Ghost of Yotei shares a similar style with Ghost of Tsushima, which launched five years ago. But do you really need to play the first game beforehand? We’ve got the answer.
Ghost of Yotei builds on the acclaimed predecessor Ghost of Tsushima, but tells a brand-new story. Still, the question remains: should you play the first game first, or can you jump into the adventure without any prior knowledge? We’ll explain whether you need to experience Jin Sakai’s old journey on Tsushima to understand Atsu’s path of revenge in Yotei.
The Story of Ghost of Tsushima – A Quick Recap
For context, let’s look back: Ghost of Tsushima takes you to the year 1274, when the Mongols invaded the Japanese island of Tsushima. You play as Jin Sakai, a samurai forced to question his strict sense of honor in order to save his homeland. The game tells a tale of duty, sacrifice, and the cost of freedom – though the story is mostly confined to Tsushima and the conflict with the Mongols.
What is Ghost of Yotei about?
Ghost of Yotei doesn’t pick up where Jin Sakai’s journey ended. Instead, the story jumps about 300 years forward – to 1603, on the northern island of Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido).
This time, you step into the role of Atsu, a mercenary who returns after the brutal murder of her family to take revenge on the “Yotai Six” – a mysterious group whose members bear ominous titles like the Snake, the Oni, or Lord Saido. The story stands completely on its own and has no direct connection to Jin Sakai’s battle on Tsushima.
Also interesting:
- Ghost of Yotei Trophy Guide: How to unlock every achievement
- Ghost of Yotei: All details on release, editions, DLCs, and more
Do you need to play the first game?
The short answer: No. The story of Ghost of Yotei is completely standalone, and you can dive right in without ever swinging a samurai sword in Tsushima.
That said, if you played the first game, you’ll naturally feel more familiar with the gameplay concept. The open world, combat mechanics, and blend of samurai honor with guerrilla tactics will feel recognizable. But when it comes to understanding the story itself, prior knowledge isn’t required at all.
Conclusion: You can jump right into Yotei
If you’re wondering whether you need to catch up on Ghost of Tsushima before starting Ghost of Yotei: don’t worry about it. Yotei tells a completely new story that newcomers will understand right away. Still, if you’d like to experience the origins of the “Ghost” series, it’s definitely worth going back to Tsushima – if only for its incredible atmosphere.
