Ghost of Yotei Is Keeping One of Tsushima’s Best Features

The release of Ghost of Tsushima in 2020 took open-world games to a whole new level.

One of its key innovations was the Guiding Wind, which let players navigate the island by following the wind's direction instead of using markers or HUD clutter. It was smooth, engaging, and surprisingly emotional, which connects directly to the story as a symbol of the protagonist's relationship with his father.

Ghost of Yōtei reintroduces this mechanic on October 2, 2025. Sucker Punch confirmed the return of the Guiding Wind in the latest trailer, where Atsu walks beneath a ginkgo tree as wind flows around her path. For a lot of fans, it proved the spirit of Tsushima is preserved in the sequel, but not everyone is on board with that.

The decision to reintroduce the Guiding Wind has sparked a fair amount of debate. It only makes sense to bring it back, as the system was widely praised for promoting a more natural exploration experience and helping players stay engaged without the usual compass bars or flashing indicators.

It brought a unique rhythm to Tsushima, and applying the same idea could elevate Yōtei, especially with its new setting in the snow-dusted wilderness of Ezo (now called Hokkaido). With a bigger map and new stuff like dual-wielding katanas and ōdachis, Yōtei's got everything it needs for a smooth, immersive experience.

However, there's a counterpoint questioning whether Yōtei is the right place for the Guiding Wind. In Tsushima, the wind became a symbol of Jin Sakai's father, a constant reminder of loss as his guardian had told him that his father would always be the breeze at his back.

Without that narrative foundation, some critics believe the mechanic could seem shallow or disconnected. Some fans were hoping for an entirely new navigation system in Yōtei, especially given the teaser that showed Atsu with a wolf, which many assumed could be related to how the game guides players.

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Still, there's something to be said for consistency. Yōtei introduces a new protagonist, region, and more aggressive playstyles—Atsu seems less bound by honor than Jin—but it's clear the studio wanted to keep what made the original formula so effective.

Players can activate the wind at any time, giving them control and guidance without cluttering the screen with excessive prompts. Only time will tell if the feature carries the same emotional weight. Ghost of Yōtei keeps what worked while letting the world evolve, unlike many sequels that lose their identity chasing innovation.

PlayStation 5 players can expect the game this October, with pre-orders opening on May 2. Players can pick between the Standard, Digital Deluxe, or Collector's Editions, and once they enter Atsu's world, the wind will guide them.