Ghost of Yoteiis 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 Yoteibringing 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 onGhost of Tsushima, it’s unlikely that Sucker Punch will allow such an exciting weapon type to be rudimentary.Upgrading weapons inGhost of Tsushimawas important, and ifGhost of Yoteitakes this same approach with guns, then it could find inspiration in an unlikely source;The Last of Us.
How The Last of Us Can Help Influence Ghost of Yotei’s Guns
One of the highlights of playingThe Last of Usis 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 inThe Last of Uscan be a huge game-changer, anda similar approach inGhost of Yoteicould be really satisfying.
The Last of Us' Weapon Customization is One of Its Strongest Immersion Tools
The beauty ofThe 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 Yoteiexpanding what the series is capable ofis 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 inGhost of Yotei, but they are certainly the most drastic change fromGhost of Tsushima.The 300-year difference in timebetweenGhost of Yoteiand 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
2025 is a Big Year, But Ghost of Yotei Stands Out
There is an insane number of games set to release this year, andGhost of Yoteiis one of the most notable on the list. While most of the industry will struggle to compete with the juggernaut that isGTA 6,Ghost of Yoteiremixing its own formulahelps 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 elseGhost of Yoteihas in storefor players is sure to continue. With its vastly different setting,The Last of Usmay seem like one of the most unlikely sources of inspiration forGhost of Yotei, but the two sharing a grounded approach to its weapons and combat makes the former a perfect blueprint to study.
Ghost of Yotei
WHERE TO PLAY
Discover a bold, new story of a warrior in Japan who is on a mission of vengeance all her own.Set 300 years after the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei is standalone experience set in 1600s rural Japan. The story follows a haunted, lone mercenary named Atsu. Thirsty for revenge, she travels through the beautiful, rugged landscapes of northern Japan, hunting those who killed her family many years earlier.
