Everyone is basically asking the same thing: can Atsu wear Jin Sakai’s old gear? Honestly, the answer is a bit complicated. When Sucker Punch dropped the reveal for Ghost of Yotei, the internet collectively lost its mind over the dual-wielding katanas and the wolf companion. But for those of us who spent hundreds of hours in Ghost of Tsushima obsessing over silk upgrades and vanity gear, the real question is how the Ghost of Yotei armor sets will define this new era.
It’s 1603. We aren't in the Kamakura period anymore. The Mongol invasions are a distant memory, and the world has moved into the Edo period. This shift in time isn't just a backdrop; it fundamentally changes what Atsu wears. You won't see the heavy, clunky samurai plates of the Adachi clan here. Instead, the focus has shifted toward the rugged, pragmatic gear of a wanderer in the wild north of Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido).
Mount Yotei is a brutal environment.
Why the Setting Dictates the Gear
In Tsushima, Jin was a high-born samurai struggling with his identity. His armor reflected that—gold leaf, heavy scales, and family crests. Atsu is different. From what we've seen in the initial footage and developer interviews from Nate Fox and Jason Connell, she’s an underdog. A ronin-style figure. Her Ghost of Yotei armor sets are built for survival in a land that hasn't been "tamed" by the Shogunate yet.
Expect a lot of fur. Seriously.
The Ainu people, the indigenous inhabitants of the region, play a massive role in this story. This means we are likely to see armor sets that incorporate traditional Ainu patterns and materials, like bark cloth (Attush) and heavy furs to combat the Hokkaido snow. It’s a massive departure from the traditional Japanese aesthetic we’re used to. It feels more grounded. More tactile.
👉 See also: God of War Saga Games: Why the Greek Era is Still the Best Part of Kratos’ Story
The Dual-Wielding Factor
One of the biggest mechanical shifts in the sequel is the addition of dual-wielding. In the trailer, we see Atsu carrying two swords. This isn't just for show. In terms of Ghost of Yotei armor sets, this implies a shift in how stats are handled. In the first game, your armor usually dictated your playstyle—the Gosaku set was for staggers, while the Ghost armor focused on stealth and terrify mechanics.
With two blades, the "duelist" archetype is getting a massive overhaul. We can expect specific gear designed to buff parry windows for dual-wielding or perhaps sets that reduce the stamina cost of heavy chain attacks.
But it’s not just about the swords.
We saw firearms. Real ones. The matchlock rifle (Tanegashima) is a prominent part of Atsu’s arsenal. This suggests that certain Ghost of Yotei armor sets will likely function similarly to the Tadayori armor from the first game, but instead of focusing on "Concentration" for bows, they’ll probably focus on reload speeds and piercing damage for early gunpowder weapons.
Freedom Beyond the "Hero" Look
Sucker Punch has been vocal about "player agency" this time around. In Tsushima, you were always the Ghost. In Yotei, the story is about Atsu’s journey through a lawless frontier. This opens the door for much more "civilian" looking gear.
✨ Don't miss: Florida Pick 5 Midday: Why Most Players Chase the Wrong Patterns
I’m talking about straw rain capes (Mino) that actually look weathered and wet. I'm talking about travel-worn kimonos that don't look like they were ironed five minutes ago. The community has been clamoring for more "wanderer" aesthetics, and the Ghost of Yotei armor sets seem to be leaning heavily into that "Lone Wolf and Cub" vibe.
Speaking of wolves, let’s address the companion.
While we don't have confirmation that the wolf has its own "armor," the synergy between Atsu and her animal companion is a core pillar. It wouldn't be surprising to see armor perks that trigger specifically when your wolf assists in a kill. Imagine a set that increases your damage for five seconds after your wolf distracts an enemy. That’s the kind of depth the sequel needs to move past the "standard" RPG tropes of the first game.
Historical Authenticity vs. Rule of Cool
Some people are worried that the move to 1603 means the "cool" samurai armor is gone. That’s not quite right. While the era of massive battlefield armor was winding down, the Edo period was the peak of "vanity" armor. Samurai began wearing highly decorative pieces that were more about status than stopping an arrow.
This means the Ghost of Yotei armor sets could actually be more visually diverse than the first game. We might see elaborate helmets (Kabuto) with terrifying masks (Menpo) that serve no purpose other than looking absolutely haunting in the snow.
🔗 Read more: Finding Your True Partner: Why That Quiz to See What Pokemon You Are Actually Matters
Sucker Punch is leaning into the "Underdog" narrative. You aren't defending a home; you're navigating a frontier. Your gear should look like it’s been repaired a dozen times. It should look like it belongs to someone who sleeps under the stars near a volcanic peak.
What We Know About Customization
If you loved the flower-collecting and dye-trading in the first game, you're in luck. The vibrant colors of Hokkaido—the deep purples of wildflowers and the stark whites of the snow—provide a brand-new palette. The dye system is almost certainly returning, but hopefully with more nuance.
Instead of just changing the color of the entire suit, it would be incredible to see a more modular approach to Ghost of Yotei armor sets. Being able to mix and match the "top" and "bottom" of sets without losing the set bonuses would be a massive quality-of-life improvement.
Actionable Insights for the Path Ahead
While we wait for the 2025 release, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the transition from Tsushima to Yotei.
- Study the 1603 Era: Look into the early Edo period. The weaponry and clothing changed significantly from the 1200s. Understanding the shift from "Samurai as a soldier" to "Samurai as a bureaucrat/enforcer" helps explain why the gear looks the way it does.
- Revisit the Iki Island Expansion: If you want a hint at how Sucker Punch handles "frontier" stories and more personal gear narratives, the Iki Island DLC is the blueprint. It experimented with more supernatural-leaning armor perks, which might return in Yotei.
- Keep an eye on the "Ezo" influence: Research Ainu clothing. The patterns are distinct and beautiful. If you see those geometric designs in future trailers, you'll know exactly which "set" is being showcased.
- Manage expectations on "Legacy" gear: Don't expect to find the Sakai Clan armor in a chest. It's 300 years later. However, look for "Legendary Tales" that might reference the Ghost. There could be a "Mythic" set that is a reimagined version of the original Ghost armor, passed down or rediscovered.
The transition to Hokkaido isn't just a map change. It’s a total identity shift for the franchise. The Ghost of Yotei armor sets will be the primary way players express that new identity. Whether you’re a stealth purist or a dual-wielding brawler, the gear in 1603 is shaping up to be more personal, more rugged, and far more dangerous than anything Jin Sakai ever wore.