Ghost of Yotei's Reveal Trailer is Proof That the Sequel Knows Its Audience

Ghost of Yotei is sitting on the horizon, as the anticipated successor to Ghost of Tsushima is one of the many titles set to make 2025 a busy year for gaming. The finer details of Ghost of Yotei and its story remain secretive at the moment, but developer Sucker Punch is bound to share more news this year.

With a brand-new protagonist and a time jump 300 years ahead of Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei promises major changes for the series. Many were expecting a direct sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, but expanding the franchise with standalone stories set throughout Japan’s history may actually be a stronger approach that ensures the series’ longevity. Ghost of Yotei may be taking the story in a new direction, but based on the game’s first trailer, the importance of animals is bound to continue entertaining players.

If Ghost of Yotei Brings Back Legends, It May Want to Watch Elden Ring Nightreign Closely

If Ghost of Yotei plans to bring back Ghost of Tsushima’s Legends mode, there are some things it could potentially learn from Elden Ring Nightreign.

Ghost of Yotei’s Embrace of Its Successor’s Animal Content is a Good Sign

A Fan-Favorite Feature in Ghost of Tsushima Returns

Animals played an important role in Ghost of Tsushima‘s setting. From butterflies to deer, each animal included in Ghost of Tsushima helped bring its environment to life in a special way. Whether one is welcomed by crabs when bowing at a beach shrine or a run-in with a pack of wild boar requires quick-thinking defense, each animal is made an essential part of the game’s ecosystem. The titular island would feel barren without the diverse number of animals showcased throughout the story, and it’s exciting that Ghost of Yotei appears to be making this a tradition.

Specific animals in Ghost of Tsushima are able to be hunted, while others can’t be harmed. Although unconfirmed, it’s likely that Ghost of Yotei will also feature hunting.

Ghost of Yotei’s Teased Animals Hold Promise

Since the first trailer merely teased the game, there is understandably not enough time to showcase every single animal that is set to be represented in Ghost of Yotei, but the sneak peek was a good start. The main animal the trailer focuses on is a wolf. Its role in the story is mysterious, but it seems likely that the wolf may play a companion role, at least in some capacity.

Another exciting animal featured in the first Ghost of Yotei trailer is a herd of horses. Wild horses gracefully galloping across a sprawling green field as the titular Mount Yotei sits in the distance is one of the more breathtaking scenes from the brief trailer. Between the wolf and wild horses, there are bound to be even more animals waiting to breathe extra life into the new setting.

Everything Confirmed About Ghost of Yotei, So Far

Stars a brand-new protagonist, Atsu
Set in the year 1603, the beginning of the Edo period
Introduces dual-wielding weapons to the series
Features matchlock guns
Slated for release later this year, but the date has yet to be confirmed
PS5 exclusive

Right now, there is no hint from Sucker Punch about when more news about the sequel will be revealed. Ghost of Yotei‘s exciting new setting opens the door for new animals that aren’t native to Tsushima Island to be introduced. While it’s bittersweet to leave Jin’s story behind, Atsu’s journey promises another emotional and striking narrative to be explored.

A Ghost of Tsushima movie is currently in development. It’s set to be led by John Wick director Chad Stahelski.

With 2025 being so stacked with releases, Sucker Punch is caught in a tough situation when setting an official launch target in stone. GTA 6‘s impending arrival in the fall leaves a lot of publishers and developers with the tough decision of either releasing beforehand to get ahead of Rockstar or to risk releasing afterward. Only time will tell, but whatever Ghost of Yotei has in store, it’s reassuring to know that Sucker Punch has held onto the importance of including animals for players to enjoy.