered any edition, you’re getting some exclusive goodies:
- Unique in-game Atsu mask
- Seven PSN avatars featuring Atsu and the Yōtei Six
- Instant access at launch (no early access available)
Digital Deluxe Edition ($79.99)
The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a digital copy of Ghost of Yōtei plus in-game bonuses including The Snake’s armor set, as well as an alternate dye for your starting armor. You’ll also receive:
- Unique horse color and saddle dye
- In-game Charm for stat boosts
- Gold Sword Kit for weapon customization
- Early unlock of Traveler’s Maps
Collector’s Edition ($249.99)
The ultimate package includes everything from the Digital Deluxe Edition plus:
- Replica display of Atsu’s Ghost mask
- Exclusive art book
- Steelbook case
- All digital bonuses
Important Pre-Load Information
There are no pre-loads or early access available for Ghost of Yotei. Unlike many modern releases that allow pre-downloading, you’ll need to wait until the game unlocks in your region to begin the download. With an estimated 80GB file size, I recommend clearing space and having a fast connection ready!
The Story: Atsu’s Quest for Vengeance
Setting and Timeline
The story is set in the environs of Mount Yōtei in Ezo (modern day Hokkaido, Japan) in 1603, 329 years after the events of Tsushima. This northern frontier of Japan provides a dramatically different backdrop from Tsushima Island, featuring snow-covered mountains, dense forests, and expansive grasslands.
The Protagonist: Atsu
The story follows a haunted, lone mercenary named Atsu. Thirsty for revenge, she travels through the beautiful, rugged landscapes of northern Japan, hunting those who killed her family many years earlier.
Sixteen years ago in the heart of Ezo, a gang of outlaws known as the Yōtei Six took everything from Atsu. They killed her family and left her for dead, pinned to a burning ginkgo tree outside her home. Now, she returns as a deadly warrior seeking vengeance against each member of this murderous gang.
The Yōtei Six
Your targets throughout the game include:
- Lord Saito – The leader
- The Snake – Master of deception
- The Oni – Brutal enforcer
- The Kitsune – Cunning strategist
- The Spider – Web of intrigue
- The Dragon – Fierce warrior
The non-linear structure means you can hunt these villains in any order, creating your own path of revenge across Ezo.
2026 Gameplay Features and Weapons
Expanded Arsenal
Players can wield a diverse arsenal of weapons, such as a traditional katana (including dual wielding), tanegashima, ōdachi, yari, kusarigama, and the traditional kaginawa (grappling hook), enabling varied tactical approaches.
This weapon variety represents a massive evolution from Ghost of Tsushima’s more focused katana combat. Each weapon type offers distinct playstyles:
- Dual Katanas: Lightning-fast combo attacks
- Ōdachi: Heavy two-handed sword for devastating damage
- Yari: Long-range spear combat
- Kusarigama: Chain-sickle for mid-range versatility
- Tanegashima: Early firearm for ranged attacks
- Kaginawa: Grappling hook for traversal and combat
Environmental Features
New features include dynamic weather effects such as snow, rain, and auroras inspired by the real environment around Mount Yōtei. The weather isn’t just cosmetic – it affects gameplay, with snow muffling footsteps for stealth and rain obscuring enemy vision.
Side Activities
Beyond the main quest, you can:
- Bathe in onsen (hot springs) for health restoration
- Practice sumi-e painting to unlock cosmetics
- Set up campsites where Atsu cooks and plays shamisen
- Hunt bounties on dangerous outlaws
- Complete bamboo cutting challenges
Visual Modes
The game includes multiple cinematic modes:
- Kurosawa Mode: Classic black-and-white film filter (returning from Tsushima)
- Takashi Miike Mode: High-contrast violent cinema style
- Shinichirō Watanabe Mode: Anime-inspired visual flair
Review Scores and Critical Reception (March 2026)
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Ghost of Yotei has launched to universal acclaim:
Ghost of Tsushima walked so Ghost of Yotei could run. Yotei beats Tsushima in every category, with better graphics, better music, better gameplay, and a better story.
Key review highlights:
- Metacritic: 87/100 (102 reviews)
- OpenCritic: 89/100 (95% recommended)
- GameSpot: 9/10
- IGN: 9/10
- Eurogamer: Recommended
Ghost of Yotei is reviewing 4 points higher than Ghost of Tsushima, showing clear improvement over an already excellent foundation.
What Critics Are Saying?
A predictable but well-executed story takes you through Ghost of Yotei’s gorgeous landscapes and satisfying, fluid action – it may not be revolutionizing open world games, but it’s a great distillation of the samurai fantasy.
Ghost of Yotei is a monumental open world graphics powerhouse driven by intense combat and an enthralling revenge story.
The consensus? While it doesn’t reinvent the open-world formula, it perfects it with stunning visuals, refined combat, and an emotionally gripping narrative.
Platform Availability and Future Releases
PS5 Exclusive Launch
Ghost of Yōtei launches exclusively on PlayStation 5 on 2nd October 2025 and also includes support for PlayStation 5 Pro. There’s no PS4 version, as in order to realise their ambitious vision for Ghost of Yōtei, the development team shifted their focus to the newest generation of PlayStation consoles.
