Ghost of Yotei, the highly anticipated follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima, is shaping up to be one of the biggest releases of the year. With less than a week to go before launch, the game has surged to the top of PlayStation’s pre-order charts across multiple countries, defying early controversies and setting itself up for a blockbuster debut.
A Strong Surge in Global Pre-Orders
Industry watcher and gaming personality Okami13_ shared data on Friday showing Ghost of Yotei holding the number one pre-order position in the United States, Japan, Europe, and the United Kingdom. The trend isn’t limited to just a handful of regions; reports suggest that at least 13 countries now list the game as their top pre-ordered title.
What’s particularly striking is that the Deluxe Edition of the game has taken the lead in almost every market, even though it doesn’t offer early access like some premium editions in other franchises. Instead, its success lies in its curated set of in-game items, which includes a snake armor set, a horse and saddle, a sword kit, and traveler’s maps. For many fans, these extras appear to add just enough weight to justify the upgrade.
From Controversy to Celebration
The road to launch hasn’t been free of hurdles. When Ghost of Yotei was revealed just over a year ago, it drew pushback from sections of the Ghost of Tsushima fanbase over the decision to feature a female protagonist. More recently, the firing of a developer at Sucker Punch Productions, following controversial comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, briefly threatened to overshadow the game’s buzz.
Despite these flashpoints, pre-order performance suggests that neither criticism nor controversy has managed to dent excitement. If anything, the narrative around the game appears to have shifted decisively in its favor thanks to early reviews and community momentum.
Early Reviews Paint a Bright Picture
The positive reception has played a major role in driving interest. Ghost of Yotei currently holds a Metacritic score of 87, with critics praising its rich open world, cinematic storytelling, and nuanced combat mechanics. While not a direct sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, the game retains the DNA of its predecessor while moving the timeline forward by several centuries.
The new story follows Atsu, a lone warrior on a revenge-driven quest to hunt down the Yotei Six. Set across a vibrant, sprawling depiction of Japan, the game weaves together lush landscapes, like sakura forests, with a tale steeped in loss, duty, and perseverance.
Preloads and Launch Day Expectations
Players eager to dive in won’t have to wait long. Preloads began on September 25, giving PlayStation 5 owners a head start on the hefty 85 GB download. With preloading available, fans can jump in the moment the game unlocks on October 2. While updates may push the file size higher, early access to the installation appears to be another factor boosting pre-order numbers.
Setting the Stage for the Holiday Season
With momentum firmly on its side, Ghost of Yotei looks ready to be one of the dominant titles in an already packed holiday season. Its mix of legacy, innovation, and critical acclaim has turned what began as a divisive project into one of PlayStation’s most talked-about launches of the year.
October 2 is shaping up to be a defining moment not just for Sucker Punch, but for players eager to embark on a new journey through Japan’s history, this time through the eyes of Atsu.
