Which Is The Better Game Between Ghost Of Tsushima And Ghost Of Yotei?

For nearly ten years, Sucker Punch Productions was known for the *inFAMOUS* games. So, when they released *Ghost of Tsushima* in 2020, fans were surprised! It marked a shift for the studio towards a more realistic, gritty, and historical setting. That game launched a new series, and now, the highly anticipated sequel, *Ghost of Yotei*, is finally here.

Fans are once again arguing about which game is superior: Ghost of Yotei or Ghost of Tsushima. While Ghost of Yotei improves upon some aspects of the original, Ghost of Tsushima, it’s not a simple comparison. Let’s explore the strengths of both games and playfully determine a winner.

There will be some spoilers.

Ghost Of Tsushima: Jin As A Character

His Inner Struggles

Although both characters are well-developed, Jin’s story is particularly moving because of the deep and lasting impact of his family struggles. He experienced the loss of his parents at a young age and was then raised by his uncle, who became his adoptive father.

Following the Mongolian invasion, Jin focuses on protecting his uncle and their island, but his uncle sees these actions as a betrayal of their principles. Atsu experiences less inner turmoil; while she sometimes clashes with her brother, she remains completely focused on her quest for revenge, portraying her as a ruthless and determined fighter.

Ghost Of Yotei: Broader Missions And World

More Open From The Start

While the beginning of *Ghost of Tsushima* is a bit slow-paced despite its impressive opening fight, *Ghost of Yotei* gets you into the action much faster. Unlike *Tsushima*, where the protagonist starts at a disadvantage, *Yotei* lets you explore the world more freely right away and doesn’t require lengthy tutorials.

The game offers a vast and engaging world with plenty to discover, including branching storylines, optional side quests, and fun mini-games like Zeni Hajiki. While *Ghost of Yotei* is visually appealing and has some unique content, its world feels more compelling and interesting to explore overall.

Ghost Of Tsushima: The Villains

Invasions Vs A Civil Conflict

Atsu’s story begins with a tragic event: she witnesses her parents’ murder as a child and dedicates her life to seeking revenge. The Yotei Six are a group of Japanese individuals involved in a conflict within their own country, a situation that, while noteworthy, is typical of the unrest prevalent in Japan during this period.

The story in *Ghost of Tsushima* is particularly captivating because the villains, the invading Mongolians, are outsiders focused solely on devastation. Both Lord Saito in *Ghost of Yotei* and Khotun Khan in *Ghost of Tsushima* are charismatic leaders, but Khotun Khan feels more menacing due to his complete lack of redeeming qualities.

Ghost Of Yotei: Better Combat

Atsu Is Prepared For Everything

One of the biggest improvements in *Ghost of Yotei* is the expanded arsenal and more dynamic combat. Players can now select from five different melee weapons, such as the classic katana and the Yari spear, and also utilize items like knives and bombs during battles.

During fights, players can take weapons from enemies and use them against them. Sometimes, a wolf will even fight alongside Atsu. The game has a huge number of upgrades, and while *Ghost of Tsushima* already felt great to play, *Ghost of Yotei* proves that adding even more features can actually improve the experience.

Ghost Of Tsushima: The Stealth Mechanics

Jin Learns With The Rest Of Japan

One small downside to the combat in *Ghost of Yotei* is that Atsu initially can’t sneak around very well. Jin also starts without stealth skills, but the game quickly teaches him how to hide in tall grass and silently take down enemies. This ties into a neat idea: ninjas aren’t widely known yet in Japan, and the game explores that developing skillset.

Jin and Atsu both gain the ability to sense enemy outlines, called Focused Hearing, though Atsu unlocks it later in the game. While *Ghost of Tsushima* excels as a ninja experience, *Ghost of Yotei* offers a superior samurai experience thanks to improvements in combat. Players can choose which style they prefer to focus on.

Ghost Of Yotei: Atsu’s Climbing Skills Are Unmatched

See That Mountain?

Although Atsu isn’t as stealthy in grass as Jin, she’s a much better climber. The shrines in *Ghost of Yotei* actually give her more ways to approach challenges and adapt to different situations.

These shrines challenge players with tricky climbing and platforming. Though sometimes difficult, reaching the top is rewarding, both for the treasures you find and the beautiful scenery. While *Ghost of Tsushima* features some platforming and stunning landscapes, *Ghost of Yotei* includes even more of these challenging sections.

Ghost Of Tsushima: Jin’s Song

Amps. You. Up.

Comparing the main themes of these games might seem strange, but music is central to the characters of both Jin and Atsu. Jin plays the flute in *Ghost of Tsushima*, and Atsu plays the shamisen in *Ghost of Yotei* – an instrument that many find more appealing. However, Jin’s main theme is so strong and impactful that Atsu’s theme doesn’t quite reach the same level of power.

Both games feature incredible music, but *Ghost of Tsushima’s* soundtrack enhances the story more effectively than *Ghost of Yotei’s*. Plus, it really gets players excited for battle.

Verdict: Ghost Of Tsushima

Your First Will Be Your First

The two *Ghost* games are very alike. While *Ghost of Yotei* has some clear improvements, it’s fundamentally the same game, just refined with better graphics, a faster pace, and more polished combat. It offers a more enjoyable open-world experience for players who love free exploration, but it doesn’t represent a significant leap forward as a game overall.

Ghost of Tsushima has a more compelling story, focusing on Jin and his fight to protect his homeland, and the music really enhances the emotional impact. People’s preference between this game and others likely depends on which one they experienced first. However, because Ghost of Tsushima was released earlier, it feels a bit more unique. If Sucker Punch decides to make a third game, they’ll need to introduce significant changes to keep it fresh and exciting.

2025-10-11 23:07