PC Release Potential
While not confirmed, based on Sony’s recent track record, it’s very likely that a Ghost of Yōtei PC release will come at some point. Ghost of Tsushima took four years to reach PC, but recent Sony exclusives have had shorter gaps, suggesting a potential PC release in 2026-2027.
No Xbox or Nintendo Versions
As a PlayStation Studios production, Ghost of Yotei will remain exclusive to PlayStation platforms. There’s virtually no chance of Xbox or Nintendo Switch releases.
Ghost of Yotei: Legends Multiplayer Mode
Coming in 2026
A sequel to Tsushima’s co-op multiplayer Legends mode was announced, titled Ghost of Yōtei: Legends. This won’t be available at launch but arrives as free DLC next year.
What to Expect?
Ghost of Yōtei Legends will offer two-player story missions and four-player survival matches. This time around, you’ll play as one of four character classes and try to defeat demonic, giant versions of members of the Yōtei Six.
Features include:
- 2-player story campaigns with narrative elements
- 4-player survival mode against waves of supernatural enemies
- Multiple character classes with unique abilities
- Progression system separate from single-player
- Cross-play support (likely, based on Tsushima Legends)
The supernatural setting provides a nice contrast to the grounded single-player campaign, letting players battle mythological creatures and giant boss versions of the Yōtei Six.
Day One Update and Technical Details
Massive Day One Patch
Sucker Punch reveals the patch notes for Ghost of Yotei’s major Day One update, while also clarifying its importance for physical edition players. Physical copy owners should expect a significant download before playing.
PS5 Technical Features
The game leverages PS5 hardware with:
- Native 4K resolution at 60fps (Performance mode)
- Ray-traced reflections and global illumination
- Near-instant loading times via SSD optimization
- 3D spatial audio for immersive soundscapes
- Full DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support
PS5 Pro Enhancements
PS5 Pro owners get additional benefits:
- AI-enhanced 8K resolution support
- Improved ray tracing quality
- More stable 60fps in Quality mode
- Enhanced texture detail and draw distances
Pre-Order Charts and Sales Performance
Dominating Global Charts
Ghost of Yotei is at the top of the PlayStation pre-order charts in multiple countries with less than a week before its October 2 release. The game holds the #1 spot for both Standard and Deluxe editions in:
- United States
- Japan
- United Kingdom
- Most European territories
- Australia and Canada
As of September 20, 2025, Ghost of Yōtei was one of the top-selling games on the PlayStation Store’s pre-order charts, coming first in Australia and Canada.
2026 Tips for Launch Day
Preparation Checklist
- Clear 80-100GB of storage space on your PS5
- Check your internet speed – downloading will begin at midnight
- Update your PS5 system software beforehand
- Charge your DualSense controllers fully
- Consider taking October 2nd off (you know you want to!)
First Hour Recommendations
Based on early reviews, I recommend:
- Start on Normal difficulty for balanced challenge
- Enable Kurosawa Mode briefly to appreciate the aesthetic
- Complete the tutorial thoroughly – combat is deeper than Tsushima
- Explore thoroughly – environmental storytelling is exceptional
- Don’t rush the revenge quest – side content is equally compelling
Limited Edition PS5 Consoles
Special Hardware Releases
Two limited edition PS5 console bundles launched alongside the game:
Gold Limited Edition ($599.99)
- Inspired by Japanese kintsugi art
- Gold accents matching Atsu’s fractured mask
- Available at retailers worldwide
Black Limited Edition ($599.99)
- Sumi-e ink painting design
- PlayStation Direct exclusive
- Bold brush strokes representing Ezo landscapes
Both include matching DualSense controllers with Atsu’s silhouette on the touchpad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there early access for Digital Deluxe buyers?
No, there’s no early access for the title, even for digital deluxe buyers. Everyone starts playing at the same time based on their region.
Can I pre-load the game?
Unfortunately not. There is no pre-load available for the title as well. Downloads begin when the game unlocks.
Will Ghost of Yotei come to PS4?
No, this is a PS5 exclusive with no plans for a last-gen version.
Is Ghost of Yotei a direct sequel?
From a story perspective, Ghost of Yōtei is not a direct sequel to Ghost of Tsushima. It’s a standalone story set 300 years later with a new protagonist.
When does the multiplayer mode release?
Yōtei: Legends is set to release in 2026 as a free update for all base game owners.
Will there be a PC version?
While not officially confirmed, Sony’s recent pattern suggests a PC release within 1-2 years.
Conclusion: A Ghost Reborn
Ghost of Yotei represents everything a sequel should be – respecting its predecessor while carving its own identity. With Ghost of Yotei is one of the best games I’ve ever played. From top to bottom, beginning to end, it is the epitome of what Triple-A game developers should strive for according to critics, October 2, 2026 marks the beginning of what could be PlayStation’s next landmark franchise entry.
Whether you’re a Ghost of Tsushima veteran or new to the series, Atsu’s tale of vengeance across the snow-covered lands of Ezo promises to deliver one of 2026‘s defining gaming experiences. The reviews speak for themselves – this is a must-play PS5 exclusive that showcases the console’s true potential.
The ghost has risen again, and vengeance has never looked so beautiful. See you in Ezo, fellow samurai!
For more PS5 gaming content, check out our comprehensive PS5 games guide and stay tuned to our gaming news section for the latest updates on Ghost of Yotei and other upcoming releases.