Guide to Ghost of Yotei: Release Date, Unlock Time, Preorder Bonuses, and DLC

Ghost of Yōtei, the highly anticipated sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, is set to immerse players in a stunning open-world adventure set in 1603 around Mount Yōtei in Hokkaido, Japan. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this PS5 exclusive follows the ronin Atsu on a quest for vengeance against the Tsunami Clan. As the launch approaches, here's everything you need to know about when it drops, how to access it, the perks of preordering, and what's coming post-launch.

Release Date

Ghost of Yōtei officially launches on October 2, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5. This date was announced during a State of Play showcase earlier this year, marking nearly five years since the original Ghost of Tsushima hit shelves.

Preloading for the game begins on September 28, 2025, allowing you to download the hefty 80GB file ahead of time so you're ready to dive in right away.

Unlock Time

The game unlocks at midnight local time on October 2, 2025, meaning players worldwide can start their journey at the stroke of midnight in their respective time zones. There's no early access period, so everyone jumps in together—though preordering lets you snag digital bonuses immediately.

To help you plan, here's a breakdown of unlock times for major regions:

Note: These times are based on standard PS5 release patterns. Always check the PlayStation Store for your account's specific region to confirm.

Preorder Bonuses

Preorders for Ghost of Yōtei opened on May 2, 2025, and they're still available through the PlayStation Store, retailers like Amazon, or Best Buy. No matter which edition you choose, preordering guarantees some exclusive goodies to enhance your ghostly arsenal from the start. Here's what you get:

Standard Preorder Bonuses (All Editions)

• Ghost Mask: A unique in-game mask for Atsu, evoking the spirit of the Ghost.
• PSN Avatars: A set of seven digital avatars featuring concept art of Atsu and the Yōtei Six (available instantly for digital preorders).

Digital Deluxe Edition Extras (Early Unlock)

If you opt for the $69.99 Digital Deluxe Edition, you'll also receive:

• Snake’s Armor Set: Stylish new threads for stealthy approaches.
• Alternate Starting Armor Dye: Customize your look right out of the gate.
• Unique Horse Color and Saddle Dye: Personalize your mount.
• In-Game Charm: A special talisman for subtle buffs.
• Gold Sword Kit: A gleaming weapon skin.
• Traveler’s Maps: Early access to these handy exploration tools.

Collector's Edition Perks ($199.99)

For collectors, the physical edition bundles everything above with tangible swag:

• Replica display edition of Atsu’s Ghost mask.
• Replica of Atsu’s sash.
• Replica of the Tsuba from Atsu’s katana.
• Pouch of coins with instructions for the Zeni Hajiki mini-game.
• Foldable papercraft ginkgo tree with wolf.
• Set of four 5x7-inch art cards.

These bonuses are locked in until launch, so grab them while you can to feel like a true ronin from day one.

DLC and Future Content

Sucker Punch has exciting plans beyond the base game, ensuring Ghost of Yōtei stays fresh long after launch. The big one on the horizon is Ghost of Yōtei Legends, a free DLC expansion arriving sometime in 2026.

This co-op multiplayer mode builds on the beloved Legends from Ghost of Tsushima, letting you team up with friends for:

• Two-Player Story Missions: Dive into narrative-driven raids as one of four classes (Samurai, Ronin, Assassin, or Ghost).
• Four-Player Survival Matches: Battle waves of enemies in intense, replayable standoffs.

It's completely free for all Ghost of Yōtei owners, no extra purchase required, and promises to expand the game's online offerings without gating content behind paywalls. While no other DLC has been detailed yet, the day-one patch on October 2 will include bug fixes, performance tweaks, and minor balance adjustments to kick things off smoothly.