Key Mechanic from Ghost of Tsushima Won't Return in the Sequel

Ghost of Yotei promises not only to enhance the beloved elements of Ghost of Tsushima and fix its shortcomings but also to significantly expand the combat system. However, to achieve this, developers at Sucker Punch had to remove one of the key mechanics.

As Creative Director Nate Fox revealed in an interview with GamesRadar+, the team decided to scrap the stance system from Ghost of Tsushima during development. This useful feature in the original game allowed the protagonist to fight different enemy types effectively—breaking shields, piercing heavy armor, and dealing heavy damage. In Ghost of Yotei, players will need to rely more on improvisation:

Combat will require players to use specific gear for different situations—a kusarigama will be useful against groups of enemies, while a spear can push back foes. Players will also be able to pick up enemy weapons if they find themselves unarmed.

The developers also spoke about the wolf companion in Ghost of Yotei. The animal will be a willful partner who can assist with missions—or ignore the protagonist’s commands altogether, as it "has a mind of its own." According to Nate Fox, the wolf symbolizes the untamed spirit of Japan’s wilderness.

Ghost of Yotei is set to release on October 2 exclusively for PlayStation 5. Recently, Sucker Punch hosted a major showcase featuring gameplay footage and new details about the sequel.