If the base game of Ghost of Yōtei proved that Sucker Punch could successfully iterate on their winning open-world formula, the Complete Edition proves they know exactly how to keep that blade sharp.
Much like the Iki Island expansion did for Ghost of Tsushima, this new package introduces a substantial narrative DLC, Echoes of Sekigahara, alongside entirely new ways to play. Having spent considerable time with the Complete Edition, I can confidently say it’s a robust offering that builds brilliantly on an already stellar foundation.
(Note: As established in my main review, the graphics and performance remain breathtaking. Playing on a base PS5 in performance mode, the game continues to look and run flawlessly.)
Table of Contents
Echoes of Sekigahara: A Glimpse into Atsu’s Past
The centrepiece of this edition is the Echoes of Sekigahara narrative expansion. You’re drawn into the new area of the map by taking on the bounty of Nagato the Handsome, which triggers the arrival of a figure from Atsu’s past in Ezo.
The story primarily revolves around finding a replacement for Sanke, the first member of the Yōtei Six that you eliminate in the base game. It weaves in haunting memories of the Battle of Sekigahara (which I won’t spoil here, as it’s something you truly need to experience yourself). Getting to see Atsu before she became the savage killer we know and love gives the narrative heavy Blue Eye Samurai vibes, and that is absolutely a compliment.
A minor narrative quirk: If you play this DLC after beating the main game, seeing “Saitō” giving instructions again can feel a little jarring contextually. Still, the story itself is excellent.
Sharpening the Blade: Gameplay Tweaks
It feels like the developers genuinely listened to player feedback, implementing small but highly effective changes to the gameplay mechanics that make encounters feel fresh and challenging:
- Heavy Weapons: You now have the ability to pick up massive weapons to unleash devastating AoE (Area of Effect) damage, which is incredibly satisfying and useful for disarming larger, heavily armoured foes.
- Traps in the Grass: You can no longer just crouch in tall grass and feel invincible. The addition of enemy traps completely recontextualises stealth, forcing you to rethink your approach to enemy encampments.
Alongside the main questline, the expansion is peppered with fun new bounties, fresh enemy encampments to clear, and one particularly fantastic sidequest involving your wolf companion.
Most Wanted Mode: A Roguelike Delight
Alongside the narrative expansion, the Complete Edition introduces Most Wanted, an entirely new single-player roguelike survival mode. If you love the core combat loop of Yōtei and want to push your mastery to the limit, this mode is going to eat up your time. It reminded me heavily of the fantastic No Return mode in The Last of Us Part II.
You choose from four playable characters: Atsu, Oyuki, Nagato, and the OG Ghost himself, Jin Sakai. Each starts with a katana but boasts their own unique weapons, abilities, Ultimates, and Kill Streaks, completely changing your tactical approach.
You take on bounties of escalating difficulty from a bounty board, fighting through waves of enemies and minibosses, culminating in a brutal final bounty against Lord Saitō. Completing runs earns you “Mon,” a currency spent between attempts on new techniques, weapon upgrades, charms, and characters. As a nice bonus, any cosmetics you unlock in Most Wanted carry over to the main game.
How to Access the New Content
If you are starting a fresh save file, Echoes of Sekigahara is gated behind some specific progression requirements. To trigger the bounty for Nagato the Handsome, you must:
- Complete “The Old Inn”
- Complete “The Way of Dual Katana”
- Complete “The Tale of the Oni”
- Complete “The Kitsune’s Fate”
- Speak with Kojiro, the bounty broker, at least once.
Most Wanted, on the other hand, can be accessed immediately from the main menu without any save data. However, a word of warning: I highly recommend finishing the base game first, as Most Wanted features late-game bosses that you should ideally experience within the context of the story.
(The Complete Edition also includes additional Trophies, Photo Mode content, ‘Beauty of Yōtei’ mode, and new Watanabe Mode tracks, rounding out the package.)
The Verdict
Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition takes an already incredible game and injects it with meaningful backstory, smart gameplay tweaks, and a highly replayable combat mode. Echoes of Sekigahara enriches Atsu’s character wonderfully, while Most Wanted ensures your katana will never go dull. If you enjoyed the base game, this is an essential upgrade.
Editor’s Rating: 9.5 / 10
Pros:
- Good story with a dive into Atsu’s past
- New gameplay additions
- Most Wanted mode is phenomenal
- Fun sidequests
- Performance and visuals remain top-tier
Cons:
- Slight narrative dissonance if playing the DLC story after finishing the main campaign
