Yotei Ghost Embraces "Dirty" Dueling Tactics

The combat system in Ghost of Yotei is shaping up to be a brutal, tactical evolution of the series’ signature style—emphasizing ruthless efficiency over honor. Atsu, the game’s fierce new protagonist, isn’t bound by samurai tradition. Instead, she fights with a mercenary’s mindset: do whatever it takes to survive and win. This philosophy drives every aspect of the game’s refined combat, from weapon variety to stealth mechanics and dynamic duels.

Honor Has No Place Here

Unlike Jin Sakai, who walked the line between samurai and shadow, Atsu embraces chaos. She’s not a warrior of code—she’s a survivor fueled by vengeance. And that means fighting dirty. Armed with five distinct dueling weapons—the katana, spear, kusarigama, odachi, and dual katanas—Atsu can adapt her approach based on enemy type and battlefield conditions. Each weapon comes with its own upgrade tree, allowing players to tailor their combat style as they progress.

Much like the stance system in Ghost of Tsushima, weapon effectiveness is situational. The massive odachi excels against larger, slower enemies, slicing through armor and defenses with ease. Dual katanas offer speed and precision, perfect for outmaneuvering spear-wielders with long reach. The kusarigama introduces a new dimension to stealth, enabling long-range takedowns—ideal for silently eliminating targets without breaking cover.

Atsu isn’t limited to melee, either. She carries both a bow and a gun, giving her lethal range options for picking off enemies before engagement. And just like in the previous game, tactical tools remain essential: kunai for distraction, bombs for area control, and blinding powders to create openings in even the toughest fights.

If It Ain't Broke...

Core combat mechanics return largely unchanged—but with meaningful refinements. Blocking, parrying, and dodging remain central to defense, supported by the familiar color-coded glint system: blue for parry, red for dodge. A new addition? The yellow glint. This signals an enemy attempting to disarm Atsu. React too late, and you’ll be left weaponless in the middle of battle. Time your counter correctly, however, and you can turn the tables—disarming them instead.

Standoffs also make a dramatic return, heightening the tension of one-on-one duels. While details on how they’re triggered are still under wraps, their presence promises those heart-pounding, cinematic moments fans loved in the original.

With Ghost of Yotei, combat isn’t just about skill—it’s about cunning, preparation, and willingness to cross lines others won’t. Welcome to a new era of bushido: one where victory justifies every dirty trick.