Ghost of Tsushima 2 May Want to Bring in Some New Blood

Highlights

• Potential for Ghost of Tsushima 2 lies in featuring a new protagonist, such as Jin’s allies or a player-customizable character.
• Sucker Punch could turn Ghost of Tsushima into an anthology series, exploring new settings with each entry, departing from the island.
• A follow-up game facing a new Mongol invasion could feel rehashed, suggesting the need for fresh narrative and gameplay elements.

Virtually nothing is known about the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, as neither Sony nor Sucker Punch have even officially announced the game. However, considering the success of the first game, it’s likely that players will get their hands on Ghost of Tsushima 2 at some point, and a follow-up to 2020’s samurai action-adventure has a lot of potential. To fully realize this potential, though, the game might be better off featuring a new protagonist.

Ghost of Tsushima ends with Jin Sakai either embracing his status as the Ghost, forsaking his samurai creed, or honoring his uncle’s wishes, leading to a heartbreaking and fatal farewell. Most of the Mongol forces have been defeated by the time credits roll in Ghost of Tsushima, and while there are still some remaining troops, they aren’t portrayed as being enough of a threat to warrant a whole new game with them as the protagonists. Some fans have speculated that a sequel could center on another, historically accurate Mongol invasion that took place just a few years after their initial attack on Tsushima, but this could result in a game that feels rehashed and stale, as there isn’t much narrative or gameplay novelty it could bring to the table.

Why Ghost of Tsushima 2 Should Leave Jin Behind

A New Protagonist in Ghost of Tsushima 2 Offers More Potential

While the next Ghost of Tsushima could change combat while still working within Jin’s existing toolset and fighting style, it might be better to put players in the shoes of an entirely new hero. This new hero could be one of Jin’s allies from the first game, such as Yuna or Masako, and their distinct personalities could open new doors when it comes to both gameplay and story. Alternatively, the next game could simply introduce a brand-new protagonist who is completely disconnected from the broader cast of its predecessor.

Or, if Sucker Punch wanted to take a bolder approach, it could adopt more conventional RPG staples, letting players create their own character. This character could be a completely original, custom hero, or a predefined but malleable one, echoing protagonists like Geralt or Commander Shepard from The Witcher and Mass Effect. This would be a potentially interesting change to Ghost of Tsushima‘s formula, but it may be too much of a departure, adulterating what makes the first game so special.

Ghost of Tsushima Could Turn Into an Anthology Series

Going even bolder, Sucker Punch could turn Ghost of Tsushima into an anthology series, taking players to completely new settings with each entry. The first game would be a solid jumping-off point for this type of franchise, as its action-adventure and stealth mechanics could be translated to other locations and time periods. Moreover, the ending of the first game feels conclusive and satisfying, so it may be best for the next Ghost of Tsushima to leave the titular island behind, lest it beat a dead horse.

Ghost of Tsushima
‘s title could even serve as a solid naming scheme for future games in the series, with “Tsushima” being replaced with the name of each game’s setting.

When it comes to historical action-adventure anthology games, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed doesn’t really have any competition, but that could change if Sucker Punch rose to the occasion. Plenty of comparisons have already been made between Ghost of Tsushima and Assassin’s Creed, and the former definitely takes at least a few cues from the latter, so perhaps it could continue following its lead by taking players to new, iconic settings every few years. These Ghost of Tsushima follow-ups could address some of the biggest criticisms players level against Assassin’s Creed while being refreshing, unpredictable, and free from narrative restrictions.