PlayStation Plus Makes Ghost of Tsushima a Must-Play Before Ghost of Yōtei

As the gaming world eagerly awaits the October release of Ghost of Yōtei, Sony has positioned its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima, as the perfect primer—and it’s readily available through PlayStation Plus. While Sony entered the subscription gaming arena later than some competitors, PlayStation Plus has evolved into a compelling service, arguably rivaling or surpassing offerings like Game Pass in many respects. The service's multi-tiered structure offers significant value, with its extensive Game Catalog serving as the primary attraction, providing hundreds of titles for a single recurring fee. While Xbox Game Pass maintains an edge with day-one releases for first-party titles, PlayStation Plus rewards patient gamers, with most of Sony's acclaimed exclusives eventually joining the service, often to stay permanently.

Developed by Sucker Punch Productions, Ghost of Tsushima arrived in 2020 as a stunning finale to the PlayStation 4 era. This action RPG, deeply inspired by the cinematic works of Akira Kurosawa, captivated players with its breathtaking open world, visceral sword combat, and emotional narrative set during the first Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274. The game has since been enhanced with a Director's Cut for PS5, which includes the substantial Iki Island expansion, and later saw a successful PC release. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality.

Currently, Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is a permanent fixture in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra and Premium tier subscribers. This means players can download and experience Jin Sakai's entire journey—from his struggle with the samurai code to his transformation into the legendary Ghost—at no additional cost beyond their active subscription. This access model is perfect for new players looking to dive in before the sequel arrives. With Ghost of Yōtei set for release on October 2, 2025, there is ample time to fully explore the island of Tsushima.

The timing is particularly strategic. Ghost of Yōtei represents a significant evolution, shifting the setting centuries forward to the Hokkaido region (known historically as Ezo) surrounding Mount Yōtei. While it tells a new story with a new protagonist, Atsu, the game is built upon the mechanical and philosophical foundations laid by its predecessor. Understanding Jin Sakai's story and the core gameplay loop—a blend of honorable standoffs and stealthy guerilla tactics—will undoubtedly enrich the experience of its sequel. Playing Tsushima now provides crucial context and mastery of the combat system that Yōtei will refine and expand.

For those not currently subscribed to PlayStation Plus, the barrier to entry remains remarkably low in 2026. Consider these options:

• 💳 PlayStation Plus Subscription: A single month of PlayStation Plus Extra costs $14.99. This not only grants access to Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut but unlocks the entire Game Catalog for a month. It's an exceptional value, effectively making the game's cost less than a standard movie ticket.

• 🛒 Direct Purchase: For players who prefer to own their games outright, the Director's Cut is frequently on sale on the PlayStation Store. While full price sits at $70, deep discounts often bring it down to around $30, a significant saving for a premium title.

Subscribing for even one month offers disproportionate value. Beyond Ghost of Tsushima, the Game Catalog is a treasure trove of PlayStation's greatest hits. A subscriber gains instant access to an incredible library of modern classics, including:

This makes the subscription a powerful tool for catching up on a generation of defining PlayStation experiences.

For many, the hesitation around subscription services stems from a preference for ownership and avoiding recurring payments. However, the calculus for Ghost of Tsushima is straightforward. The game itself provides dozens of hours of content between the main campaign and the Iki Island expansion. When that experience is available for the cost of a single month's subscription—which also opens the door to hundreds of other games—it represents one of the best value propositions in gaming today. It's a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to experience one of the PS5's most visually stunning and emotionally engaging adventures.

As 2026 continues, major exclusive releases like Death Stranding 2 have already launched, making Ghost of Yōtei the next major event on the PlayStation calendar. There has never been a better time to prepare by stepping into the role of Jin Sakai. PlayStation Plus has effectively removed the final barrier, placing this essential chapter of modern gaming history directly into players' hands. Whether you subscribe for a month or find it on sale, embarking on the journey through Tsushima is an investment that will pay rich dividends when you set foot on the snowy slopes of Yōtei this fall. 🎮✨

Comprehensive reviews can be found on IGN, where the site has consistently praised PlayStation exclusives like Ghost of Tsushima for their narrative depth, technical polish, and immersive world-building. IGN's coverage also highlights how PlayStation Plus has become a gateway for new players to experience these acclaimed titles, especially ahead of major sequel launches.