Ghost of Yotei is set to bring forth plenty of exciting changes, but one of the most intriguing is its introduction of matchlock guns. This new take on long-range combat for the series was one of the standout reveals in the game’s announcement trailer, and developer Sucker Punch will hopefully reveal more info about these weapons soon. Until then, Ghost of Yotei bringing guns to the forefront raises plenty of questions about how in-depth their mechanics might be.
With the introduction of matchlock guns being new, they could potentially be pretty straightforward, but there is also plenty of room for upgrading mechanics along the way. Based on Ghost of Tsushima, it’s unlikely that Sucker Punch will allow such an exciting weapon type to be rudimentary. Upgrading weapons in Ghost of Tsushima was important, and if Ghost of Yotei takes this same approach with guns, then it could find inspiration in an unlikely source; The Last of Us.
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While the time jump between Ghost of Tsushima and Yotei makes sense for what Sucker Punch is doing, it missed a period that might have been perfect.
How The Last of Us Can Help Influence Ghost of Yotei’s Guns
One of the highlights of playing The Last of Us is its gun customization. Throughout both games, Joel or Ellie can stumble upon workbenches, and it’s important not to pass these locations up. Upgrading guns in The Last of Us can be a huge game-changer, and a similar approach in Ghost of Yotei could be really satisfying.
The Last of Us’ Weapon Customization is One of Its Strongest Immersion Tools
The beauty of The Last of Us‘ approach to gun upgrades is that not only is it a huge help throughout the games, it brings immersion to even greater heights. While strategically placed workbenches are an unrealistic post-apocalypse scenario, the way in which Naughty Dog implements this customization is grounded, and that keeps the franchise’s atmosphere incredibly realistic. Ghost of Yotei expanding what the series is capable of is an exciting step forward, and a balanced gun upgrading system may be the key to making matchlock guns the star of the show.
Ghost of Yotei‘s 1603 setting marks the beginning of the Edo period. This era of Japan was defined by a strict social hierarchy where the samurai were highly regarded.
Matchlock guns may not be the only new weapons being introduced in Ghost of Yotei, but they are certainly the most drastic change from Ghost of Tsushima. The 300-year difference in time between Ghost of Yotei and its predecessor opens the door for a compelling deep dive into a different part of Japanese history, and a setting that allows for early guns is bound to take combat to the next level.
Other Confirmed Weapons in Ghost of Yotei
- Katana (can also be dual-wielded)
- Kusarigama
2025 is a Big Year, But Ghost of Yotei Stands Out
There is an insane number of games set to release this year, and Ghost of Yotei is one of the most notable on the list. While most of the industry will struggle to compete with the juggernaut that is GTA 6, Ghost of Yotei remixing its own formula helps it stick out in an increasingly crowded space. Since dropping the initial announcement trailer back in September, Sucker Punch has kept fairly quiet about the sequel, despite having a 2025 launch date. With such a busy year for releases, there may be the chance that the game will be pushed back, but hopefully that’s not the case.
Matchlock guns were introduced to Japan via the Portuguese Empire in the mid 1500s.
As the wait for a release date announcement continues, speculation about what else Ghost of Yotei has in store for players is sure to continue. With its vastly different setting, The Last of Us may seem like one of the most unlikely sources of inspiration for Ghost of Yotei, but the two sharing a grounded approach to its weapons and combat makes the former a perfect blueprint to study.
The sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Yōtei is a PS5 exclusive scheduled to drop at some point in 2025. Taking place in 1603, the story will feature a new protagonist and a new Japanese region that is far removed from Tsushima’s setting.
Action
Adventure
Open-World
- Released
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2025
- Publisher(s)
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Sony Interactive Entertainment