Sucker Punch Productions delivered one of the most stunning open-world action-adventure games of the modern gaming era when they launched Ghost of Tsushima. Set during the first Mongol invasion of Japan, players follow Jin Sakai, a honorable samurai who must choose between his strict code and doing whatever it takes to save his island home. Since its initial debut, the franchise has expanded with co-op multiplayer modes, next-gen enhancements, a major story expansion, and a PC port.
With a follow-up sequel titled Ghost of Yōtei on the horizon, it is time to look back at every release and iteration in the series so far. Here is every Ghost of Tsushima game and major release ranked from worst to best.
Ranking Criteria
Our ranking takes into account story engagement, combat mechanics, content value, performance, and overall impact on the gaming landscape. While every entry in this universe maintains high quality, certain releases stand out as the definitive ways to experience Jin Sakai's saga.
3. Ghost of Tsushima: Legends
Released as a free surprise update for existing owners before being spun off as a standalone title, Ghost of Tsushima: Legends shifted the focus from grounded historical drama to supernatural Japanese mythology. Players choose between four unique classes—Samurai, Hunter, Ronin, and Assassin—to take on wave-based survival missions, story-driven co-op scenarios, and demanding end-game raids.
- Strengths: Outstanding cooperative gameplay, satisfying class synergy, and deep RPG progression systems.
- Weaknesses: Lacks the deep narrative of the single-player campaign and relies on repetitive mission structures.
While it removed the open-world exploration that made the base game so special, Ghost of Tsushima: Legends proved that the core combat mechanics were robust enough to support a compelling multiplayer experience.
2. Ghost of Tsushima (Original Base Game)
When the original Ghost of Tsushima launched on PlayStation 4 in 2020, it pushed the console to its absolute limits. The game featured breathtaking artistic direction, innovative wind-guided navigation that eliminated intrusive UI elements, and a cinematic stance-based sword fighting system heavily inspired by classic Akira Kurosawa samurai cinema.
- Strengths: Emotionally charged narrative, brilliant open-world design, and fluid combat mechanics.
- Weaknesses: Slightly repetitive side activities (fox dens and enemy camps) and frame rate caps on base hardware.
The original release established a strong brand identity and gave PlayStation one of its finest original intellectual properties of the generation, laying the foundation for everything that followed.
1. Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
The definitive version of the experience, Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut takes an already incredible game and polishes it to absolute perfection. Available on PlayStation 5 and PC, this release incorporates full DualSense haptic feedback, near-instant load times, dynamic 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, and proper Japanese lip-syncing for cinematic cutscenes.
Most importantly, the Director's Cut includes the massive Iki Island Expansion. This expansive storyline delves deep into Jin's tragic past, his father's legacy, and introduces terrifying new enemy types alongside fresh gameplay mechanics like the horse charge.
- Strengths: Complete package including the base game, Iki Island expansion, and Ghost of Tsushima: Legends; stunning technical performance and controller immersion.
- Weaknesses: Premium pricing for players who already owned the original PS4 version.
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut stands as one of the best open-world action games ever created, offering the absolute ultimate way to experience the Ghost's journey.
The Future of the Franchise: Ghost of Yōtei
As fans look to the future, Sucker Punch has officially announced the next chapter in the franchise: Ghost of Yōtei. Set hundreds of years after Jin Sakai's story in the region surrounding Mount Yōtei in 1603, this new title introduces a fresh protagonist named Atsu. While not out yet, it promises to build upon the brilliant foundation established by Ghost of Tsushima.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut worth upgrading to?
Yes, absolutely. The inclusion of the Iki Island expansion, enhanced PS5 haptics, faster load times, and 60fps performance make Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut well worth playing for both new players and returning fans.
Can you play Ghost of Tsushima: Legends without the main game?
Yes, Ghost of Tsushima: Legends is available as a standalone purchase on PlayStation consoles and PC, though it is also included at no extra charge within Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut.
Do I need to play Ghost of Tsushima before Ghost of Yōtei?
Since Ghost of Yōtei takes place over 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima and features an entirely new protagonist, it will feature an independent story. However, playing Ghost of Tsushima is highly recommended to appreciate the evolving combat systems and lore of the universe.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to experience the original release, dive into cooperative multiplayer, or explore the complete package in Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, Sucker Punch Productions has crafted an exceptional franchise. For those seeking the absolute best experience, Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut remains the unrivaled crowning achievement of the series.
