Ghost of Yotei is generating a lot of buzz with its promise of introducing some fresh elements, particularly the addition of matchlock guns. This new weapon brings a totally different angle to long-range combat, and it was definitely one of the standout moments in the game’s announcement trailer. Fans of the series are eagerly awaiting more details from the developers at Sucker Punch, especially when it comes to how these guns will function within the game. Until we get more information, the inclusion of firearms raises a host of questions about the depth of their gameplay mechanics.
Considering these matchlock guns are a new feature, they might be kept fairly simple initially. However, there’s also a significant opportunity to develop more complex upgrading systems down the line. Drawing from their past work like in Ghost of Tsushima, it’s hard to imagine Sucker Punch would present such an exciting weapon in a basic format. If they maintain their weapon upgrade approach from Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei could potentially draw inspiration from a different title altogether—The Last of Us.
One of the great joys of The Last of Us is the ability to customize and upgrade guns. As players progress, either Joel or Ellie can find workbenches scattered throughout the world. Ignoring these opportunities isn’t advisable, as enhancing your firearms can significantly impact gameplay. If Ghost of Yotei were to adopt a similar system, it could provide players with a deeply rewarding experience.
The strength of The Last of Us’ weapon customization isn’t just about improving gameplay. It heightens player immersion. Although the presence of perfectly positioned workbenches in a post-apocalyptic setting isn’t entirely realistic, Naughty Dog has grounded the customization experience in a way that keeps everything feeling genuine. As Ghost of Yotei prepares to expand the capabilities of its franchise, implementing a similar yet balanced upgrade feature could make these matchlock guns truly shine.
Set in the year 1603, Ghost of Yotei transports players to the onset of the Edo period in Japan, a time where the samurai class was held in high esteem. While matchlock weapons aren’t the sole new addition to the game’s arsenal, they represent the most significant shift from Ghost of Tsushima. The 300-year leap in the timeline offers the chance to explore a different era of Japanese history, with a setting that naturally accommodates the emergence of early firearms, thereby taking combat to new heights.
Aside from matchlock guns, other weapons confirmed for Ghost of Yotei include the katana, which players can even dual-wield, and the kusarigama.
As we look ahead to 2025, which promises a whirlwind of game releases, Ghost of Yotei is carving out its unique space. Despite many developers bracing themselves against the industry giant GTA 6, Ghost of Yotei’s innovative approach ensures it remains a memorable title in an ever-growing market. Since the initial trailer debut in September, Sucker Punch has maintained a low profile, despite the 2025 release target. It’s entirely possible the release might face delays, given the packed schedule, but here’s hoping it stays on track.
While the community eagerly waits for a release date announcement, the anticipation and speculation about what Ghost of Yotei has to offer continue to build. Although The Last of Us seems an unlikely model for inspiration due to its vastly different setting, its grounded approach to weapons and combat makes it an ideal blueprint for Ghost of Yotei to examine.
