Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition Review

Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition Review

Since its launch, Ghost of Yotei has established itself as a worthy successor to Ghost of Tsushima, trading Jin Sakai’s story for Atsu’s tale of vengeance while retaining the signature blend of exploration, cinematic duels, and open-world adventure that developer Sucker Punch is known for.

Now, exactly a year after its initial launch, Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition represents the game’s biggest content drop yet, bundling the new Echoes of Sekigahara story expansion alongside Most Wanted Mode, additional cosmetics, trophies, Photo Mode content, and a handful of quality-of-life additions to an already packed game that also received the online Legends mode a while back.

But does it offer enough reasons for existing players to return? For the most part, yes, especially if you’ve already enjoyed the base package.

Echoes of Sekigahara Delivers More Ghost of Yotei

The journey begins with Echoes of Sekigahara, a new story expansion that becomes available after progressing through specific portions of the base game. The questline reunites Atsu with Nagato the Handsome, a familiar figure from her past whom she fought beside during the Battle of Sekigahara. Following a brief flashback that establishes their history together, players are sent to the Ashoro Foothills, a brand-new region packed with fresh activities, quests, and points of interest.

The expansion introduces the Vipers, followers of the Snake who immediately distinguish themselves from existing enemy factions through new battlefield mechanics. Their arrows leave deep wounds that require players to manually pull arrows out before they can fully utilize Spirit abilities again. They are also far more proactive in countering stealth, with traps littering portions of the battlefield, forcing players to pay closer attention to their surroundings while sneaking. Even more interesting is their ability to burn down tall grass, eliminating one of Atsu’s most reliable hiding spots and forcing players to adapt on the fly.

Echoes of Sekigahara also introduces a new weapon type called Massive Weapons. While this new weapon type has its own (small) skill tree, players shouldn’t expect a totally new playstyle like the Kusarigama or the Odachi. Instead, brutes drop them, and Atsu wields them temporarily to unleash devastating attacks that rip through enemy defenses. They’re intentionally limited, breaking after several uses, but the damage you can inflict within a few swings can turn the tide. It’s not a revolutionary addition, but it’s fun, satisfying, and fits naturally within the existing combat system.

A new key character in the Echoes of Sekigahara expansion is Nagato the Handsome, and his addition to the Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition is quite welcome in the sense that he gives further backstory to the events of the Battle of Sekigahara, which makes the DLC all the more enticing. Of course, no story spoilers here, but even though the proceedings were quite predictable, the story was worth seeing through if only to find out what happened behind the scenes at the Battle of Sekigahara.

In some missions, Nagato joins you as a companion, and since he’s highly skilled with a bow, players can direct him toward specific enemies, letting him provide ranged support while Atsu handles other targets. It’s a simple mechanic but contributes to the feeling that you’re fighting alongside an actual ally rather than simply escorting another NPC.

On top of that, Ashoro Foothills offers plenty to explore, though much of it may already be familiar from the base game, including more hot springs, altars, and more. A new settlement introduces fresh bounties, side activities, merchants, and characters. One standout addition is Kihei, who teaches Atsu how to prepare meals that provide gameplay bonuses. A new dye merchant also expands customization by adding dyes and trade routes, giving fashion-focused players another reason to keep collecting cosmetics.

Players will also get a couple of new armor sets that support new gameplay styles. One is the Snake Skin Armor set, which offers unique interactions through explosive sake jars that release poisonous clouds on impact. It encourages creative combat encounters and provides another viable option for players looking to diversify their builds.

That said, Echoes of Sekigahara doesn’t dramatically shake up the formula. The battles, duels, and mission structure remain largely familiar. Depending on your perspective, that can either be a positive or a criticism. At roughly four to five hours just for this new area alone, it’s a good extension of the core adventure, but it’s ultimately more Ghost of Yotei than a bold new direction. That said, it does deepen the players’ understanding of Atsu and why she is who she is, and in that sense, this expansion definitely delivers.

Most Wanted Mode Is the Real Star

If Echoes of Sekigahara serves as the expansion’s narrative attraction, then Most Wanted Mode emerges as its meatiest and best offering. Available from the outset without any story progression requirements, this standalone single-player survival mode offers a compelling alternative to the main campaign. Players can choose from a roster that includes Atsu, Nagato, Oyuki, and Jin Sakai, each bringing distinct combat styles and abilities to the battlefield.

Atsu’s aggressive dual-katana approach is complemented by tools like Metsubushi and Blind Bombs, alongside devastating ultimate abilities such as Onryo’s Howl and Call of the Pack. Meanwhile, Oyuki caters to stealth-oriented players, leveraging her kusarigama and assassination-focused toolkit to tackle encounters from a completely different angle. Each character’s base combat is similar, but their kits allow for some slight differentiation.

The structure itself is deceptively simple: select a bounty target from the Yōtei Six, fight through increasingly difficult waves of enemies, earn rewards, and ultimately face the chosen target in a climactic duel. What makes Most Wanted so engaging, however, is its robust progression system. Each completed stage presents meaningful perk choices that can significantly alter a run, from enhanced loot drops to powerful elemental weapon effects and unique combat bonuses.

Even failed attempts contribute toward permanent upgrades, including increased health, expanded Focus reserves, improved weapons, and deeper skill trees, ensuring every run feels worthwhile. The result is a highly addictive loop that constantly encourages another attempt. While its steep difficulty curve may prove intimidating for newcomers, players already familiar with Yotei’s combat systems will find a rewarding challenge that steadily transforms frustration into mastery. For veterans who have already conquered the main story, Most Wanted Mode may ultimately become the Complete Edition’s most compelling addition.

Beauty of Yotei Is a Love Letter to the World

Rounding out Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition is Beauty of Yotei Mode. Rather than offering gameplay challenges, this feature functions as a visual showcase for the game’s world. Slow cinematic camera movements, atmospheric music, and breathtaking vistas transform Ghost of Yotei into what is essentially an interactive art gallery. Think of it as a beautifully produced animated wallpaper that exists solely to celebrate the environments and artistic craftsmanship behind the game.

It may not be a mode everyone uses regularly, but it’s a welcome inclusion that demonstrates how much confidence the developers have in the world they’ve created.

Verdict: Buy it!

Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition doesn’t radically transform the experience, but it doesn’t need to. Echoes of Sekigahara provides a solid new chapter filled with fresh mechanics, a worthwhile new region, and additional progression systems. Most Wanted Mode injects a surprising amount of replayability into the package through its roguelite-inspired structure and challenging combat encounters. Beauty of Yotei, meanwhile, offers a relaxing way to appreciate one of gaming’s most beautiful worlds.

None of these additions fundamentally reinvent Ghost of Yotei. Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition often feels comfortable operating within established boundaries, and players hoping for a major evolution of the formula may come away wanting more. Still, for those who already love Ghost of Yotei, that’s unlikely to be a problem, because sometimes, more Yotei is exactly what you want.

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to return to Ezo, Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition gives you several.

*Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition was reviewed on a PS5 with a review code provided by the publisher.