A Ghostly Reunion: ‘Ghost of Yōtei’ Brings Back Fan-Favorite ‘Legends’ Co-Op Mode as a Free Update

The single-player samurai epic is about to get a whole lot more mythical. At Gamescom 2025’s Opening Night Live, Sucker Punch Productions delivered a huge surprise for fans of their previous title, Ghost of Tsushima. The highly anticipated sequel, Ghost of Yōtei, will be getting a free, post-launch co-op multiplayer mode in 2026, a spiritual successor to the beloved “Legends” mode from the first game. This is not just a small addition; it’s a commitment to a fan-favorite experience that will allow players to team up, fight mythical enemies, and dive deeper into the supernatural side of the feudal Japan setting. This is a game that is not just building on a legacy; it’s expanding it.

The Return of ‘Legends’ and Its Mythical World

The new “Legends” mode for Ghost of Yōtei, simply titled “Ghost of Yōtei Legends,” will be a standalone experience, separate from the main single-player campaign. It will be completely free for all owners of the base game, a generous decision that was a major factor in the success and positive reception of the original mode. This new iteration will feature the same core gameplay loop that made the first “Legends” so popular: two-player story missions and four-player survival matches. The trailer, a mix of cinematic moments and stunning concept art, revealed that players will once again enter a supernatural realm, a stark contrast to the grounded realism of the main campaign. This is a brilliant creative choice, as it allows the developers to introduce more fantastical elements, enemies, and abilities without breaking the immersion of the single-player story.

The new “Legends” mode will also introduce a number of new features that build on the original, including:

• New Classes and Abilities: The new “Legends” will feature a new set of four character classes, each with its own unique abilities and playstyle. While the details are still scarce, the concept art suggests a return of the classic classes, but with new, unique twists. The developers have confirmed that they are building on the original system to provide a deeper, more rewarding progression.
• New Enemies and Bosses: The new “Legends” will introduce a wide array of new enemies, including a new class of “demonic, giant versions of members of the Yōtei Six,” the main antagonists of the single-player campaign. This is a brilliant way to tie the multiplayer mode to the single-player story while still keeping them separate. The boss fights in “Legends” were a highlight of the original, and this new set of enemies promises to be even more challenging and epic in scale.
• More Mythological Storytelling: The story missions in the new “Legends” mode will delve into the rich folklore and mythology of Japan, with a focus on new spirits, Yokai, and legendary creatures. This is a perfect fit for a game that is already steeped in Japanese history and culture, and it will provide a new, compelling narrative for players to explore with their friends.

A Post-Launch Strategy that Rewards Players

While some fans may be disappointed that the mode is not available at launch, the decision to release “Legends” in 2026 is a smart one. The developers at Sucker Punch have been very clear that their “absolute focus” has been on delivering the highest quality single-player experience with Ghost of Yōtei. By releasing the multiplayer mode later, they are ensuring that both experiences get the time and attention they deserve. This is a great move for a game that is already one of the most anticipated titles of 2025. It provides a reason for players to keep coming back to the game long after they have completed the main story and it rewards them with a substantial, high-quality update that is completely free.

The original “Legends” mode was praised for its robust matchmaking system, its deep, rewarding combat, and its unique art style. It was a perfect example of a single-player studio successfully adding a multiplayer component without sacrificing the quality of the main game. The return of this mode in Ghost of Yōtei is a clear sign that Sucker Punch understands what made the original so special. For fans who are looking for a new, cinematic, and epic co-op experience, the return of “Legends” is a reason to celebrate. The ghosts are back, and this time, they are ready to fight side-by-side. The world of Yōtei awaits, and its legends are ready to be told.

Ghost of Yōtei is scheduled to release on October 2, 2025, for PlayStation 5. The “Legends” mode will follow as a free update in 2026.