Ghost of Yotei: Mastering Brutal Combat

Ghost of Yotei's combat mechanics showcase just how ruthless you can be in the upcoming game. Here's what you need to know about the new weapons, fresh mechanics, and returning features.

Ghost of Yotei Combat Encourages Even "Dirtier" Tactics

Honor Has No Place Here

Unlike the previous protagonist Jin Sakai, Atsu is neither a samurai nor a ninja—she's a mercenary who will use any weapon to secure victory. We now know her arsenal extends beyond the katana. Atsu wields five distinct dueling weapons in her revenge quest: the katana, spear, kusarigama, odachi, and dual katanas. It's also been confirmed that each weapon will feature its own unique upgrade tree.

Moreover, certain weapons will be particularly effective against specific enemy types or weapon styles, similar to the stance system from the original game. Fighting a larger foe? The odachi's massive blade can cut them down. Dealing with a spear-wielding opponent? The dual katanas let you weave through their attacks and strike quickly.

While its full potential remains under wraps, the kusarigama enables long-range stealth takedowns, significantly expanding the series' stealth combat options.

Alongside her extensive melee arsenal, Atsu can also employ firearms and bows to eliminate enemies from a distance. Like in the previous game, she has access to various tools—kunai, bombs, and blinding powders—to outmaneuver her adversaries.

If It Ain't Broke...

Combat retains much of what made the original great. Blocking, parrying, and dodging remain core defensive tactics. The color-coded attack indicators return—blue signals an attack that must be parried, while red requires a dodge. A new yellow glint has been introduced, representing enemy attempts to disarm Atsu. To counter this, she must time her strike perfectly to disarm them first. Standoffs are also confirmed to make a return, though whether their mechanics or activation methods have changed remains a mystery.